The Glory of England - the dicamillo companion

The Glory of England
A Tour of English Country Houses & Gardens
Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, and Powys
Sunday, May 19 – Friday, May 24, 2013
6 Days – 5 Nights
$6,500 per person, based on double occupancy
Willey Park
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a brief biography of tour leader
Curt DiCamillo
Mr. DiCamillo is an American architectural historian and a recognized authority on the British country
house. He has written and lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad on the subject and has taught
classes on British culture and art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the School of the Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston. Curt regularly leads scholarly tours that focus on the architectural and artistic heritage
of Britain and its influence around the world. Since 1999 he has maintained an award-winning database
on the web, The DiCamillo Companion to British & Irish Country Houses (DiCamilloCompanion.com).
The database seeks to document every English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish country house ever built,
standing or demolished, together with a history of the families who lived in the houses, the architects who
designed them, and the history of the houses’ collections and gardens.
In recognition of his work, Curt has been presented to the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and
The Prince of Wales. He is a member of The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain and is an
alumnus of both the Royal Collection Studies program and The Attingham Summer School for the Study
of Historic Houses and Collections. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, is listed in
Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, is a Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, a
trustee of Boston’s Nichols House Museum, a member of the Collections Committee for the Great House
at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, and a member of the Advisory Board of Samuel T. Freeman
& Co. of Philadelphia.
Before going into private practice, Curt served for eight years (2004-12) as Executive Director of The National
Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, based in Boston, where he was responsible for raising over $6 million for
the Trust (he currently holds the position of Executive Director Emeritus). Previously he worked for 13 years
for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A native of the Philadelphia area, Curt grew up in Central Florida with
his sister, the award-winning children’s book author Kate DiCamillo.
Curt at the iconic Attingham Park, Shropshire, May 2012
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ITINERARY
The Glory of England
NT = a property of the National Trust
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; T = Cream Tea; R = Reception; D = Dinner
Saturday, May 18
th
DEPART U.S.
Depart the United States no later than today.
DAY 1
th
Sunday, May 19
LONDON / SHROPSHIRE
L, T, R, D
Arrive in London no later than today. Meet Curt DiCamillo and fellow tour participants at 10:00 AM at
The Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge. We will leave London by private coach on our way to
Shropshire and Weston Park, the glorious 17th century former home of the Earls of Bradford. We will be
staying here for our entire visit, where we will be the only occupants of this lovely, art-filled house, set in
1,000 acres of parkland.
After arrival at Weston Park there will be time to settle into the stunning bedrooms, after which we’ll have
a light lunch in the Salon and meet Gareth Williams, House Curator and our cicerone for the week ahead.
After lunch, Gareth will lead us on a tour of the house and its collection, followed by a walk of the sublime
grounds, a tour of the domed Temple of Diana, and cream tea. Afterward there will be drinks in the
Library, followed by dinner in the Orangery.
All rooms have private bathrooms, most with separate bathtubs and showers. Complimentary WiFi is available
throughout the house. All rooms are equipped with a mini-safe, clothing brush, and hair dryer.
The Dining Room at Weston Park
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Weston Park
Set on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, Weston Park was built in 1671 by Lady
Elizabeth Wilbraham and was the seat of the Earls of Bradford from 1762 until 1981.
Noted for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the house boasts an internationally
important collection of paintings, including works by Gainsborough, Van Dyck, and
Stubbs. The park was landscaped in the 18th century by Capability Brown and is
particularly noted for its collection of follies.
Weston Park
Weston-under-Lizard
Near Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8LE
Telephone – 01952-852-100
www.weston-park.com
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DAY 2
th
Monday, May 20
Willey Park
SHROPSHIRE /
STAFFORDSHIRE
B, L, R, D
This morning we will visit
Willey Park, the
magnificent Regency
country house that has
been in the hands of the
Weld-Forester family for
more than 350 years. We
will be welcomed by Lady
Forester, and her
daughter, The Hon. Mrs.
Selina Graham, who will
show us the house and
gardens of this neveropen-to-the-public house.
Continue to Leighton
Hall for lunch and a tour
hosted by owners Malcolm
and Camilla Corrie.
Splendidly set looking
over the River Severn,
Leighton Hall is in many
ways the beau ideal of the
English manor house.
This afternoon we will be
welcomed at Longner
Hall by owner Gill
Burton. Designed in 1803
by John Nash, the TudorGothic house is set in a
Humphry Repton park.
The interiors of the
principal rooms are
adorned with
extraordinary plaster fan
vaulting and stained glass.
One of the last and most impressive revivals of the Palladian style,
Willey Park was built in 1812 to the designs of Lewis Wyatt for
Cecil Weld-Forester, later 1st Lord Forester (the name Forester
comes from the family’s ancient land holdings in nearby Wrekin
Forest). At the end of a drive that lasts for miles, the sublime setting
of the House is revealed, soaring high above a valley. The great
classical portico is complemented by the famous half-round bow
Library, grandly supported by a hemicycle of Corinthian columns
topped with a saucer dome. The Hall, redolent of ancient Rome, is
a galleried basilica of enormous proportions: 40 feet long by 30 feet
wide, with a ceiling that soars to 28 feet. Fourteen-foot-high
columns of yellow Siena scagliola with white capitals support the
Gallery and two semicircular staircases, the entire space all gloriously
lit by skylights in the segmental vault ceiling.
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<<< Leighton Hall
Longner Hall >>>
Return to Weston Park to relax and freshen up. Dinner this evening will be at nearby Chillington Hall, a
grand 18th century house. We will be hosted by owners John and Cres Giffard, who will give us drinks and
tour of their fascinating house, most famous for its magnificent domed Saloon by Sir John Soane. The
Giffard family is one of the few that have a direct link by descent from one of the knights who came over
with William the Conqueror in 1066.
Chillington Hall
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DAY 3
st
Tuesday, May 21
SHROPSHIRE / WOLVERHAMPTON
B, L, R, D
We begin the day at Hatton Grange, designed by Thomas Pritchard for the Slaney family. Pritchard is
famous as architect of the Iron Bridge, a 100-foot-long cast iron bridge built over the River Severn in
1779, making it one of the world’s first iron bridges and contributing to the naming of this area as the
“birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.” We will be given a tour of the house and garden, with a break for
tea, by Rupert and Christina Kenyon-Slaney, the owners, who are restoring this lovely family home.
Hatton Grange
Arrive at Stanley Hall for lunch and a tour hosted by owners Michael and Clare Thompson. Stanley is a
two-story, irregular L-shaped timber-framed stone and brick house with a tiled roof and brick
chimneystacks that sits close to the River Severn embosomed in a park traversed by a small wooded valley
and a chain of pools.
Wightwick Manor
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After we leave Stanley Hall we head to Wightwick Manor, one of the best surviving examples of a house
built and furnished under the influence of the Arts & Crafts Movement. We will have a guided tour of
this National Trust house, which will be opened exclusively for us (there will also be time for a self-guided
tour of the garden). Created in the 19th century for the Mander family, noted local paint manufacturers,
Wightwick features original wallpapers and furnishings by William Morris, and impressive collections of
art by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Charles Kempe, and William de Morgan. The
house has a superb 17-acre Edwardian garden designed by Thomas Mawson, an internationally renowned
garden designer.
After we leave Wightwick we will have a short visit at
the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Set above the
River Severn in Bridgnorth’s High Town, the Church
of St. Mary Magdalene stands within the site of the
town’s medieval castle (the Church was originally
founded in the 13th century as a royal free chapel –
intended as a private chapel for Bridgnorth Castle – but
by the late 15th century it was being used as a parish
church). The current church was designed and built by
the great engineer Thomas Telford in 1792-94 at a
time when he was engaged as County Surveyor in
Shropshire (in 1876 Sir Arthur Blomfield added the
luscious apse). No less a personage than Nikolaus
Pevsner, writing in The Buildings of England: Shropshire,
says that “Telford’s is a remarkable design, of great
gravity inside and out...”
Church of St. Mary Magdalene*
Davenport House
8
After we leave the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, we’ll continue to Davenport House, where we’ll have
an aperitif upon arrival, followed by a tour hosted by lease-holders Roger and Jane Murphy, after which
we’ll sit down for a luscious dinner. A private house designed by Francis Smith, one of the early 18th
century’s finest architects, Davenport is a red brick masterpiece that’s never open to the public.
DAY 4
nd
Wednesday, May 22
SHROPSHIRE / POWYS
B, L, R, D
This morning we head to the iconic Attingham Park (NT) for a before-hours private tour with the
curator. This elegant classical mansion was built for the 1st Lord Berwick in 1785. Surrounded by a lovely
deer park, Attingham is noted for its magnificent Regency interiors. John Nash designed the Picture
Gallery in 1807 as one of the first top-lighted galleries of its type, a design that would later be adopted by
museums around the world. The Attingham Summer School for the Study of Country Houses was
founded at Attingham Park in the 1950s.
The Picture Gallery at Attingham Park*
The Drawing Room at Attingham Park*
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Participants of the May 2012 tour in front of Attingham Park
Continue by coach to Walcot Hall for lunch and a tour hosted by owners Robin and Lucinda Parish.
With its meandering lake, which runs like a great river through the huge parkland, Walcot was designed by
Sir William Chambers for Lord Clive of India and was inherited by Clive’s son, who succeeded to the
Earldom of Powis and Powis Castle. A wonderful new addition to the landscape is the lovely grotto
fountain in the grounds that the current owners have built.
Walcot Hall
10
We then cross the border into Wales for a full afternoon at Powis Castle (NT), after which we’ll return to
Weston Park, where we’ll have drinks in the Library and dinner in the Music Room.
Powis Castle
Built by Welsh princes, there has been a castle or fortress on the site of Powis since at least
1196. In 1587 the Castle was sold to Sir Edward Herbert, the 2nd son of William Herbert,
st
th
the 1 Earl of Pembroke. Sir Edward’s mother was Anne Parr, sister of Catherine Parr, 6
wife of Henry VIII. A daughter of the house, Lady Henrietta Herbert, married Edward
Clive in 1784. Clive was the son of the famous “Clive of India” and brought new wealth
to the depleted estates of Powis. The Clive Museum at the Castle displays myriad Indian
treasures brought back by Clive of India and his son, including a tiger’s head from the rail
of Tipu Sultan’s throne.
Powis contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales, one of the
stars of which is the brilliant, large ceiling canvas by Antonia Verrio on the Grand
Staircase. The Long Gallery has been called one of the most romantic rooms in Britain,
while the State Bedroom, circa 1661, is the only surviving bedroom in Britain where the
balustrade rails off the state bed in its alcove in the French style.
Powis is world famous for its terraced gardens, probably designed by William Winde in the
1680s. Overhung with enormous clipped yews, the garden still has its original lead statues,
an Orangery, and an Aviary set among the terraces. Sir Richard Colt Hoare wrote in 1806
that Powis had the potential to be “a Villa D’Este in miniature.” The Castle once had a
smaller version of the famous Chatsworth Cascade; sadly, no traces remain of this water
garden today.
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View from the Terrace, Powis Castle
DAY 5
rd
Thursday, May 23
SHROPSHIRE
B, L, R, D
This morning we’ll visit Mawley Hall, listed as one England’s Thousand Best Houses by Simon Jenkins in
his 2003 book of the same title. Built in 1730, this stunning house contains one of the finest Baroque
interiors in England, with craftsmanship of the highest quality. The staircase in the plasterwork-encrusted
Hall features a unique wooden handrail with a carved fish and snake design; the magnificent plasterwork is
believed to be by the circle of Artari and Bagutti, who were also responsible for work at Blenheim Palace,
Chatsworth, and London’s Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The Oak Drawing Room is lined with
finely carved and ornate oak paneling in the style of Grinling Gibbons and features a 1978 fresco ceiling by
Graham Rust in the theme of Milton’s Paradise Regained. Mawley was used as the setting for the 1991
Masterpiece Theater production of Clarissa. Owners Rupert and Ali Galliers-Pratt, whose family saved and
restored the house in 1962, will personally give us a tour and serve morning coffee.
Mawley Hall
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The Entrance Hall at Mawley Hall
Continue to the Ludlow Food Centre for a buffet lunch featuring sandwiches and quiches made with
award-winning, locally produced cheeses, meats, and marmalades. The bustling food centre is a point of
pride for Lord Windsor, who has invited us to his home, Oakly Park, for the afternoon. Oakly, which
features sublime interiors, was remodeled in the Greek Revival style by C.R. Cockerell in the early 19th
century. Cockerell was one of the founding members of the Travellers Club in London’s Pall Mall and
was keenly interested in Greek archaeology, as the external and internal details of the house indicate. Oakly
Park contains part of the famous Clive of India’s stunning picture collection, and other works collected by
his descendants.
Oakly Park
Tonight we’ll have drinks and a gala farewell dinner in the grand Dining Room at Weston Park.
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DAY 6
th
Friday, May 24
SHROPSHIRE / LONDON
B, L
Following check-out, we will depart Weston Park by coach to London, dropping off passengers at London
Heathrow Airport by 1:00 PM for anyone with an afternoon flight. The coach will then continue from
Heathrow into central London and drop others who are extending their stay at or near their hotels. A
boxed lunch will be provided on the bus.
For tour participants departing from Heathrow, please do not book flights departing before 3:00 PM.
Silver in the Dining Room at Weston Park*
The Boudoir, Attingham Park*
*Photo by Curt DiCamillo, Copyright 2012 by The DiCamillo Companion, Ltd.
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The Glory of England
A Tour of English Country Houses & Gardens
May 19 – 24, 2013
Program Prices
Land-Only Tour Cost
$6,500 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement
$375
Includes: Five nights’ deluxe accommodation; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, including pre-dinner
drinks; wine/beer and coffee at lunches and dinners; transportation by private deluxe coach; entrances to sites
featured in the itinerary; porterage at Weston Park; tips and taxes for included services; Tour Lecturer to
provide commentary; Tour Director to manage logistics; and gratuities for the coach driver.
Excludes: Round-trip airfare to and from London; airport transfers, except those who are dropped at
Heathrow on May 24th; meals and beverages not otherwise included; items for personal use, including phone,
fax, and email charges, minibar, and laundry services; passport fees, if any.
General Information
This tour is operated by Travel Muse for The DiCamillo Companion, Ltd.
AIR TRAVEL
The tour cost excludes airfare. Travel Muse recommends booking online or through Ann Barrasi at agency
affiliate Vista Travel. Ann can be reached at 617-588-4241, or [email protected]. If you wish to
travel using frequent flyer miles, you can make arrangements directly with the card members’ travel center,
or Ann will assist for a fee of $100 for a mileage-award booking, and $75 for a mileage-award upgrade.
Ann can also assist with any pre- or post-tour arrangements.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers are at additional cost, with the exception of one drop-off at London Heathrow on May 24th.
Information will be provided about independent and pre-arranged transfers closer to the tour.
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HOTEL AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Weston Park has 28 bedrooms with a choice of 25 doubles and 3 singles. All the bedrooms are individually
designed and provide genuine luxurious appeal and character that you would expect from a 17th century stately
home furnished with the original family collection of furniture and art. All rooms set aside for us are ensuite,
most with separate bathtub and shower. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the house. The right is
reserved to substitute hotels when necessary. Although Travel Muse will endeavor to arrange for congenial
travel companions, this cannot be guaranteed and a single supplement will be charged when necessary.
MEALS
Only those meals indicated are included in the cost of the tour:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; T = Cream Tea; R = Reception; D = Dinner
ITINERARY
Although Travel Muse and ground operators will make every effort to adhere to the itinerary, on rare
occasions it may be necessary to adjust arrangements due to circumstances beyond our control. Should
any activities not be available, substitution will be made to the best of our ability and no refund will be
made. Any additional costs necessitated by such changes are the responsibility of the tour member. Please
note that there will be significant walking and standing, as well as tight staircases to navigate. The tour is not
handicap accessible. Casual dress is recommended, particularly comfortable shoes. And always be prepared for
weather.
TOUR COSTS
Prices are based on a minimum of 12 paying participants and a currency exchange rate of $1.70 to the
British Pound. At the time of final payment, Travel Muse reserves the right to add any increased amounts
arising from changes in foreign exchange rates and taxes and from changes instituted by suppliers or caused
by market conditions. All local/government taxes on hotels, meals, and services in the itinerary are
included in addition to normal gratuities to porters, waiters, and local guides. Rates are based on group
participation, and there can be no refund for services or portions of the tour not taken. It is also understood and
agreed that all excursions are optional and refunds cannot be made to tour members who do not participate or
complete the tour, for any reason.
PHONE OR EMAIL
For questions, please call Meg MacDonald at Travel Muse in Boston, MA: 617-469-7370,
or toll-free at 1-877-716-1776. Or send an e-mail to: [email protected].
This itinerary and its content is © Copyright 2012-13 by The DiCamillo Companion, Ltd.
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Terms & Conditions
LIMIT OF LIABILITY
Travel Muse and all its agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation, hotels, and
other arrangements of this tour, and exercise every care possible. However, we cannot assume liability for
accident, illness or injury, delay, loss, damage or expenses incurred, of or by clients and/or tour members and
their property, alleged to have occurred as a result of strikes, riots, public disturbances, terrorism, war,
quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne
by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. Travel Muse disclaims any
and all responsibility for changes in air, coach, boat and other transport services and for any consequences of
such changes. Travel Muse also reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in which event the
entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation or liability on its part, though exceptions may be
made for unforeseen circumstances, such as acts of terrorism, in which case refunds will be made based on
monies recovered from suppliers. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person or group,
without any liability either to such person or group or agent/organizer/client or any other party connected to
this service. The right is reserved to substitute accommodations, carriers, or any other qualified leader; or to
alter the itinerary of the program at any time when deemed appropriate or advisable without penalty or
liability. The sole responsibility of any airline used for this tour is limited to that set out in the passenger
contract evidenced by the ticket.
PAYMENTS
Deposits will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. An invoice will be sent to you upon receipt for
a partial balance due February 13th, and a final balance due April 16, 2013.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be made in writing to:
Travel Muse, 25 Montclair Avenue, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Cancellation Penalty
•
•
•
Cancellations received prior to February 13
Cancellations received February 14 to April 15
Cancellations received on or after April 16
and up until the day of departure:
$300 *
$600 *
Total tour cost **
* Cancellation fee covers administrative and operational costs and any penalties assessed by suppliers.
** Travel insurance information will be sent to you upon receipt of your deposit.
This tour is operated by Travel Muse for
The DiCamillo Companion, Ltd.
a corporation registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
76 Elm Street, No. 310, Boston, MA 02130-2999 USA
www.DiCamilloCompanion.com
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CURT’S CURIOSITIES
The Glory of England
A Tour of English Country Houses & Gardens
May 19 – 24, 2013
Reservation Form
Please complete this Reservation Form and send it with your deposit of US$1,000 per person (by check payable to
Travel Muse) to: TRAVEL MUSE, 25 Montclair Avenue, West Roxbury, MA 02132 USA.
Name(s):
(Include preferred titles: Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., Lord, Lady)
Address:
City/Town:
State/Province/County:
Zip/Post Code:
Day Telephone: (
Cell/Mobile Phone:
)
Fax: (____)
Evening Telephone: (
)
Email:
ACCOMMODATION
____
We would like to share a room: ______ Twin beds
______ King/Queen bed
____
I would like to have a single room at the supplemental cost of $375
____
Please assist me in finding a roommate (If none can be found, I will pay the single supplement)
____
I/we would like to have a ____ Non-smoking room ____ Smoking room
DIETARY
Are there any foods you cannot eat?________________________________________________________
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I (we) have read the details of this brochure, including the Terms and Conditions, and agree to abide by all
stipulations contained therein.
Signature:
Date
Signature:
Date
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