From Place to Place, 4th July 2011 - TrustNews Jun 11
The Trust has been very lucky to obtain permission to visit two fine houses which are not normally open to the general public; both are listed grade one. The day will start with coffee at 10:30 at New Place, Shedfield, built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1906. It was named after Shakespeare's house in Stratford, the owner, Mrs A S Franklyn, being related to Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden. Mrs Franklyn wanted a building fit to house the magnificent Jacobean staircase and 'Bristol Room' brought from the home of a former lord mayor of the city built to show off his wealth, but which had by then had fallen on hard times. We are delighted to have Mr James Airy ARIBA of the Lutyens Trust to lead the visit. We have decided to make a day of it and have a three-course lunch in the marvellous dining room of New Place. A cash bar will be available.
After lunch we will drive to Grove Place, Nursling, an Elizabethan House with Tudor plaster ceilings, oak panelling and fireplaces. Like New Place, it is in brick and one can imagine it as a small country version of part of St James' Palace. There is a unique wooden spiral staircase in one of the towers which we will be able to see. Mr Peter Otway, chairman of the Grove Place Residents' Association, will give us a talk on the history of Grove Place, and Mr Airy will take us round the house and garden. We will finish with tea and cakes at 16:30 provided gratis by Grove Place village.
Please would Trust members note that we will be guests at both houses; neither is charging us for admission. New Place is a De Vere venue. We shall have access to the public rooms; access to conference rooms will depend on what other events are taking place. Grove Place is a retirement village; we shall visit the Tudor mansion and the gardens as guests of the residents. Transport will be in our own cars.
Tickets are £22.50 each to include the three-course lunch at New Place. Numbers are limited to 25. Please use the Application Form to request tickets, and include a cheque and a stamped addressed envelope. Requests should be sent to The Secretary, City of Winchester Trust, The Heritage Centre, 32 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, S023 8DG, and must be received by 24th June 2011. Directions will be sent to members with their tickets.