A few weeks ago, I visited Hatfield House, a stunning stately home in Hertfordshire, best known for it's links to the royal Tudors. The house was built in the grounds formerly owned by Henry VIII, and the Old Palace, which still stands in the grounds, was the childhood home of his children, including Queen Elizabeth I. In fact, it was in the grounds of Hatfield that Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne.
Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury, and the son of Elizabeth's chief advisor. Today the house stands in 1000 acres of park and gardens, and is home to some of England's finest oak. I have visited the house and grounds often as a child, and again each year for the annual Living Crafts fayre. But this trip was primarily to enjoy Folk by the Oak, the second folk festival hosted in the grounds, with two of my favourite musicians performing, Kate Rusby and Kathryn Tickell. I also got to see several other groups and musicians play for the first time, including the award winning Lau, The Shee and Karine Polwart. Armed with picnic and rainproof clothing, we had a fabulous day, enjoying the delights of the house and gardens in the morning and folk music in the evening. Summer doesn't get much better!
The Old Palace at Hatfield
Hatfield House
A Hatfield rose
Trying to be a little arty!
The friendly face of a green man
The Shee
4 comments:
Wow, the pics are awesome! The face on that tree is interesting! ;)
Melody - there were a few green men dotted around the forest, quite a pleasant surprise!
Aw, it's all so nice and green and full of history.
Nymeth - Did rain a bit later in the day though! I find that I get a new appreciation of this country almost every day!
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