66: Fawsley Park

Had another lovely afternoon with Draco today out at Badby Woods. This is the view of Fawsley Park from the woods.

Fawsley Hall and Landscape Park was created by the Knightley family. The Knightleys bought the manor of Fawsley in 1416 (and Badby after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539) and lived here for over 500 years.

The Elizabethan hall, now a hotel and restaurant, was commissioned by Sir Edmund Knightley and was visited by Elizabeth I in 1575. More rooms, a new north wing and a fine red brick stable block were added in the early 18th century. The south-west corner of the house was rebuilt in the 1870s.

Fawsley's landscaped park contains over 330 hectares of wood, parkland, lakes and ornamental gardens to the north and south of the hall. The origins of the park lie in the 13th century deer park created by Evesham Abbey. The main period of landscaping took place in the 18th century and is still clearly visible today. Capability Brown was involved with the design of the double lakes, which cover the site of the former village.

Thank you so very much for all your lovely comments on yesterday's blip and for also getting it into Spotlight - yippee! :-)

This is my 300th blip and the time has flown by!

Hope you all have had a great weekend.