Bibury and beyond - 26 September 2009

A late summer revival, had us heading again to the Thames, but further upstream from our trip last Sunday. We started the day in Bibury, where Arlington Row is apparently one of the most photographed scenes in England.
From here, we wended our way through Cotswolds towns to Whitehorse Hill, with its amazing stylized chalk horse, dating back to Celtic times.

Just along from here is Great Coxwell, where we visited one of the most impressive medieval barns in Britain, built 700 years ago.

The next stop was Faringdon, where we climbed the hill behind the town, to the newest folly in England, built in 1935 by Lord Faringdon. His house at Buscot Park is a real treat to visit. Still lived in by his descendants, we admired the artwork in the Faringdon Collection, in particular the four large briar rose paintings, based on the Sleeping Beauty story. These paintings, 20 year's work, by Burne-Jones, made his art a hit with the London public. The artist did not like their arrangement, when visiting the house, and painted extra panels, which together with matching framing, now wrap around the entire room. For us, this room is the highlight of a visit to Buscot Park. The gardens are also a real treat to wander around; from the flower filled wall garden, to the formal clipped hedges of the water garden, leading to a lake.

Nearby is the Cotswolds Woollen Weavers in Filkins. Here fabric is woven on hand looms, and garments, cushions, rugs etc can be purchased. It is a fascinating glimpse of the craftsmanship of the past.