On Sunday we took a stroll along the shores of Lake Windermere, to Wray Castle.
Not a 'real' castle, it was built in Victorian times by a retired surgeon from Liverpool, using the proceeds of his wife's fortune made from a 'gin' empire.
It is said that the said wife took one look at the finished building and refused point blank to step foot inside it.
The castle now belongs to the National Trust, and they are now in the process of renovating and restoring the old building.
Truth be told, it's not a pretty castle, but it is surrounded by the most wonderful views, and is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of other places popular with tourists from all over the world.
Beatrix Potter came to stay here with her family when she was fourteen, and of course, we all know that she fell in love with the Lake District. Later in life, she bought much of the land surrounding Wray Castle, after her little books earned her a fortune.
The pretty little church next door begs to be explored,
but we were sad to see that it is now closed, and services no longer take place there.
Another sign of the times in England .... our churches, pubs, post offices, shops and libraries are fast disappearing..... from town and country alike!
Will the last one out switch off the lights please!
Despite being a member of the National Trust for many years, *I had not heard of Wray Castle before. It seems a very interesting place and I see what you mean about the stunning scenery. I think a visit may be in order - thanks for sharing Kathy. Linda xxx
ReplyDeleteHow did the husband feel about his wife not wanting to life there? Fancy having so much money you could afford to build a home like that and not live in it!
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I've never been to the Lake District, I keep saying that we must go but we never seem to get round to it. There's so many places in England that I want to explore. I love the photo of Inca in your last post, she's such a beauty, reminds me of a Labrador we had when I was a child.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, the scenery is stunning! x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take some of your trips! This was interesting...and I guess a person is considered "well off" when they can build a house, decide it's ugly, and say, "Oh, never mind, just forget it." :o)
ReplyDeleteI knew that Beatrix Potter spent holidays in the Lake District as a child but didn't know she stayed at Wray Castle. I have to say that I prefer the views to the building!
ReplyDeleteYou are right it's not the most attractive castle I've ever seen perhaps that is why the builder's wife did not want to live there? The views from it though look stunning. I agree, why oh, why is it always the places that bind a community together and give it some heart (pubs, shops, post offices, libraries and churches) are the first to close? :)
ReplyDeleteThe views are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had heard of it and remember the Beatrix Potter connection. The views are stunning, your right!
ReplyDeletexxx
What a beautiful place, to spend time and wander about.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lovely! Mock castles are great!
ReplyDeleteHow sad to see so many places close; times do change and we change with the winds of time.
ReplyDeleteLooks a lovely place.
ReplyDeleteGillx
We sailed passed this on the ferry - I didn't know you could walk around it. We went to Sheffield Cathedral last night and they are in the process of opening it up as a "venue for hire" - Times really are a changing. xxx
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so pretty. You should consider yourself fortunate to live in a country that has castles and such history. Have a wonderful day :)
ReplyDeleteYou certainly were lucky with the weather. I always love coming across to read about whereyou have been, as you visit some really interesting places. I think we should make the time to likewisw a little more often. Have a good week. Ros
ReplyDeleteIt seems that life as we have known it will now be resigned to the history books or kindle's!!! x
ReplyDeleteThis has been added to my bucket list. There is just so much beauty in England. We were there on a trip for almost three weeks and could not make ourselves leave the countryside.
ReplyDeleteNicely done post. Thanks.