When, in 1572, Elizabeth I entered Charlecote Park through the porch which had been especially commissioned by the owners to impress their royal visitor, the house had already been standing for 450 years.
Despite it being peak season with the school holidays in full swing and weather glorious we decided to spend Jon's birthday exploring the gorgeous Charlecote Park. Fortunately there were loads of kids activities and acres of parkland surrounding the house to keep the little 'uns occupied so the atmosphere wasn't as manic as we'd anticipated.
The de Lucy family originated in Lucé in Normandy, arriving in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. In 1189 William de Cherlecote married Cecil de Lucy and together they founded the Lucy family line. In 1558 Charlecote was rebuilt by the first Sir Thomas Lucy and became one of the first great Elizabethan houses.
Over the next three hundred years Charlecote Park remained in the Lucy family, fortunes were made (and lost) and affairs and political scandals arose. The house was modernised in the early 1700s and in 1755, George Lucy, a bachelor with a love of travel, fashion and married women, introduced a flock of Jacob Sheep from Portugal to the estate and called in Capability Brown to work on the gardens.
In 1823 another George Lucy, a distant cousin, inherited Charlecote and married Mary Elizabeth Williams of Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales. On her arrival as a young bride in the middle of winter Mary Elizabeth noticed ‘its old worn stone floor, its small panes of glass, and old window-frames creaking and rattling with every gust of wind, and so cold!’ After her sister Margaret married the fifth richest man in England, Lord Willoughby de Broke in 1821 and moved to a splendid manor house in nearby Compton Verney, Mary Elizabeth became much more aware of the shabbiness of Charlecote Park and work on the house began in earnest.
The couple spent more than £3,400 (around £1 million in today's money) on furnishings from the auction of the contents of dissolute Fonthill Abbey and yet more furniture was acquired during their travels.
Poor Jon, washing up on his birthday!
After George died in 1846 Mary Elizabeth declared that ‘I will not let or leave Charlecote even if I have to live upon a crust.’ She continued their work both indoors and outdoors and was frequently seen tending the borders of her beloved garden by 6am each morning. She died in 1889 at the age of 86.
 |
| Mary Elizabeth Lucy, mistress of Charlecote Park (1823 - 1889) |
The Lucy family crest features a winged boar's head and a griffin (topping the columns next to the gate where Jon's standing in the photo below.)
 |
| Thanks for having us, Charlecote...time for a slap-up birthday lunch at 'Spoons. |
Although Charlecote Park has been administrated by the National Trust since 1946 the Lucy family are still in residence.
Charlecote Park
Wellesbourne
Warwick, Warwickshire CV35 9ER
Charlecote Park
Wellesbourne
Warwick, Warwickshire CV35 9ER
And if Charlecote Hall wasn't posh enough, the grounds of Eastnor Castle (pictured above) will be our temporary home from tomorrow!
See you soon.
Wow, what a beautiful house, no wonder Mary Elizabeth wanted to stay there until the end. Amazing pieces of furniture, back when furniture was art (miss those times)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fabulous? I love over-the-top opulence like this. These days the rich seem to squander their money on face lifts, fast cars and fancy labels! xxx
DeleteCharlecote Park seems like quite a place to visit. I enjoyed visiting this stunning historical house. Taking a virtual walk through it with the help of your photography was quite enjoyable. I like how devoted Mary Elizabeth was to decorating and furnishing this house. Her comment as a young bride seems like constructive criticism in retrospect. Perhaps she saw the potential of the shabby house right away? It was nice seeing that portrait of her. With her dark eyes, fair skin and pitch black hair, she seems to have been quite a beauty. I imagine her happy labouring in her garden until old age. There is satisfaction in living in such a grand home, I'm sure one grows very attached to it. I'm more of a gypsy type myself, I don't like to tie myself down to one place. Maybe if I owned a historical home, I would change my mind...who knows? I do like history. Anyhow, this is a beautiful Edwardian home indeed. Thank you for sharing. I like the maxi dress you choose to wear, simply perfect for occasion.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Mary Elizabeth a beauty? She's definitely not your archetypal Victorian lady with her raven locks, is she? xxx
DeleteIt’s a beautiful house. I love the interiors of these old houses especially the high ceilings and wall coverings.
ReplyDeleteI’m being taken to Lyme Park another National trust property next Tuesday for my birthday. Although we may need a plan B as it’s closed due to the grounds being flooded just now.
I’ll have to find something appropriate to wear if we do go.
It won’t be as suited as yours Vix. The backdrop of the gardens and hall make it look like you’re in a film xxx
Oh dear, what a shame plan A needs to be altered, I'm sure you'll find somewhere exciting to celebrate your birthday and dress the part to perfection. xxx
DeleteHappy Birthday Jon, hope your day was full of love and kindness.
ReplyDeleteI look at photos like that and wonder what it would be like to live in a house like that. But what I find amazing the up keep on place like that. Two things I wonder is those who are in upstairs would want a more simpler life. And do each of what at one time we called the up stair and down stair class real understood each other or tried to learn about the other.
Garden are beautiful....Coffee is on
Thanks, Dora! I wouldn't mind trying out the life of the owners of that grand house for a week or so. I suppose its a smart move to pass the reigns to the National Trust so that they can continue to live in comfort but have someone else worry about the upkeep. xxx
DeleteWe flew in there for lunch on our way back from visiting our son in late April. We didn't have long so it was a bit of whizz round. Good to get more details from your time there. Aren't those flower beds just fab. One of my best friend's Dads is a room steward there.
ReplyDeleteArilx
Isn't it gorgeous? Definitely worth a return visit when you've got more time. xxx
DeleteHappy Birthday Jon... do we share the same day?
ReplyDeleteOh, a fellow Leo! Happy Birthday, Cherie! xxx
Deletemodernized in 1755, love that. But that what the heck, warthog statue is pretty creepy.
ReplyDeleteDo you think? I loved the boar, he's unusual but cute cute. xxxx
DeleteHappy Birthday, Jon! That looks like a marvelous day to spend among all this glorious decor and artwork! Those gardens are so wonderful, just begging for a stroll-through.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week, Vix!
Thanks, Sheila! xxx
DeleteWhat a magnificent property and you are looking perfectly at home in that stunning frock you're wearing. You could have been a decendant of the the Lucy family! I'm amazed at all the crowd-less photos you managed to take, especially in those of you posing in that rather fabulous knot garden. But poor Jon, having to wash up on his birthday ;-) I'm pleased to hear a slap-up birthday lunch at 'Spoons was included in the festivities as well. xxx
ReplyDeleteI had to be patient with the photos, I didn't want a fleece clad pensioner wandering across my shots!! Loved Charlecote, definitely one for you next time. Aren't I cruel making Jon wash up on his big day? xxx
Deletewhat a wonderful spot to spent a birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteand a very interesting history - thank you for telling. the birthday boy looks fascinated from the posh interior!
have fun at eastnor!
xxxxx
It's such a lovely house, I loved all the opulence and that parterre was utterly magical! xxx
DeleteI love reading about your trips to the great homes! To have the money to furbish such a place like this now! Hope you have a great time at Eastnor tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracie! x
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. One to put on the list I think.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
Definitely worth a trip! x
Deletewhat a lovely post!, love to see this fabulous house, not only the building itself, but also the furniture and the wallpapers are so incredible! I'm particularly in love with the yellow wallpaper (oh yes, I'm strange!), and love the picture of you in the garden looking so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for the birthday boy too!
besos
You're no stranger than me, I loved that yellow wallpaper too! xxx
Delete...and happy birthday to Jon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ivana! xxx
DeleteThis was spectacular! What an impressive place.
ReplyDeleteThe pink couch and the yellow walls were stunning.
You looked very regal in your maxi dress in the gardens.
Happy belated birthday to Jon.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Wasn't the colour scheme wonderful? You could tell there was a strong feminine influence in Charlecote! xxx
DeleteI noted the beautiful laquer cupboard with hunting scene, very beautiful, what excellent taste they had when the selected the contents of the house.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the house was furnished exquisitely. Often posh houses are pretty tasteless but Charlecote was gorgeous. xxx
DeleteHappy Birthday, Jon!
ReplyDeleteImagine cooking over a fire in that massive fireplace.
Thank you! I loved the kitchen although I didn't envy those volunteers slaving over the stove on such a hot day! xxx
DeleteAnother NT for my list. Well you certainly look the part of lady of the manor in that frock!
ReplyDeleteA belated happy birthday to Jon.
Xx
Thank you! Definitely get to Charlecote if you can, I loved the opulence and Mary Elizabeth's influence over the decor. xxx
DeleteFascinating and a lovely photo of your grandparents. It's a beautiful place and you look like a medieval damsel! Beautiful. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally! I'm not sure if my Dad took that photo, if so me and my brother would have been toddling around the grounds whilst Grandma and Grandpa took tea! xxx
DeleteVix, the photo of your grandparents sipping their tea is so cute! What a magnificent place you’ve visited.
ReplyDeleteHave fun staying at the castle! X
Thanks, Jess! I'm glad I found that photo! x
DeleteSo many exquisite things to see and TOUCH! The silver centerpiece, the objets d'art, the marquetry inlays, the carved furniture, the velvets and damasks -- not to mention the sleeves on your charming dress. Had I been there, I'd have tried to pat the mossy wild boar, as well.
ReplyDeleteI know, it really was a feast for the eyes - how I resisted not stroking that damask wallpaper I'll never know! xxx
DeleteHappy Belated Birthday Jon! You look lovely in your fancy dress in those beautifully manicured gardens. I can't imagine what it must have been like to live in that kind of splendour. I'm glad that Mary Elizabeth was able to stay in her home until her death.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelley! I loved how grand the house was and it is lovely to think that Mary Elizabeth saw out the rest of her days in her beloved Charlecote. xxx
DeleteP.S. Yes, of course, I'd obey the DON'T TOUCH signage, but we tactile maximalists may dream...
ReplyDeleteIt's very tempting to disobey the rules especially when presented with a million pound pietre dure table! xxx
DeleteOooh, what a gorgeous place! So opulent! I love the room with all the books! You went dressed up beautifully for it too!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it gorgeous? The book collection was out of this world. Apparently John Donne was a regular visitor to the library. xxx
DeleteThat looks a very special day Vix.I think you look spookily like Mary Elizabeth and very much at home there x
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely day, thanks Flis! You weren't the only person to comment on the similarity - I freaked one of the volunteers out! xxx
DeleteWhat a grand and elegant property , love the glorious knot gardens. You certainly were perfectly attired in your medieval style dress. Belated birthday wishes to Jon.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the garden wonderful? I bet Mary Elizabeth would be thrilled that it was still as beautiful 120 years after her death. x
Delete