Easter at Mottisfont

It's the long Easter weekend, my baby is home and Hermes is well.  So life is good.  

The sun keeps coming out and we are off to Mottisfont Abbey

The estate is a wonderful place to explore, situated in some of Hampshire's most glorious countryside.  There is ancient oak woodland, working hazel and chestnut coppices, wetland meadows and mixed plantations.

The River Test, which flows through the grounds, has shaped the estate through the centuries.  As one of the great chalk streams of the world, it has crystal clear waters. It’s an ideal habitat for wild trout and salmon.

Fertile land and a plentiful water supply attracted the first settlers. The site's name comes from the spring or font shown above.  It is still producing water in the grounds.  It was around this font that the local community held its moots or meetings.  Hence the name, Mottisfont. I want one for our parish council!  

Originally founded as an Augustinian priory in 1201, Mottisfont has been shaped by its many and varied owners. Now it reflects the life and passions of last owner Maud Russell. Inspired by newly-published diary entries, they are currently revealing her experiences of the Second World War period around the house.

Read more about Maud here

Delightful displays of spring bulbs colour the grounds, while trees bud and come into leaf.

We are here to see Maud's art collection and the current Whistler Exhibition

Rex Whistler was one of the many young men whose life was shortened by WW2.  Such a tragedy.  He had his own distinctive style, painting the famous murals described in the link.  I note a discrepancy between Maud's account of his time at Mottisfont and his own!

I also enjoyed a tour of the Maids' quarters.  As ever in these places, I am reminded of my Gran's kitchen. 

Afterwards Jo and I walk by the Test. 

We meet up with T in the walled garden. 

 Tulips flower in the walled gardens.

When we get home Jo cooks a lovely meal and then we discover and remove a tick on the old rabbit!