Our Italian Dream: Herefordshire

Herefordshire, just near the Welsh border, was a delightful discovery. Richly green with hedged country lanes and historic mansions with picture perfect gardens.

Here are some pics of our journey through Herefordshire last week

This is Hampton Court Castle

Set on 1,000 acres this castle dates back to the 15th century

Henry IV gave the estate to Sir Rowland Leinthall who was knighted at the battle of Agincourt.

This is now one of England's finest stately homes

Note the maze in the foreground. Easy to get lost in!

The 12 acres of gardens at Hampton Court were rescued from neglect in 1994.

The gardens feature stunning flower beds.

a house for the little people.......and some who like to play....

and a 150 year old wisteria tunnel leading to expanses of sweeping lawns.......the secent from this wisteria was amazing.....

Ludlow is a very interesting town. It is described as one of England's finest market towns. It had a really lovely feel to it!

It is situated above the river Teme....

And has Alan's family hotel situated in the middle of town

The Feathers Hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in the shire.

Here is the other side of the Feathers Hotel. The balcony at the front was used for political rallies.

TheChurch of St Laurence in Ludlow is outstanding having been "the parish church" for more than 800 years.

Many notable lords and ladies are buried in the church...

Ludlow Castle sits on the hill above the town.

Construction started in the 11th century around the time of the Norman invasion of 1066.

It was further expanded in the 14th century and was involved in the War of the Roses.

It also became the seat of government for Wales.

The castles' long history is reflected in its varied architecture: Norman, Medieval and Tudor.

Then onto the Berrington Estate...

Berrington Hall was constucted in the 1780's for Thomas Harley who became Lord Mayor of London in 1767 aged only 37 and a year later was made a Privy Councillor.

It is now a National Trust property. The interiors are in great condition with a marble hallway, drawing room, boudoir (for ladies to retire to), business room (for the gentleman to discuss affairs of the day), Lady Cawley's room (one of the ladies of the house), the dining room, the library, the oval room, dressing room, nursery and bedrooms.

The staff quarters are in wonderful condition and include a large laundry, kitchen, staff canteen and bedrooms.

Does anyone know what this means?

Well a HA-HA is a concealed wall. It is like an infinity pool. You cant see it from one side. It just drops away into the next field so that it all looks like one field. Very effective in keeping the cows away from one's manor house.

Next is Brockhampton Estate which features a medieval moat house and extensive grounds.