Howick Hall Reflection

A 10 out of 10 day for sure.  A lovely visit to Howick Hall and gardens - home of a former British Prime Minister - Charles, Earl Grey.  The autumn colours looked absolutely stunning.  The hall itself looked pretty impressive too although we did not go inside it yesterday but we did spend a long time in the beautiful gardens.

After a delicious lunch in the Earl Grey Team Room we walked through the woods to the coast.  The sky was blue and the sea was too and it was very mild.  Trust me, this is not usual for late October day in Northumberland. 

Earl Grey was Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834 and during that time slavery was abolished.  He was married to Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby and the couple had 15 children.  He also had a child out of wedlock - Eliza Courtney.  Eliza's mother was Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire.  Several years ago a film of Georgiana's life was made starring Keira Knightley.  I believe the Eliza was brought up by Charles parents and had a happy life.  

Earl Grey tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Charles, Earl Grey, to suit the water from the spring at Howick, using bergamot to offset the taste of the lime in it.  Lady Grey used it in London when entertaining and it proved very popular.  Sadly, the Greys were not very businesslike and failed to register the trademark and due to this they have never received a penny in royalties.  

I have attached an extra of the coastal path we walked along yesterday.