The doona was used for the first time in months last night! The weather has changed and we are much happier with the new conditions. Even the oaks and the chestnut trees are showing signs of an early autumn. After a late night at the Dashwood Arms, we were a little slow getting going this morning. We decided to spend the day at Greys Court, a National Trust property not too far away. We are glad that we hadn’t planned anything else because the rain came with a vengeance.
We refused to get out in it like many of the hardier Brits were doing. By early afternoon the skies had cleared and we were able to stroll around Greys Court garden and house.
Crocheted afternoon tea!
Greys Court goes back to 1066 when the King, William the Conqueror (formerly, William the Bastard!), wanted to reward loyal noblemen by granting huge parcels of land. Initially, a fortified castle was built, only later being partially pulled down and the materials used in the building of the existing property.
The Great Tower is a relic of the early fortifications. In fact, the 900 year old wall has just recently been destroyed - it literally collapsed after 900 years - due to age and the weather.
Greys Court’s Donkey Wheel is an interesting survivor from the 16th century, being the oldest of only 2 surviving in the country. From the 12th century, the well was used to provide water from the 200 feet deep well (all dug by hand!). It kept the house in water, from the 16th century until 1914 the donkey wheel did the raising of the water. The water was raised by the donkey walking in the wheel which lifted the water buckets.
The rain held off for the rest of the afternoon. Our drive back towards London took us through the scenic town of Henley-on-Thames.
After a visit to the supermarket we returned to Englefield Green for the evening.
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