The Society's 2011 Summer Outing on 16th May was to Buntingford and Wimpole Hall. Here Mary Cook reports on a very enjoyable day.
We left Potters Bar and headed for Buntingford. Although the town is very close to home, it is almost in a time warp. There are so many old and interesting buildings - notably Layston Court (1625), a modern Chinese Restaurant occupying what is believed to be the oldest building, dating back to the 14th Century, and numerous others all extremely old but well preserved. Margaret Ohren and Alastair Maclean led a circular tour around the town for those who wished to explore. Other people visited the market, had coffee and did a little retail therapy in the interesting shops in the High Street.
Then back on the coach, we left for Wimpole Hall, arriving there in time for lunch. The house is surrounded by a huge estate, with parkland, wooded areas, the Home Farm and a walled garden, not to mention an adventure playground for the children. So much choice.
Wimpole Hall dates back to the late 1650's, but over the years it has been altered and enlarged. During the early part of the 20th Century, Wimpole proved to be an expensive nightmare for the owners, but Captain George Bainbridge and his wife Elsie moved in, in 1936. Mrs. Bainbridge was the only surviving child of Rudyard Kipling and it was thanks to her fortune that the house was refurbished over the next 40 years. They were great collectors of paintings, ceramics, furniture and countless treasures but in 1976, Mrs. Bainbridge bequeathed the house and estate to the National Trust. A tour of the house was interesting - very many rooms - most extremely grand, but the smaller rooms, comfortably furnished, were used as living quarters by Mr and Mrs Bainbridge.
Unfortunately, time was limited - so different people visited different areas. I enjoyed the walled garden. Although it was mid-May, it was obvious there would be an abundance of vegetables later in the year. Flowers also - there were already a number of giant alliums in the beds.
I would certainly recommend a visit to Wimpole, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking to do if you wish to explore the picturesque grounds. All in all, a very pleasant day out!
Mary Cook