I had a little history lesson this weekend during a visit to the house and gardens at the National trust property a stones throw from Daventry.
When wondering around new places I tend to be drawn towards secret entrances and small passageways before following directions or a sign. It has landed me into trouble in the past but on this occasion it paid off. An inconspicuous gate off the main visitors path lead us straight to the heart of these stunning walled gardens. The all-season kitchen garden was framed beautifully by wild flower borders and ornamental topiary lead the way up towards the main house. We enjoyed a simple lunch at the tea shop and cafe situated in the grounds offering a wholesome menu using some of the gardens produce.
In the best guest bedroom I noted an interesting example of how fashions and tastes change and inform a space. The national trust were proud to uncover a fine example of some Elizabethan domestic wall-paintings that were previous covered up by 18th century oak paneling.
One of my favorite parts of the house was the original kitchen. A guide pointed out that the cooks clock had only one hand. This we were told was because the house and servants structured the day around sunrise and sunset. It was when the national train network came about that the population needed a accurate timetable hence Greenwich meantime was introduced. so there you go.
