Mottisfont Abbey

I had a superb road trip into the depths of Hampshire this morning. The skies were majestic with hail laden clouds and the fields glorious in greens and yellows that rolled alongside the switchback road.

I was delivering a package and arranged to meet with an old friend a bit further than the destination. Mottisfont Abbey is now a National Trust property with a history that goes back before an Augustinian priory was founded here in 1201. The pool in the foreground is a 3 meter deep spring which until the 40's supplied water to the house, it's gardens and several houses in the village. Moots, or meets were held by the pool so, in combination with the word font, gives the possible origin of the name.

It's a fascinating place that has gone from priory to country home so the house today has little semblance of the original structure although the old cellar exists. The walled garden will be stunning in a month or so and I'm sorely tempted to go back to see it in full bloom.

Well worth a visit if you can make it.