A few years ago in late September, I visited the Brockhampton estate in Herefordshire. The estate is managed by National Trust and contains an orchard of plums (or damsons) and is noted for its fruit-growing. It's also one of the most picturesque National Trust properties with its moated house and small gatehouse. When I visited the property a few years ago, only part of it was open as we were in lockdown at that time. My most recent visit was in August, but I had not gotten around to posting it, and I always need something to post in January too. These posts bring memories and anticipating the warmer weather to come.
The property contains over 1,000 acres to explore, and it was also the site of a former village. The timber-framed house dates to the 1100s, although the gatehouse is medieval.
I explored the top of the gatehouse.
The rooms were open with each one depicting a different era.
The hall was the most impressive with a viewing gallery, and I remember from the last visit that bats live in the house.
I explored the upper floor.
The below room was dedicated to the first world war, and it had information about local men who served in that war.
During the lockdown, some of the rooms on the ground floor were shut, including the pantry or storage room off of the kitchen.
Being an orchard, they would have made their own cider, and the best was saved for special days.
The orchard was flourishing with its bounty. Apples and plums were growing and ripening.
All that remains of the old village (except for the house) are the remains of a stone church next to the house.
I also had a walk around the moat, and I came across a pasture of sheep. A couple of them decided to scape the fence.
Before leaving, I had a look in the second hand bookstore and had a black cherry ice cream.
For my previous visit, Brockhampton Estate Lockdown Edition.
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