Belton Park.........

.............Some time ago, I was asked to take some shots of the Breathe Easy Garden party - which was held indoors because of rain! The Chairperson needed them for today so I popped over to Grantham to give her the disk. Had a coffee there then drove up the road to where I knew these views could be seen - it was good because there are usually loads of people milling around but there was only one woman with her dog so I had a clear view.
Belton House nr Grantham was built in the 17th Century by Sir John Brownlow and remained in the family via nephews, brothers and sons-in-law right through until 1984 when it was presented to The National Trust - lock, stock and barrel I believe.
This collage shows one of the fine pairs of wrought iron gates leading into the park and one of the follies mentioned below.

Sir John Brownlow was succeeded at Belton by his brother, who was content to permit Brownlow's widow, Alice, to remain in occupation. She spent the remainder of her life at Belton arranging advantageous marriages for her five daughters. On her death in 1721, the house passed to her husband's nephew (and her son-in-law) Sir John Brownlow III (later Viscount Tyrconnel). Tyrconnel, a dilettante of no great intellect, was responsible for many of the architectural features which survive in the park and garden. Between 1742 and 1751, a series of follies, including a Gothic ruin, a cascade, and a prospect or belvedere known as the Belmount Tower, were constructed for him. When built the tower had two small wings flanking each side, since removed.
Every year there is a Party in the Park - at the end of which there is a Firework display and a flypast by a Spitfire - the bit I like best! - I used to go most years but it gets so crowded these days I tend to give it a miss.

Another "blue sky " day - when I took these, there wasn't a cloud in the sky but a few have built up since - Temperature is around 57 Deg.F. at the moment - it is looking much more Autumnal now.

More detail on large - sooc except for a slight straighten.

Am off to keep fit class in about an hour - not sure I am any fitter!!