Woke early so had a shower before anyone else arrived. Chris & Maxine had to start packing up, as they were going straight home after we’d left Knebworth House. How sad - but all good things come to an end, so we had breakfast. Chris & Maxine packed up by 10.45am, Chris said it was the first time they’d managed that before 11am! We then set off for Knebworth House, which isn’t far away. There is an enormous adventure play park there for children, so Bill & I made our way up towards the house itself - I went to see the church, and as I stood outside the gates I could smell a yeasty, fruity smell - and there all around, on the tree, on the floor, were many little plums, they were round, and very sweet.

Plum - actual size!

The Lutyens owned the house now, but it was originally an Elizabethan country house - it’s splendid now, as it was rebuilt as a Gothic manor - very heavy decorated wood panelling etc. We had a very good guided tour of the house, Zoë & Sîan being given privileges by the guide, like going under the ropes, and patting tiger rugs! Quite a few TV dramas had been staged there. We looked round the gardens which had many unusual plants - well they were unusual to me! We had a bite to eat in the restaurant and a drink - after that we said our goodbyes to Sîan, Zoë, Maxine & Chris - and went our separate ways - sad! but inevitable! We went back to the campsite and I got a meal - it seems very quiet. We’re staying another day - home on Thursday.

Knebworth House, Herts Sir Rowland Lytton 1561 - 1615, Appointed Capt. of the Gentlemen Pensioners by Queen Elizabeth 1st
Knebworth House, Herts & Sir Rowland Lytton 1561 - 1615, Appointed Capt. of the Gentlemen Pensioners by Queen Elizabeth 1st