Does this give you a warm glow?
It does me! But I admit that a large part of that is memory. I took it at Chatsworth House last year in the company of my daughter. The visit made my Christmas special and I still feel a warm glow thinking about it.
I rarely see my daughter at Christmas but the lure of Narnia brought her to Chatsworth and I managed to meet her there. That represents warmth to me. How about you?
This is Lisa, ‘keeping warm’
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Warmth.”
Six word Saturday
The quiet bit in the middle
With just a hint of sparkle
One set of lights have already blown on my tree, but we’re still looking festive. Just a quick round-up of the neighbours… the photo above is for Colline.
Remember these guys from last year?
And here I go, spying on the neighbours!
Santa comes in all shapes and sizes
Like this old friend on my mantlepiece
And there’s always a snowman or two
And, of course, beautiful cards!
That sum’s it up, doesn’t it? Hope you had a good Christmas and are looking forward to a new year. I’m just going to pop in on Cate at Six Word Saturday. See you soon!
Joy is… the company of strangers
This is a great time of year to show a little appreciation. I have in my head that children’s Christmas carol that goes… ‘There isn’t any room, there isn’t any room, there isn’t any room for strangers’. I like to think that there’s a little space for ‘strangers’ on this blog. Some of them have turned into the most wonderful friends!
I started out with such a great idea! I wanted to create a Christmas tree out of ‘baubles’. Each of those baubles would represent a special blogging friend. Sadly the reality hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations. My ‘baubles’ have kind of fallen off the tree! Ah, me and technology! A fatal combination. Never mind! I’m glad it’s the thought that counts.
If you click on a photo it will take you to a person who brings me joy. I don’t have space on my ‘tree’ for everybody. What a tree that would be! Please be sure there are many more of you who brighten my life, and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone. This is a very special world we bloggers have, isn’t it, where strangers can become friends? Sending you all Christmas hugs!
I’m linking this to Kan’s Joy is… This week Yvette has posted a very thoughtful Christmas message. (she’s the little white rocking horse!) It’s just how Christmas should be.
Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas! I hope the New Year smiles on you. A very Merry Christmas, one and all!
Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Tees
An elusive sun hovers over the River Tees
Crisp, frosty mornings in the Christmas holidays. What do you do? Lie in bed, wallowing in the warmth? Well, that’s one option. But you know that this is Jo’s Monday walk, and really, you’ll feel so much better if you get out for a bit of fresh air.
A scarf would be good, and maybe a hat. Let’s not loiter and you’ll soon warm up. I have a nice spot for you, and there’s even a Victorian tea room to round things off in. Bet that got your attention, didn’t it?
I’m going to Preston Park this morning, beside the River Tees. There’s ample free parking and a good playground, if any of you have children. (or surplus energy)
Isn’t there something about watery reflections?
And clouds!
There’s not much activity down at the landing stage today, but in summer there are boats to hire. A couple of regal swans gaze disdainfully at the ducks. Well, they are rather common!
The landing stage
The path runs alongside the Tees in both directions, so spin a coin or follow your instincts. You can loop back into Preston Park when you’ve seen enough. The Teesside Heritage Trail will take you all the way to neighbouring Yarm, but you have to leave the river bank and follow a stretch of road to join it. This morning we’ll stay close by the river.
The Tees looks pretty full right now
But the trees are rather forlorn!
The sun casts some interesting shadows
And the dogs just love to romp here. Can you see one?
The dogs are having their own excitable game of ‘tiggy’ and it’s not easy to track one down with the camera. There are lots of dog walkers out and about, and a relaxed, happy, holiday feeling.
Aren’t these wispy clouds really lovely?
But I bet that water’s cold!
Let’s head back up into the park
Anyone feeling active?
Or there’s a skate park, if you fancy?
You’ll remember I suggested a cuppa in the Victorian tearooms? I’d promised my husband a toasted teacake (hoping to get him out of bed on a chilly morning) but it didn’t quite work out that way. It was fine, though.
The Victorian Street was looking very festive
Chocolate anyone?
But there’s a welcoming light on in the tearooms
It was fresh outside and I could see a smiling face beckoning from behind the counter. Two smiling faces, in fact, and no customers except us. Because it was the holiday period, the tearooms were being run by volunteers from the museum staff. You’ve guessed it- no toasted teacakes, but there were complimentary mince pies or biscuits with our mug of coffee.
Plenty of spare tables
And a beautifully decorated mirror
You know how these things work. Seeing us cosily inside, people began to drift in from the courtyard. A couple with a toddler were encouraging her to play skittles, but the warmth lured them too. Time for us to move on.
You may remember, I’ve visited Preston Park museum before. It was back in February and I was given a ticket valid for a full year (for only £1!) so I thought I’d have a look and see what was new. I found an interesting exhibition, which I’ll share with you another day, but you can get a flavour of the museum from my link.
The conservatory was closed to the public, for a wedding reception later in the day, but I still managed a bit of a peek.
There were paper stars suspended from the ceiling
Pretty, don’t you think?
But the best bit was the polar bears and penguins! I borrowed a couple of photos from the museums’s Facebook page. I’m sure they won’t mind.
Our last walk of 2014! It wasn’t too strenuous, was it? I do hope you’ll join me next year. I so look forward to your company.
First, I have some lovely walks to share. If you’d like to contribute, it’s very straightforward. Take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page or click on the logo. Many thanks to everybody for this week’s efforts. Let’s put that kettle on and have a read, shall we?
Drake is taking me somewhere new this week. And watery! It looks fabulous…
And here’s one worth waiting for! Part 2 of the Botanic Gardens with Jude :
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and the Domain, part 2
Aren’t they stylish in Canada? I love these door decorations from Violet Sky :
And Colline has shared some beautiful windows from Toronto. I know you’ll love them!
It just remains to wish you all a joyous and peaceful New Year. Happy walking!
Jo’s Monday walk : Auckland Castle
The Deer House
I’ve visited the Deer House and park at Auckland Castle many times, but seldom have I seen it lit by the sun. I felt especially privileged to have timed my arrival, intending to view the castle, with a glorious, blue-sky, December day.
Known locally as the Bishop’s Palace, Auckland Castle has been a seat of power since the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The original building was a manor house or hunting lodge constructed in the late 1100s, but 100 years later it was to become the seat of the Prince Bishops. The king had granted the Bishop of Durham enormous power. As the Prince Bishop, it was his job to protect the north east of England from Scottish marauders. In order to do this, he could raise money from taxes, mint his own coins and lead his own army, so long as he remained loyal to the king.
The then Bishop of Durham, Bishop Beck, established himself at Auckland Castle because he preferred the vast hunting grounds, that went with the estate, to Durham Castle. Today the park and grounds are open to the public and still retain elements of the Medieval deer park. Have you ever seen a Deer House? Well then, let’s go!
We start from the Market Place in Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland is a small market town in County Durham, 12 miles south-west of the city of Durham. It sits at the confluence of the River Wear and its tributary, the River Gaunless. Entry to the castle grounds is through the 18th century gatehouse, just off the Market Place.
The Robinson Clock Tower and Gatehouse
Pass by the castle gates. We’ll come back later!
The Bishop’s Stroll
The River Gaunless meanders through the estate, and is crossed by several bridges. In 1760 the park’s most charming feature was built. The Gothic Revival style folly was built to provide shelter for the deer and a place for them to be fed. Guests could watch from a viewing area. Today sadly there are no deer, but the folly is a romantic backdrop for strolling and picnics.
The path drops away from the castle walls
And suddenly you can catch a glimpse, through the trees
Isn’t it beautiful?
Within the grounds there is also an Ice House. Ever practical, after they’d been hunting, the Bishops needed to keep their meat chilled. On this occasion I didn’t walk far as I was eager to see inside the castle, but there is a network of paths to enjoy throughout the park.
Trevor’s Bridge
And in profile
The river, from the Deer House
I was particularly keen to see inside the palace. I knew very little about the contents, but the one thing I did know was that some very special religious artwork resided there. The 13 paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran have hung in Auckland Castle for 250 years. They were painted between 1640 and 1644 and 12 of them were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor in 1756, for £125. He was outbid at auction for the thirteenth, but commissioned Arthur Pond to produce an exact copy of ‘Benjamin’.
The paintings hang in the Long Dining Room, which was redesigned specifically to house them. They depict chapter 49 of the Book of Genesis, and represent Jacob’s death-bed blessings to his 12 sons. Each son would become a founder of the 12 Tribes of Israel, the beginnings of the Jewish faith. This was a very deliberate act by Bishop Trevor. Religious tolerance, especially towards the Jews, was in short supply in the 18th century. Displaying the paintings publicly was an appeal by him for greater consideration of our fellow men.
In 2001 the Church Commissioners planned to sell off the artworks, whose estimated value was £20 million. A staggering £15 million donation from Yorkshireman and investment banker, Jonathan Ruffer, secured their future, and the Auckland Castle Trust came into being. Exciting plans for the castle are afoot.
Shall we go inside?
Not wishing to tease, but the first place I’m going to take you to is St. Peter’s Chapel. Widely acknowledged as the largest private chapel in Europe, it started life in the 12th century as the Banqueting Hall, with buttery, wine cellar and minstrel gallery. The original chapel was demolished following the English Civil War, but when the Prince Bishops were restored to power, Bishop John Cosin set about the rebuild, in 1660. Isn’t history a roller coaster?
You enter this imposing building
And your eyes are drawn up
To the heraldic shields on the ceiling
And the shadows the light casts on the angels
There are six of them
Stained glass of Benedictine Monks
and Lindisfarne
Beautiful, isn’t it?
From the chapel you enter the castle proper. This has been decorated for Christmas in the old style, with dried fruits and foliage. Mounting the stairs to the first floor, my eye is drawn to the lovely view framed in the elegant window. Throughout the house, the views to the parkland and beyond command attention.
The entrance hall
That beguiling view of parkland
Dried fruit arrangement
Beautifully framed
Something of a surprise next! The Paradise State Bed, used by the Tudors, and an elaborate and unique piece of 15th century oak carving. Click on the link for more details.
The Throne Room follows, and a feature that made me smile. The 200 year old windows (designed by James Wyatt) are of very pale green and pink tinted glass, ‘to make the ladies appear less pale in the bright sunlight’. I’ll just flutter my fan a little!
The view to the lawns
The Bishop’s Throne
Can you see the tint?
The grand fireplace and very special tables
The moment has arrived- the Long Dining Room and Zubaran’s paintings. I cannot pretend to do them justice. You need to see them yourself. The links give more detail.
Four of Zubaran’s masterpieces
While I browsed around the room, one of the guides approached with a tray. Ginger wine with apple juice and warm mince pie (a Medieval recipe) seemed a nice seasonal gesture.
Bishop Trevor’s coat of arms
More Zubaran
And beautiful ceilings!
One last lovely windows shot
And a BIG cake!
The guide explained that the size of the cake related to power and prestige. There was obviously no shortage. I am delighted to have been able to feature Auckland Castle in my Monday walk this week. I was lucky enough to catch the last weekend of the year and it will now be closed to the public until February. The grounds are still open if you fancy an invigorating walk meantime, and, of course, there’s a tearoom.
I realise that this post is a little long, but hope that you have enjoyed it, and can find time to check the links to see how special this place is. I feel sure that it will repay time and investment.
It’s my last chance this year to thank everybody for making Jo’s Monday walk a success. I have had some really wonderful contributions and hope that they will continue next year. Let’s have one last cuppa and a good read :
With all that was happening in Sydney I was so relieved to find Jude fit and well in the Botanic Gardens :
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain, Part 1
While Paula showed me the glory of the Ginkgo tree in Autumn :
Drake always has a sunny disposition, even in the fog!
Lovely to have Suzanne join us, with a rather unsettling walk. Please do welcome her!
Amy’s doing a blogging round up of her walks. There are some real beauties :
A Walk through my Monday Walks
I wasn’t at all familiar with Portsmouth, till Ana took me on a guided walk :
A self-devised and self-guided walk round Portsmouth
Forest walks are always popular and it’s wonderful to have Indah (and her dog Dante) show us a Rotterdam park. Welcome to the walks, Indah!
Winter walk in Kralingse Forest
And where better than NYC for a walk at Christmas time? Thanks, Suze!
New York City- Falling for the High Line
Or for a dash of culture, join Joan, in London :
Want to see how they celebrate in Canada? Then join Colline!
If you’re not too tired (and full!) I hope you manage to get out for a walk over the Christmas period. I plan to! Till then, have a wonderful Christmas.
Six word Saturday
Are you nearly ready? Merry Christmas!
I really meant to add a ‘twinkle’ to the WordPress weekly challenge last week. But then I decided to save it, for you. You might be needing it by now. Christmas can be a challenging time, but I’m doing my best to be laid back this year. I hope you’re managing to do the same.
I think the snowman’s managed it!
A very Merry Christmas to you!
Just off to wish Cate Merry Christmas too. 52 Six word Saturdays is no mean feat!
A festive Sunset
I love a bit of drama in the sky
Walking home after a lovely lunchtime with a good friend, I was full of Christmas cheer. The sky was a blaze of fire but the chill was nipping at my toes. As the Christmas lights came on in our town centre, I just had to stand a little while and admire.
It only needed a few minutes
For the colours to fade
Paula has chosen a spectacular way to say ‘farewell’ to the Thursday Special until the New Year. If you like a bit of drama too, that’s the place to be.
Jo’s Monday walk : A Stokesley Circular
Looking towards Roseberry Topping
Stokesley is an attractive market town, situated on the River Leven, on the northern edge of the Yorkshire Moors. It also has the advantage of being surrounded by a flat bit of terrain, so it was greeted with delight as our last walk of the year by my walking group. The fact that we were ending at a garden centre, with coffee and cake, influenced nobody. (honestly!)
Life can’t be total perfection so we were advised to anticipate a little mud. And we found some! But not too much. Come along and see.
The fields are just a little bit muddy
We parked at Strikes Garden Centre, a mile or so from Stokesley. Walking towards the town, we took the first ‘public footpath’ sign on the left, and crossed the field towards the farmhouse above. The path swings off to the right and follows a little stream all the way in to Stokesley.
It might be a nice place to live, with that lovely backdrop
But, of course, you’d have to like farming
And I much prefer walking!
Stokesley was granted a charter to hold fairs by Henry III, as far back as 1223. To this day a weekly market takes place on The Plain, the main square, every Friday, and on the first Saturday of each month there’s a Farmer’s Market too. Tying in with the Agricultural Show, a four day fair takes place each September, and spans the full length of the High St.
The stream will lead you towards Stokesley
The Moors rise on the horizon
While Roseberry Topping hovers in the background
The ‘Foot Golf’ was a bit of a surprise! Anybody played foot golf?
Looking back at the stream
A few mushrooms keep us company
With rather nice textures
At this point we duck down underneath a road bridge. Careful- it’s a bit slippery! There was a hard frost the night before and there’s still a little evidence on some of the leaves.
The path curves to the right and in a little while you’re passing between cottages and out onto Levenside. There is always a flurry of ducks hereabouts on the River Leven. Sorry guys- no bread today! We’re eating cake.
Follow the river around to your left and you come to the Pack Horse Bridge, which dates back to the 17th century.
The Pack Horse Bridge and a couple of walkers
There are several bridges close together at this point. Any one of them will take you across the Leven and into the High St., where gracious Georgian buildings are part of a pleasing blend of architecture. The oldest building in town, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, has a medieval tower and chancel. It contains some woodwork carved by the locally famed Mouseman of Kilburn. His Visitor Centre at Kilburn is not too far away.
Meanwhile, Christmas has come to Stokesley. But I didn’t see a tree in the main square!
A lucky door wreath
Festive Rudolph
And a snow scene
Our steps begin to quicken as we realise that we’re now on the home straight. Taking the right hand option at the junction, in no time Strikes Garden Centre is back in sight. I’ll leave the walkers to queue in the cafe while I show you a few of the Christmas sights. Lots of trees in here!
Cinderella’s pumpkin?
A smaller version?
Traditional twinkles
Not real reindeer!
I like the hobby horse kind better
And this troll is rather handsome
Well, it is, isn’t it?
Bet you can guess who my favourite is?
Just one more Monday walk and it’ll be Christmas! I’ve no idea where we might wander next week, but I hope you’ll keep me company? If you’re too busy, I’ll understand. As the sign says, ‘Tis the season to be jolly!’
I also hope you’ll make time to visit these wonderful walks this week. Get that kettle on and we’ll take a stroll together, without leaving our armchairs. If you’d like to join in, details are on my Jo’s Monday walks page, or click on the logo above. Very many thanks to all my contributors.
Drake’s getting festive in lovely Strasbourg this week :
Cool impression through cold walk
And Amy has a message, beautifully shared :
When Jude mentioned Clovelly I thought we were in Devon. So wrong! :
Sue’s taken me to a city I’ve always wanted to see. Brownie points to Sue, but I’ll skip breakfast!
Spain- Bilbao, the Basque Country, with eels and sherry for breakfast
Meg, meanwhile, has given me a glimpse of a Newcastle in Australia. No sign at all of ‘fog on the Tyne’.
Thanks a lot for sharing, everybody. I so enjoy it! Have a happy, healthy, walking week!
Six word Saturday
If you wanted to see Alice?
If you saw my posts about Castle Howard at Christmas this week, you’ll know I’m quite fond of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire too. I noticed that they’ve extended their opening hours into the New Year. Here’s a peek at their video if you think you might be tempted?
It looks fun, don’t you think?
This was my second shot at Six word Saturday this week. I was Nordic walking on the beach on Thursday, playing with my phone camera (the others were not amused- it was way too cold to linger!) A big black cloud swept in, showering us with hail and sleet, and the camera point blank refused to work. Remember my ‘let it snow’ post last week?
Be careful what you wish for!
Still, I quite liked the photos the camera took. Here’s just a sample (with WordPress snow!) :
Beware that cloud!
However you plan to spend the run up to Christmas, I hope you won’t get too stressed. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to share your six words.
A return to Castle Howard
Looking down on the Great Hall
What finer place to start today than where I left off my tour of Castle Howard at Christmas, in the Great Hall? The fire was roaring in the grate, and it needed to be, to heat this vast space. I had completely forgotten the chill outdoors, in the sumptuousness of my surroundings. Looking up at the dome, I could only marvel at the skill and resourcefulness that had repaired the enormous damage done by the 1940 fire.
The story of the fire and the Brideshead connection are the subjects of the exhibition in High Saloon, where my tour takes us next. These rooms were completely destroyed in the fire, including painted frescoes by Pellegrini from 1709. New joists and flooring were installed in the 1970s, but the interiors were still burnt-out shells in 2007. It was maybe a stroke of genius to turn these rooms into a film set for the filming of Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited. In 1981 and again in 2008, Castle Howard became Brideshead, with a cast of stars.
The casting for the dome fresco
Castle Howard has been used for a number of film productions, the most recent of which was Death comes to Pemberley in 2014. Is it really any wonder?
Just look what I’ve spotted! Haven’t owls always been popular?
Such an opulent dining room
And what a table setting!
A room recently opened for viewing by the public is the New Library, formerly the Canaletto Room, which also was destroyed by the fire. Books have been collected on every conceivable subject relating to the estate, creating a warm and welcoming space.
Everything for the good Victorian child appears to be the theme of the next room. See any old favourites? Ooh, that rocking horse, please!
The Doll’s House is truly life-sized
Can you see inside?
A train set, of course!
A rocking horse or a bear?
Nor have the adults been knowingly neglected.
There’s a Music Room, naturally
And a Crimson Dining Room
With another roaring fire
But the Turquoise Drawing Room is rather a favourite
With a duck and a mince pie
And a wonderful swag of curtain
And how hard is it to pick your favourite tree?
I think we’re not too far from the end. The Long Gallery comes next, 160 feet long, with an Octagon lined with books as its centrepiece. Today a cellist is playing Christmas tunes.
The Long Gallery
With the Octagon at its centre
With fabulous tapestries
The most exquisite furnishings
And the prettiest baubles on the tree
Just a little venture into the Chapel, then I think we can go home. Originally intended to be a dining room (another one!), in the 1870s the floor was lowered, a new entrance created and the now chapel was redecorated in the pre-Raphaelite style. The Howard family were patrons of William Morris, and one of his works was a stained glass window for a nearby Reformatory. This has long since closed and the window is currently on loan to Castle Howard.
I expect your eyes are tired of looking now. Mine are, just a little, but I’ve so enjoyed putting together my experience of Castle Howard at Christmas. I hope you’ve enjoyed it too. The website is full of details and photographs and I’ve included a few links, in case you’re interested.
Last year I went to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire at Christmas time, and the two stately homes have much in common. Both have hosted film crews for Brideshead and other period dramas. Where Chatsworth enthrals with its grand themes, Castle Howard seduces with a very traditional Christmas. I have to say that I like both. How about you?
restlessjo 
You must be logged in to post a comment.