Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross
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| Sulgrave Manor |
Do you remember this line from the nursery rhyme? Well, if you visit Sulgrave Manor near Banbury, England, it will certainly come back to you! That is what happened when my husband and I visited the Manor on Dec. 21. Of course we didn’t take a horse, but the train from London’s Marylebone Station is well worth the hour or so ride through lovely English countryside. When we arrived, a taxi took us the short drive to the Manor. We rang the bell outside and were welcomed by Thea Young, the friendly visitor manager with whom we had arranged our tour (enquiries@sulgravemanor.org.uk). The Manor was beautifully decorated for the season with one more special event to go, the Winter Wassail on Dec. 27. In general, they are open from April through October, but seasonal celebrations happen throughout the year and individual tours can be arranged.
We were given a delightful private tour and learned a great deal about the Washington family and life in the 16th century. Lawrence Washington (George’s great-great-great-great-great grandfather) purchased the property in 1539 from Henry VIII. It was originally an abbey belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, and the King confiscated such properties in order to finance his government. In addition to enjoying the tour of the house and gardens (not much growing in December!), we were impressed by the facilities added to the Manor for the school programs and other groups. Also, it is inspiring to see our flag and the British one on tall flagpoles flanking the entrance, symbols of our shared history and the continuing friendship between the two countries.
After the tour, we enjoyed walking just down the road to The Star Inn where there is an excellent pub and restaurant - - ploughman’s platters and ale! The Inn called a taxi for us when we were ready to return to the train station in Banbury and head back to busy, bustling London. All in all, a most delightful day and one I would recommend to anyone visiting London and wanting to experience a day in the country.
Karen McFarlan 2011