Cheers!

We were not needed for childcare duties today.  I spotted Polesden Lacy on the map nearby and since we'd not been there, that's where we ended up.

We didn't know anything about it other than that it belongs to the National Trust (so we get in free, as members). It turned out to be an Edwardian country house,  built on the proceeds of MacEwan's beer, which was brewed in our home town, Edinburgh. 

Even more interesting, Mr MacEwan left his fortune to his (illegitimate) daughter who had married into Society, and she had a wonderful time spending it. Good for her! At the end of the day she left it to the National Trust.

MacEwan also gave a pile of money to the University of Edinburgh, which spent it on a fine hall called after him. TM and I both graduated in that place, and I also sat a fair few exams there, gazing up at the walls decorated with figures like 'Wisdom' and hoping for inspiration to arrive.