A Welcome to Ightham Mote

After a good weekend with Mum, I did a few jobs around the flat for her this morning before heading out to Igtham Mote, which is almost "just down the road" from her new place. 

The day started bright and sunny, so I joined a garden tour which was led by a very knowlegable guide.  One fact learnt was that the word Mote doesn't refer to the moat which surrounds the medieval house, but is an old work for "Meeting Place". 

After lunch I went round the house. This lovely pot of tulips greets you as you enter the house. Behind them is a glimpse of the Great Hall, complete with men in armour, and a crackling fire - something the room guide appreciated as the house in general felt several degrees cooler than the outside ambient temparture!

The weather deterierated somewhat during the afternoon, but meant I was able to get some more dramatic shots of the house