The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

In April next year, The Rifles will receive The Freedom of the City of Gloucester followed by a service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin.  We are very proud. 

The back of the Custom House
 & entrance to the museum

The other day I visited the docks and went to have a look around The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum which is set up in a historic building that used to be The Custom House, built in 1845.

The front of the Custom House

The museum displays the history of two famous regiments:

1. The Glorious Glosters - An infantry regiment of the regular army – they started as the 28th and 61st Regiments of Foot and were amalgamated.

2. The Gloucestershire Hussars - A territorial yeomanry cavalry army.
Between them these regiments have bought much honour to Gloucestershire, including North Avon and Bristol which were all part of our county at one time.

The regiment of Infantry was formed at the end of King William and Queen Mary’s reign at the end of the 1600’s, that’s over 300 years ago

The displays show where in the world the regiments have served, how the regiments have faced the challenges and coped with the strains that war brings with it. And it shows their traditions and their achievements.

Its amazing to think that for two hundred years the army wore redcoats. So already you get an idea of how the army has changed over time. Khaki uniforms were introduced at the end of the 19th century.

These regiments have been at decisive moments in history:

In 1705 the Regiments joined the Duke of Marlborough’s forces and were involved in the Wars of the Spanish Succession. These wars led to the building of Blenheim Palace – a gift to John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough by a grateful nation for winning a series of battles which shattered the French domination of Europe.

They were fighting in Quebec under General Wolfe.

They were involved in the American Wars of Independence.

It was during the French Revolution that The Glosters earned the right to wear the sphinx badge, a battle honour, having taken part in the Egyptian campaign, they also earned the famous back badge on 21st March 1801:  The 28th regiment were surrounded by French troops and fought back to back until the attackers withdrew.

They fought alongside Sir Arthur Wellesley who commanded the British Army during the Peninsular Wars and they drove the French Armed Forces out of Spain.  In 1814  Wellesley was given the title the Duke of Wellington and was put in command of the army that defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in June 1815.
They took part in the Crimean war, The Indian Mutiny and the 1st and 2nd World Wars and were fighting in Korea.

So the Gloucestershire Regiments have served their country for over 300 years.

In 1994 the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment amalgamated with the Gloucestershire Regiment to form the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.  In 2005 the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment became the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry.  In 2007 they merged with four Light Infantry and Rifle Regiments: The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets  to become The Rifles.
They have served extremely bravely and have faced many challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan

The museum is open throughout the year from 10 – 5.  Everyday except Monday.

To find out more the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum Website is:  http://www.glosters.org.uk/

A walk to find a grade 1 listed church, a bee shelter and some hard pears

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

Most people have heard of Hartpury Agricultural College which is about 5 miles north of Gloucester and has an international reputation for its range of farming related courses. So today I’m going to recommend a circular walk from the village of Hartpury, starting at the Village Hall.

Walk along Danesford Lane, then take the path through the fields in the direction of the village church where there is an interesting collection of historic buildings to discover, and some fine views to enjoy.

The name Hartpury is probably a derivation from a Saxon name for the village sounding something like Hardipiry meaning hard pear. In the church yard there’s a collection of pear trees that grow inedible fruit but which produce a surprising amount of juice that makes the most delicious drink called Perry. I understand that there are over 100 different perry pear varieties in Gloucestershire with the most amazing names: such as Merrylegs; Mumblehead; Lumberskull; Drunkers and of course Stinking Bishop. made famous by the cheese that’s washed in perry pear juice, and so enjoyed by Wallace and Gromit

St Mary’s Church is listed as grade 1 which shows that it is of exceptional interest. It dates back to Norman times, with many alterations in the 14th century including the addition of its tower.

In the churchyard is a very special beehive. It’s not your ordinary beehive, its more like a 4 star bee hotel which, I hasten to add is completely unoccupied. It has 28 identical “rooms” and five extra in the basement and would, “when in business” have housed 33 working skeps or coiled straw hives that were used by bee keepers before wooden hives were invented.

This bee shelter as it’s called, is quite unique, was made in Gloucestershire and curiously has links with the houses of Parliament.

The shelter is a 19th century stone building which was found in a garden in Nailsworth and was restored in 1968, before arriving in the churchyard behind Hartpury church and is now under the care of their historic buildings trust.

Why has it links with The Houses of Parliament? – well the mason and quarry owner Paul Tuffley who lived at Nailsworth supplied the stone to architect Charles Barry’s senior mason who supervised all the sculpture work . So the same Cotswold stone that was used to make this bee shelter is in the interior of the new houses of parliament.

Honey seems to have been used as a currency here at Hartpury, because Gloucester Abbey, who owned the land, leased it, in return for an annual payment of 24lbs of honey. Honey in medieval times was used to sweeten food and to make the alcoholic beverage Mead.

There’s a restored chapel to see, originally built by nuns who came to England having escaped from the French Revolutionary forces that invaded Brussels in 1793. They lived at Hartpury Court for 45 years and occupied themselves with farming, building the chapel and they also ran a school for girls between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.

Before you leave here look at the roof of the 15th century tithe barn. It has a carved stone Welsh dragon at one end looking in an easterly direction towards England and a stone carved English Lion looking the other way over towards Wales.

A short walk down the road takes you to view a very attractive 18th century watermill built of soft red brick standing alongside the River Leadon.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this interesting stop. From here you can head back to Danford Lane or head on towards Hartpury College which you will see in the distance or turn right and go south towards the River Leadon and follow it to Barbers Bridge or Rudford.

Hartpury Parish Council have produced a leaflet containing information about all the walks around their parish and there is further information on their website.

A Restored Hunting Lodge in Gloucestershire

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

There’s an intriguing historic house in the South Cotswolds which has an incredible story, I wonder whether you can identify it, as I tell you how this building was saved from destruction, then opened to the public in 1984 as a visitor attraction.

The house, surrounded by 700 acres of park land, was originally a hunting lodge built in the 16th century. Over the years with additions and alterations the building was converted into a very fine house. In 1949 the house and land was gifted to the National Trust by a Mrs Power Clutterbuck as a memorial to her only son and heir James who was killed in action during the 1st World War.

Money to maintain the house was not available in those days so the property was let to a variety of tenants over the next few years to provide income for the Trust, but the upkeep was neglected and by 1970 the house was empty and in a very sad state.

The cost of repair was going to be so expensive that a decision was reached to take the roof off this very gloomy and ghostly empty building, make it uninhabitable, and leave it as a ruin on the landscape.

Fortunately, Robert Parsons, an American architect and lover of England’s historic buildings was keen to settle in England, and heard about the dilapidated house.

He met with the National Trust, negotiated a very tiny rent, signed a repairing lease and using his own money, time, energy and expertise, moved in and set about restoring the house and the 7 acres of gardens that once surrounded it.

The restoration work is really impressive and, if you haven’t already guessed, the place I’m talking about, is Newark Park, Ozleworth nr Wotton-Under-Edge. It’s now considered an important Cotswold architectural gem and has been given a grade 1 listing.

Robert Parsons who left us this great legacy, died a few years ago, but fortunately his friend and colleague, continues the work with as much commitment and dedication.

The house, now a lovely home, is very interesting. The views from the garden room are probably some of the finest in the county, with a 50 mile sweep from the Marlborough Downs in the east to the Mendips in the West. The landscape of Wiltshire and Somerset that can be seen from the window probably hasn’t altered much in hundreds of years, even the conurbation of Bristol is hidden behind trees and there are no blots on the landscape like roads and power lines to spoil the effect.

The rediscovered 18th century landscaped garden can be enjoyed complete with carp pond, 18th century summerhouse castle folly and carriage drive.

As well as the house and garden, there’s a picnic area beyond the car park. and there are 3 different walks through the surrounding parkland that link with the Cotswold Way. Newark Park is open for the season on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays from 11 o’clock in the morning and closes at 5 o’clock.

A Cruise Along the Sharpness Canal, Gloucester

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

Today I’m going to recommend a sightseeing trip down part of the Sharpness Canal from the Gloucester Waterways museum and back. The journey will be on an historic little ship, which played a very important part in evacuating the British Expeditionary Forces from the beaches of Dunkirk in France during the 2nd World War.

Looking at the pleasure boat with is seats and awning on the top deck and its saloon with tables and chairs below, is doesn’t seem possible that it was able to ply backwards and forwards across the English Channel. But, she was part of a hastily assembled flotilla of about 800 little ships called upon to rescue, in all, about 338,000 stranded British, French and Belgium soldiers from the harbour and beaches of Dunkirk between 27th May and 3rd June 1940.

Queen Boadicea II on its moorings

Called Queen Boadicea II she was built in 1936 as a river boat, operating between Greenwich and Westminster in London, then Kingswear and Dartmouth in Devon before being bought by the Waterways museum to work 74 years later here in Gloucester.

There are a variety of different cruises to take, but the one that my group and I enjoyed was one that operates at least three times daily throughout the summer until October. It’s 45 minute long and took us out of Gloucester Docks and along the Sharpness canal to a place called ‘2 mile bend’, a good turning point where we where able to see a new high level swing bridge built to take the new road, Gloucester’s South Western by pass over the canal.

The skipper told us that before the building of the Sharpness Canal small sailing ships used the River Severn to get to Gloucester but because of tides, sand banks, narrow channels and other hazards it could take 2 weeks to make the journey. A ship canal to bypass the river was started in 1793 but the company went bankrupt after 5 years with only 5 miles of canal having been built. 34 years later, with the help of the great engineer Thomas Telford, the Sharpness canal was finally completed, and when it opened it was the largest and deepest canal in the world.

The ship canal made Gloucester a very important trading centre in the 19th century and was a gateway for waterborne transport to the industrial Midlands. However, during the 20th century, more and more cargo was being transported by the railways, then later by roads and motorways. Warehouses and Industry dependant on the Sharpness canal fell into decline. Today there are big changes taking place alongside the canal and I do recommend a boat trip every now and again for an update on what is happening around Gloucester Docks.

The latest information I have on the departure times for the Queen Boadicea II is 12 0’clock, 1.30 and 2.30 in the afternoon. There are 80 seats on the boat, though it does get very full, and for £4.75 per adult and £3.50 for a child you get a very enjoyable trip as well as an interesting commentary by the Skipper.

For further information it is best to phone 01452 318200 which is the telephone number of the Gloucester Waterways museum.

A day that a replica of the historic ship
The Matthew visited Gloucester Docks

For guided walking tours of Gloucester Docks

For guided group coach tours around Gloucestershire

Contact:  anne@tourandexplore.com

The Rollright Stones, Oxfordshire

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide  - Anne Bartlett

The Rollright Stones, also known
as The Kings Men

Alongside a busy main road between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton there's an ancient 100 foot stone circle known as the Rollright Stones.  They are somewhat hidden behind a hedge in a field, so you have to get out of your car and enter the field to be able to see them, and they are well worth a look. 

Archaeologists reckon that the stones date back to the Bronze Age  (somewhere between 5,500 and 3,500 years ago) and are part of an ancient religious site.

Although they are not as awesome as the Avebury circles and Stonehenge, its nevertheless a privilege to be able to view something as old and as meaningful to our ancestors as a religious site dating back approximately 2,000 years BC.

In a field on the opposite side of the road is a monolith or marker stone, now known as the King Stone, which would have been seen from the stone circle before the hedges were planted.  Also visible across the field from the stone circle, but some way away, is a group of 5 large stones leaning together labelled the Whispering Knights, these stones were probably part of a neolithic burial chamber used by the first farming communities to bury their dead.  I'm really impressed by the antiquity of the Rollright stones however prehistoric stones like these have always been linked  to witchcraft. 

The King Stone

As such, a variety of legends have developed over the years, one of which tells of a King who wanted to rule the whole of England.  When he arrived at this spot with his army he met a witch.  The witch seeing that he was an ambitious ruler thought that she would trick him.  She told him to take seven long strides and, 'If Long Compton though cans't see, King of England though shalt be.'

The Whispering Knights

The King, thinking that the witch was a silly old woman and that the challenge was very easy, strode out saying:  "Stick, stock, stone, as King of England I shall be known."  But when he took the seventh stride he still couldn't see Long Compton.  The witch cackled, "As Long Compton though canst not see, King of England though shalt not be.  Rise up stick, and stand still stone, for King of England though shalt be none.  Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, and myself an Elden Tree".

A little further on and this is the view
of Long Compton today

Instantly he and his men were turned to stone.  The Whispering Knights who were some way off plotting to overthrow the king when he became ruler of all England, were also turned to stone.

There are a number of other stories but this is the best known one to explain the mystery of the stones being placed here.

For guided coach tours around the Cotswolds
Contact:  anne@tourandexplore
or
See:  http://www.tourandexplore.com/

A Cruise along the River Thames at Lechlade in Gloucestershire

By:  Blue Badge Tour guide - Anne Bartlett
Recorded for BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Saturday Breakfast Show with Tom Lowe

The other day we stopped in Lechlade and had a walk along the River Thames.  I was delighted to see that the Cotswold Canals Trust had started boat trips as far as Inglesham Lock to see the start of the derelict Thames and Severn Canal which, in the 19th century, linked the two great rivers of our country, so I was keen to have a look.

For Gloucestershire people the restoration of the Cotswold Canals is a major development with funding from the Heritage Lottery, the South West Regional Development Agency, The Cotswold Canals Trust and many hours of labour from keen volunteers.  A great deal of building work is happening at the moment in Stroud itself. 

I have taken a number of guided walks along parts of the tow path and seen some interesting canal architecture and enjoyed the countryside but in many places the canal banks are overgrown, the lock gates missing or broken and the canal basin empty of water, which is not surprising since it was abandoned about 50 years ago as the railways took trade away and delivered more cargo faster.

The Cotswold canals have a future and will be used by leisure boats rather than trading boats. The tow paths will provide enjoyable walks for all the family.  I recommend this half -hour boat trip, not only is it enjoyable but the money goes towards a very exciting project. For further information on the boat trips run by the Cotswold Canals Trust call 07787 485 294 or look at their website http://www.lechladetripboat.co.uk/

For organised group guided  coach tours  around the East Cotswolds contact anne@tourandexplore.com 

Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire

By:  Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

An artists impression of Hailes Abbey
before its dissolution in 1539

A place which I find very special and interesting, are the ruins of Hailes Abbey between Winchcombe and Stanway in the north Cotswolds.

It was in 1242 when Richard Earl of Cornwall nearly drowned whilst crossing a stormy sea in a foundering ship on his voyage back from fighting in the Crusades.  He vowed that he would build an Abbey if he got back to England safely.

He kept his vow and was given land by his brother King Henry III and by the middle of the 13th century the Abbey buildings were well underway. The church and living quarters alongside, were for the Cistercian order of monks often known as white monks, because they wore habits of undyed wool.  Cistercian monks liked remote places away from all human contact, they were self sufficient, and farming was their means of survival.  At Hailes they were isolated and were able to devote their life to God.

However after the Abbey was built, Edmund, Earl Richard's son, bought a phial containing some of Christ's Blood. It had a guarantee that it was genuine from the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who later became Pope.

A beautiful chapel and sacred shrine were built behind the high altar in the abbey church for the phial, and it was ceremoniously presented to the monks. The hugely important relic, known as the 'Holy Blood of Hailes' was to make the Abbey one of the great pilgrimage centres of England and many miracles were said to have taken place there.

In the 16th century Henry VIII became king of England

The Abbey along with many other religious houses around the country was destroyed in the 1530's on the orders of King Henry VIII.  The wealth and treasures at Hailes were appropriated for the Crown.  The phial of blood was tested and was proclaimed to be a fake.

King Henry VIII, having been excommunicated by the Pope in Rome over his divorce had made himself Supreme Head of the Church in England. He now had powerful enemies abroad and needed money quickly to build up his navy to fight wars on the continent.  He therefore sold a lot of monastic land which was bought by leading nobles and ambitious gentry who were keen to extend their family position and status.  There is a Kip's drawing of a magnificent house and formal gardens entitled 'Hailes Abbey the seat of the Lord Tracy'. All this has disappeared now but the beautifully maintained site around the foundations, remaining walls and arches are now in the care of English Heritage.

There's an interesting museum, and a free audio tour as well as information boards around the site.  You can take a picnic and spend the day there, or drive further up the road to Hailes fruit farm, where you can pick fresh fruit, shop or enjoy something to eat and drink in their cafe.

After an enjoyable time at Hailes Abbey we travelled to Stanway to look around the village and this is what we discovered...

Recycled stone - said to be from Hailes Abbey!

For group guided coach tours around the North Cotswolds see my website:  http://www.tourandexplore.com/

The Regency Town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

The Promenade, Cheltenham

Cheltenham is considered one of the most complete Regency towns in England.
The Regency period is part of the late Georgian times. It was when King George III became insane in 1811, but lived until 1820. So his eldest son George became the Prince Regent, and ruled for nine years in the King's stead. Then when his father died George became King George IV and reigned in his own right from 1820-1830. Because of the Prince Regent’s huge influence on fashion, this is known as The Regency Period. Regency architecture was classical in nature. It used the traditional style of building of ancient Greece and Rome. And the typical Regency upper or middle-class houses were built in brick and covered in stucco or painted plaster with fluted Greek columns or pilasters, and carefully moulded cornices with beautiful decorative ironwork. So the building style is best described as "refined elegance".

How did Cheltenham develop from an insignificant medieval village to what you see today? Well surprisingly it’s thanks to a flock of pigeons and a very poorly king George III.

Back in 1716 a farmer called William Mason had bought a field in Bayshill (which is where the Ladies College now stands) and had the intention of farming it, but he noticed that pigeons were continually pecking near a trickle of mineral water running at the edge of the field. Spa towns such as Bath and Tunbridge Wells were becoming increasingly popular as health resorts for the wealthy. With this in mind, Mason developed the spring, fenced it, and built a thatched hut over it. He sold glasses of the mineral water to the public and his business venture was moderately successful.

William Mason retired and the estate passed to his daughter and son in law, Henry Skillicorne, a sea captain. Henry had a good eye for business and developed the potential of the Bayshill site turning it into a profitable enterprise.

In 1788 King George III had a nasty bilious attack and was recommended the Cheltenham waters by his doctor. So, leaving Windsor castle on 12th July 1788 he arrived in Cheltenham with his family to stay with Lord Fauconberg at his Bayshill House. The Royal family were here for five weeks.

The accounts show that it was a relaxed informal visit. The King would rise early and visit the well at 6 o’clock in the morning to drink the waters. He’d go off on his own riding out to the Cotswolds or he would walk around the town talking to shop keepers or passers by. It was a happy successful visit and by the time the royal party were to leave on the 16th August all Cheltenham came out to see them off – the gentles on one side and the commons on the other, and a band played God Save the King.

Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham

Following the visit of King George III, Cheltenham was on the map, it was a Spa town to be visited. Arthur Welesley, later to become the Duke of Wellington, visited Cheltenham four times, and found relief for his liver complaint caused by a long period of service in India and he recommended the waters to his officers.

Visitors to the town increased and accommodation was needed. Speculators came and lodging houses went up at a great rate. There was a search to find more springs and new wells were opened.

Montpellier Pump Rooms, Cheltenham

After the first, named Royal Well, there was Montpellier Spa, Sherbourne Spa (where the Queen’s Hotel now stands) Vittoria Spa, Cambray Spa, Alstone Spa and Pittville Spa; business was booming. Assembly rooms were built for balls, concerts, card games and billiards. Theatres developed. Gardens were laid out with bandstands and, walks and rides so the fashionable people could promenade with their friends and see and be seen. Here was an opportunity for new friendships to develop, a chance to flirt, to find an aristocratic husband or a wealthy wife, to flaunt new clothes, to frequent the coffee houses and tea rooms, visit bookshops and complain about the extortionate prices.

This was now the Regency period, visiting a spa had become an established social custom. Cheltenham became the Merriest Sick Resort on Earth and probably in most cases the benefits to health were coincidental.

Gustav Holst's statue, Imperial Gardens,
Cheltenham

Cheltenham has two famous sons. Gustav Holst was born here on 21st September 1874 and his birthplace 4, Clarence Street, is a typical Victorian terraced house and a delightful museum which honours his life and tells the story of the man and his music. Some of his personal belongings including his piano are on display. There is a bronze statue of him in Imperial gardens facing the town hall where he attended a 2 hour festival of music in his honour in 1927. He was invited to conduct Somerset Rhapsody and his most celebrated work The Planets. (d 1934).

Dr Edward Wilson the Antarctic Explorer who died with Captain Scott on his return from the South Pole in March 1912 was born in Montpellier Terrace on 23rd July 1872. (So, just 2 years difference in their ages.) Wilson went to Cheltenham College before going to Cambridge to read Natural Science and medicine. There is a statue to him in the Promenade which was sculptured by Lady Scott and there is also a gallery dedicated to him in the museum nearby.

Cheltenham is the Headquarters of the National Hunt (horse racing over hurdles) which culminates in the Gold Cup Festival from 15th – 18th March next year. The crowds, over 200,000 people attend over the 4 days, and over £500 million pounds will be bet on the results of just 26 races. The Race Course, set in the lee of the Cotswold Hills attracts royalty, celebrities, the great, the good and the fashionable. The carnival atmosphere gives residents a sense of occasion whether they are involved or not.  There is so much more to see in Cheltenham....

For a group guided tour of Cheltenham and the surrounding area as part of a coach tour or a special guided walk of Cheltenham's historic town centre. Contact anne@tourandexplore.com

A visit to the Market Town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

If you haven’t visited Cirencester recently, then you haven’t seen the restored Parish Church, the smart new shops in the Corn Hall or the newly developed Post Office site. The Brewery Art Centre has been altered too, so is well worth a visit. You can see the craft workshops, visit the café, and also the theatre for performing arts, music concerts and exhibitions.

I visited Cirencester a short while ago to see the result of the major work on the Parish church. You certainly get the wow factor when you walk in. The new floor is bright, its even and it makes the church look much bigger than it was before.

Cirencester is a great place to visit and to explore. Many changes have taken place just recently and it has a great history. As you probably know, it developed in Roman times when it became the second most important town after London. By the 12th century it had become well established with, a very large Augustinian Abbey and a Norman castle. Although you won’t see these buildings today, there’s still a Castle Street as well as the Abbey Grounds to remind us.

The building of the magnificent Parish church of St John the Baptist, which of course dominates the town today, was started in the 12th century in front of the great Abbey, and facing the market place. Although there were two separate religious buildings, one for the townsfolk and the other for the monks, the Abbot had considerable influence over the town.  He had the great South porch with its lovely fan vaulting built on to the parish church to provide a meeting place for his business with the town in the 1500's. After the dissolution of the abbey in 1539 the 3 storey porch became the Town Hall and is used for various functions today. If you look at the porch from the market place, the main hall is on the 2nd floor and I was able to go up and have a look around. It's an interesting room with a small balcony at the back over looking the main hall which, I was told, was where the Abbot stood to oversee his business going on below. I could still feel his presence!

The Chapels of Cirencester Parish Church

Do go and visit the church then take a walk around the outside. From the churchyard you can see the additional chapels and the different styles of building. It has some amazing architecture.

Cirencester has its olde worlde charm, its historic buildings, but its also changing, and has a style and quality that’s quite unique and very special. Its well worth a visit.

For: a group guided tour of Cirencester and the surrounding area as part of a coach tour or a special walking tour of the town. Contact: anne@tourandexplore.com

Hidcote Manor Gardens in Gloucestershire

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett
One of the most popular gardens to visit in Gloucestershire is Hidcote Manor Gardens right on the northern edge of the Cotswold escarpment above Chipping Campden.

Now if you have never visited Hidcote, it has the reputation of being one of the greatest gardens of the 20th century. It was built as a series of outdoor 'rooms', all with different themes such as the white garden, the red borders, the Fuchia garden, the stream garden and the wilderness to name but some.

It was over 100 years ago that a Mrs Gertrude Winthrop and her son Laurence Johnston bought the Hidcote Manor Estate. There was a large stone built farmhouse with a kitchen garden and lawn, and the rest of the estate was farmland. Johnston then aged about 36 set about designing and creating the various gardens from open fields working outwards from the house. He employed about 12 gardeners and between them they planted hedges to frame the different gardens, laid the paths and created the flower beds.

Amazingly Johnston was largely self taught, but he became a very knowledgeable plant expert, he enjoyed collecting rare and unusual plants himself. He went on expeditions to the Far East to find new plants; he also sponsored other people to go plant collecting for him so it became a very interesting and special garden.
The heyday of the garden was in the 1930’s but by the mid 1940’s Johnston was getting old and frail and he decided to move permanently to his other home in France. He gave Hidcote Manor Gardens to The National Trust and they took it over in 1948.

The National Trust has since owned Hidcote for a longer time than Laurence Johnston owned it. Recently the Trust was given a very large sum of money and they’ve raised a great deal more, in order to restore the estate to how it looked in its heyday.

Gardens are always changing and at Hidcote exciting new projects have been undertaken.
Yesterday, Thursday 29th July the restored sub tropical plant house was properly opened by Roy Lancaster - horticulturalist, writer and broadcaster.


For further information you can either look at the National Trust website which is nationaltrust.org.uk or you can telephone the garden – and the number is 01386 438333

For group guided  Cotswold coach tours- to include a visit to Hidcote Manor Gardens, contact:  anne@tourandexplore.com

Gruesome tales at Berkeley Castle

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

Recorded for: BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Saturday Breakfast Show

Berkeley Castle from the gardens

The other day I took a group of tourists to Berkeley in Gloucestershire to look around the oldest inhabited castle in the country. I was taking a guided coach tour around the South Cotswolds. The weather was absolutely glorious and, as we travelled down the Cotswold escarpment towards the castle, we enjoyed glorious views across to The Forest of Dean with landmark -May Hill and its distinctive top knot trees, clearly visible in the distance. We could make out the River Severn as it made its way out to the estuary.

The solid stone castle we were to visit guards the Severn estuary. Generations of the Berkeley family have lived there for over 850 year. In Medieval times they were noble knights who kept and trained a private army to fight for their king when needed.

When we arrived at Berkeley castle we were warmly welcomed and shown into the inner courtyard, which is completely surrounded by fortified buildings. The oldest part, the Keep dates back to 1117.

It was in the very first room of the Keep that we heard the gruesome story of how King Edward II met his early death. We looked down into a dungeon dropping 28 feet below us. This was where some prisoners were kept, but King Edward probably had more comfortable quarters in a small cell in the corner of the room. Legend has it that the king was held down in his cell, and a red hot poker inserted so that it went deep into his bowels, until his internal burns killed him. It is said that Edward’s screams were heard for miles around - hardly a good idea for those wanting to claim, as they did, that Edward had died a natural death. In actual fact, he was probably smothered, but why let a good story get in the way of the truth? Edward was killed on the orders of his wife Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer a very powerful and ambitious Marcher Lord who wanted to rule England.

Berkeley castle was involved in the Civil War in the 1640's when it endured a three-day siege and was captured by Parliamentary forces. A breach was made in the walling of the Keep which is still there today. In fact, the owners are forbidden by law even now to repair the damage!

The 14th century Great Hall with its lofty ceiling is typical for a medieval castle. It was where everyone who lived in the castle met and ate their meals. Pages and servants waited on table. Entertainment was a major feature of life in a medieval castle with music, dancing, jugglers, jesters, plays and masques.

We enjoyed our guided tour through all the state rooms, hearing about the Berkeley family through the centuries.

Outside, we enjoyed strolling around the well kept gardens before we got on the coach and headed back to Gloucester.

For a group guided coach tour to include Berkeley Castle contact anne@tourandexplore.com

A Restored Tudor House to explore in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett
Recorded for: BBC Radio Gloucestershire

Tourist Information Centre, Tewkesbury

I recommend a visit to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire during the summer months. The town has a wealth of medieval buildings, and is so well preserved that it is considered to be one of the most important gem towns in Great Britain. This means that it is recommended for preservation by the state as part of our national heritage.

I’m therefore going to suggest that you include a beautifully restored early 16th century timber framed property on your itinerary. The building, which is of both architectural and historical importance, is on Church Street right by The Cross, and is distinctive as it has a large black Beadles Hat, an ancient trade sign, hanging from the first floor.

Inside the front door as you enter, there’s an Information Centre. The staff there are extremely helpful and they will provide booklets and a very good 'state of the art' hand held audio visual guide to help you with the interpretation of all the restoration work, as well as telling you about the interesting discoveries that were found during the process. You can then go through and explore the building in your own time.

During the restoration work, a huge amount of research was made on one of the owners, a Bartholomew Read, a prosperous glove maker, who lived through the Civil War, and Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth period, dying in 1680 during the reign of King Charles II. So, during a period of huge political and religious upheaval. The audio visual guide gives an account of Read, whose status and lifestyle is reflected in the light, spacious rooms on show in this Medieval property. Contrary to popular belief the typical Puritan household enjoyed alcohol as well as music, and domestic life was lived to the full with religion being an important influence on their daily lives.

A further large room upstairs on the second floor gives an account of the history and development of Tewkesbury from the Anglo Saxon Period through to the present day. A highlight of the display, are pictures and a description of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place in 1471.

Besides the permanent displays there is a special Summer Exhibition which is on at the moment and its called “The Art of Theatrical Costume” and has stunning outfits on loan from the Royal Shakespeare Company from productions put on by The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

100, Church Street or “Out of the Hat” as it is called is open throughout the year and opens 7 days a week during school holidays.

Children are made very welcome, and there are special museum trails, activities, interactive displays, quizzes and dressing up clothes available for them. Also during the school holidays there will be workshops and special events organised. Entry, for Adults is £3.50 and children £2.50. A family ticket is £10.00

For more information about visits to the restored Tudor property in Tewkesbury, the website is http://www.outofthehat.org.uk/ and the telephone number is 01684 855040.

For group guided tours around Tewkesbury either as part of a coach tour of the area, or a special walking tour of the town contact: anne@tourandexplore.com

Charles Rolls and his Wye Valley connections

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett
Recorded for BBC Radio Gloucestershire Saturday Breakfast Show

Charles Rolls' statue in the centre
of Monmouth

The other day whilst doing a Forest of Dean coach tour we were travelling north along the A4136 running parallel to the River Wye and had glorious views down on the home town of pioneer motorist Charles Rolls and beyond into the Welsh countryside. This year is the centenary of the tragic death of Charles Rolls, so I reminded my group of locals from Gloucester about Charles’ eventful visit to their city in 1896.

Right up until 1896 every motor car, and there weren’t many about of course, that travelled on the roads had to have a man to walk in front of it, holding a red flag to warn people that the car was approaching. When the Red flag act was repealed, the emancipation of the motor car was celebrated with the London to Brighton Rally. The speed limit for cars was then increased from 4 to 14 miles an hour. And it was during that year that Charles Rolls was driving down Birdlip Hill when the brakes of his open topped Peugeot failed and the car sped down towards Brockworth, no doubt breaking the then speed limit.

Charles Rolls stopped at the New Inn in Northgate Street, Gloucester and the story goes that he was starting his car, I presume that he was using a crank handle, when the car started and ran him over! Fortunately only his pride was hurt!

Charles was later introduced to Henry Royce. Henry had a well established electrical and mechanical company and so they joined forces and worked together, Royce building and Rolls selling. In 1906 they had formed the Rolls Royce Company and were selling their classic car – The Silver Ghost.

Not content with speed on land Charles Rolls also learnt to fly, this was in the very early days when the Wright Brothers were developing their biplane. Charles bought a plane and made more than 200 flights and even set a record becoming the first man to cross the English Channel both ways in a single journey – a distance of 42 miles without stopping. Sadly it all ended in tragedy. Charles was killed aged 32, exactly 100 years ago on 12th July in an air crash at Hengistbury Airfield, Bournmouth when the tail of the plane broke off during an air display.

At the start of World War 1 Henry Royce was designing aero engines for planes built by the Gloster Aircraft Company. Rolls Royce developed the aero gas turbine engine that had been invented by Frank Whittle. Rolls Royce is now a global business and leads the world in building the most advanced jumbo jet engines, and its Filton works employs local people.

During July many places, including The Wye Valley, will be celebrating the life and significant achievements of the company founder Charles Rolls. There is an exhibition about him in the Nelson Museum in Monmouth until October.
For more about the celebrations in the Wye Valley there is a website http://www.monmouthevents.co.uk/

For Guided Coach Tours of The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley email: anne@tourandexplore.com

A Guided Tour of the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

By: Blue Badge Tour Guide - Anne Bartlett

The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

A few weeks ago I went with a group on a guided tour of the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

We were greeted in the foyer by members of the theatre staff, and then shown into the auditorium where we were seated. Looking around, with the lights on, we could see that this much loved historic building was in need of restoration work and decoration. We were told about a £3m fund raising efforts to secure money for essential maintainance work. We were given a fascinating introductory talk about the history of the Theatre in Cheltenham.

The first theatre, was on a different site, and goes back to the 18th century. It was during King George III's visit to Cheltenham in 1788 that he made several visits to the theatre, enjoying performances by famous actresses such as Sarah Siddons as well as Dorothea Jordon. The theatre was very fashionable, however fifty years later it was in decline and the building was eventually destroyed by fire.

In 1891 a new theatre including opera house was built, to a design by Frank Matcham, one of the greatest theatre architects of the Victorian Age. We admired the intricate detail around the walls and balconies of the auditorium with its Rococo plaster work, its carvings and its painted ceilings, which, we were told, was the oldest surviving example of Matcham’s work still in use as a theatre today, so the decoration is very rare and very special.

We were given a look around behind the scenes and learnt so much about what went on. It was a very enjoyable tour.

Yesterday, we received great news. £500,000 has been granted to the Everyman Theatre by the Heritage Lottery fund which means that £2,750,000 of funding is now in place and the restoration work to the paintings and plasterwork followed by redecoration of the auditorium should begin in May 2011.

Guided tours of the Everyman Theatre are available still, but must be booked in advance. So do look on the website wwweverymantheatre.org.uk. Or telephone 01242 695574

For group guided coach tours of Cheltenham and the surrounding area or walking tours of the town contact anne@tourandexplore.com