Date/Time
Date(s) - 29th Jun 2022
08:50-17:00
Location
Kelmscott Manor
Categories
The inspirational Cotswold retreat of William Morris, Father of the Arts and Crafts movement, is always a delight to visit. The house has been closed for nearly two years whilst important conservation and improvements take place funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Reopening is scheduled for April 2022 and we have arranged exclusive access for Friends on the morning of Wednesday 29th June.
Kelmscott Manor: Visitors today can still experience the beauty and seclusion that inspired many of William Morris’s most important designs and writings as well as influencing his ideas on conservation for both the built and natural environments.
Described as a ‘Heaven on Earth’ by Morris, he loved the Manor house and adjoining farm buildings as a work of true craftsmanship, unspoilt and in harmony with the surrounding countryside. The recent conservation and improvement works have protected the site for years to come.
On display is an outstanding collection of possessions and works of Morris, as well as his family and associates. Roses should be in bloom in the garden for our tour and the Stables tea room will be open for the purchase of a light lunch.
Friends will join our coach in Cheltenham in time to arrive at Kelmscott just after 10:00am. The coach is required to park some 10 minutes walk from the Manor House. If notified in advance, transport from the coach park to the Manor can be provided for those who may have mobility issues.
On arrival at the Manor House we will be welcomed in the Stables tearoom with tea/coffee and homemade biscuits included at 10:30, before a private guided tour of the Manor House in small groups of no more than 10 per group. This arrangement offers an in-depth experience with the expertise of a guide throughout the tour. There are stairs up to the upper floors of the house. Please let us know if you will be unable to access the upper rooms due to mobility issues. A fully illustrated folder will be made available.
Following the tour Friends can enjoy the Kelmscott Manor grounds and garden at their leisure. The Granary gift shop offers a wide range of interesting and unique gifts. The excellent rated Stables tea room will be open after the tour enabling you to purchase from a varied menu of hot and cold lunches, beverages, cakes and snacks. Please note picnics are not permitted.
We join the coach again at 2pm to move on to Fairford and the church of St. Mary’s. Our chairman, Adrian Barlow, will be our guide as we explore the Church and its beautiful stained glass windows – the only complete set of late medieval glass in a parish church in the country. There has been a Church on this site for 1,000 years, the present one dating from about 1497.
Group leaders: Sue Pearce and Sue Reeves
Pickup points: 08:50 Evesham Road Pump Room bus stop (townbound); 09:00 Royal Well; 09:10 Six Ways, by St Edwards School
We anticipate returning to Cheltenham by 5pm.
Cost £38 per person.
If you have any questions please phone Martha on 01242 526601.
Terms and conditions for our trips and talks can be found here.
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Bookings
This event is fully booked, but if you would like to be added to our waiting list please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk.