Another adventure begins

Well the May Morris tour has officially commenced! In total there are 21 of us and it was a bit like a reunion with some past members of the team reuniting with friends from previous William Morris tours! Our home base is in the heart of Windsor with the Thames on one side and Windsor Castle on the other.......

Tradition on a Whitecroft Tour dictates that we first meet each other over cream tea and the eating never stops! After dinner and a night settling in we were on the bus early for our journey to Sudeley Castle. Helen included this on the tour because of their incredible collection of antique textiles which did not disappoint. To see embroideries, lace and samplers dating back to medieval times was memorable. Sadly no photos are allowed but the outside made up for it.............

 

  The history of those who have lived here is fascinating and included one of Henry VIII's wives - Catherine Parr. Her remains were found in the grounds 234 years after she died and were also in an amazing condition. One of her teeth and a lock of her hair is on display and one of our tour team happens to be a dentist....so thanks to Brian we now know it was an upper lateral incisor and also in need of a filling.....thanks Brian!! Catherine now rests in the church..............

 The re-enactment of her lying in state scared me to death! I thought the figures in the background were a still image but they suddenly moved and I jumped!

 The cedar tree is over 200 years old and the bird is a spectacular blue eared pheasant from China......

 And Larry ......here are our dear Canadian friends who say Hi!

 After a lovely lunch our next stop was the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum to see their Arts and Crafts collection but in particular their May Morris collection........

 The curator had an incredible knowledge of the life of May Morris and there were photos, letters and embroideries brought out especially for us to view.......

 

I think she was veryy excited to share in her amazing knowledge of the very underrated and talented May Morris! 

More news tomorrow x