National Trusting

So, this Saturday Sam, his parents, and I all traveled over to one of England's old historic homes, now tended by the National Trust, which Sam and I became junior members of as well. This one in particular was built, um, sometime, by a woman named Elizabether Shrewsbury. Well, that was her name at the time, since she had about 6 names over the course of her life. Born the daughter of a yeoman farmer, she erected this cozy little beauty not far from the site of the farmhouse in which she was born, and all just after a few strategic marriages and re-marriages. And about a billion kids, but you know, that was normal back then. Here are a few shots, and unfortunately, photos weren't allowed inside. It was amazing, and my favorite parts were the hand-woven rush-mats which carpeted most of the upper stories, the floor-to-ceiling tapestries, on giant hallway displaying the story of Gideon, and the muniment room, which was a little room that looked like a bank-vault with little drawers from floor to ceiling. In each of the drawers would have been kept all the deeds and documents having to do with all the properties the Lord or Lady owned. Enjoy the photos! Oh boy, you know its going to be a good day when it starts off like this.

Hardwick Hall. Quite an impressive sight. Home sweet home.

Elizabeth Shrewsbury proudly displays her initials all along the top of her stately home.

Here is the imposing side view from the hedges.

What a beautiful day! Sam's mom enjoys the lawn just in front of the Manor.


Here is a shot of part of the lovely gardens.

Bigfoot? No, just a skinny boy. These hedges were so nice to walk around in, though!

Sometimes you just can't resist a chiselled round booty. I'll own up to telling him to do it. I don't think the other tourists are impressed.
Here is a statue of a woman playing air-lute in one corner of the hedgerows.