Recent Days

Each day this week we've had a range of different types of weather; from dry, but cloudy skies to wet and windy.  Autumn is transitioning into Winter.  The good news is that Mr P's chest x-ray result was clear and we're able to get out-and-about again as he's feeling much better.  We were advised to continue with the covid vaccination Winter booster when Mr P went to see the general practitioner doctor.  The appointment is tomorrow and thankfully at our local general practice clinic.  Mr P also has a physio consultation at the hospital next week so in between we'll be resting as much as possible.  

I had a quick look around the walled garden in the park.  It's surprising what flowers can still be seen, mainly hydrangea bushes and chrysanthemums now,  sheltered by the surrounding old walls.

On Wednesday looking out of the back living room picture window I caught sight of a tree surgeon who was obviously pruning some of the branches of the huge cherry tree in our neighbour's garden. He had all the necessary safety equipment and was using a rope and pulley system to swing from branch to branch.  It was just as well he did some of the work on that day as the following day we had heavy rain storms at night and during the day.

There are berries in abundance everywhere.  The robin and other birds are still finding shelter and food in the next-door-neighbour's hawthorn tree.

We were sent photos of a firework event at Kenilworth Castle which was held on the 5th November (Bonfire Night). 

Needless to say our heavy curtains are drawn every evening now to keep us warm and we could hear the bangs from local firework displays. We think of the animals who get frightened because of sensitive hearing. I'm sure the family in Kenilworth enjoyed the spectacular firework display at this historical venue on that evening. It's fun for families to watch such an event so long as it's well organised and safe for spectators. 

As for us, I'm thankful for Mr P's improved health and the shelter of a warm and cosy house when the weather isn't so good.  

Thank you for your visit.  Have a good day and a peaceful weekend.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

Last Friday Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire was a good place to meet our son, take a walk around the grounds and have lunch there.

Managed by English Heritage the history of the castle ruins is told in creative ways. Now that our son has moved to Kenilworth no doubt Mr P and I will be back on another occasion to see some of what was missed during this visit. There's an interesting exhibition about the history of the castle through the ages in the stable block and a café area at the other end. Many information boards have also been placed in the grounds and gardens.  I was interested to see the restored Elizabethan Gardens that Queen Elizabeth I would have walked around.  Much research has been done and the plants are ones that are authentic to the Tudor period when Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester lived there. He was the Queen's favourite courtier.  Elizabeth I stayed in the castle as it was her habit to visit aristocratic families at their expense. Lavish entertainments were put on for her benefit. 

Before we toured the grounds we walked through the fields to get to the castle entrance.  At one time the castle was surrounded by water and we saw yellow flag irises growing there demonstrating the fact that it's still quite marshy especially along by the river.  The castle stands on high ground so at the end of the path we climbed up high stone steps to get to the entrance.  The site has been given as a gift to the people of Kenilworth so residents like our son and family can visit whenever they like.

Views of the stable block where we had lunch.

a carved panel on the marble fountain basin

The Elizabethan Gardens are terraced and separated by yew hedges. There are features such as a large aviary containing unusual small birds and a white Carrara marble fountain with panels depicting classical scenes of Neptune, sea creatures and sea nymphs. The garden parterres are set out in a formal pattern. There are obelisks and two bowers at the end of the terraced walkway planted with climbing honeysuckle.

This season there are pink thrift flowers, sweet-smelling old-fashioned roses and pink peonies.

a briar rose bush and wild strawberries in the Elizabethan garden

the aviary

The Gatehouse still stands as a complete building.

In the Gatehouse gardens there are several knot gardens with a terracotta pot in each of them.

The rooms in the Gatehouse are furnished with Tudor period furniture with wonderful carvings on them.  A theatrical costume on a stand is similar to one that can be seen in a portrait painting of Robert Dudley.

more photos of the Gatehouse gardens

the stable block exhibition area

The above carving shows a carved ragged staff which is a heraldic device associated with the Earldom of Warwick.

  

 Exhibits of carvings that would have adorned the buildings. The top photo is of a lion.

A visitor can climb up and walk around some of the higher storeys of the ruins. There must be wonderful views from these walkways.

the river 

The English Heritage shop is housed in this wooden barn-like building.  In the foreground of the photo you can see part of the tilting yard that was used for tournaments/jousting competitions. Apparently there was a dam, a lower pool, a great mere (lake) and water channels that surrounded the castle which made it into a fortress.  

The long tilting yard with the ruins of the castle and gateway in the distance. Mortimer's Tower had two D shaped towers that formed a gateway and was the main medieval entrance into the castle. It was built by King John as part of the ring of stone defences for the outer bailey between 1210 and 1215.

 

A row of cottages and lawns opposite the castle.  

I hope you enjoyed the tour around.  Thank you for visiting and for your comments.  Have a restful Sunday and a peaceful week.