Rural and sparsely populated, the mountains, moorlands and river valleys of the Welsh Marches are dense in architectural interest. Our summer course pays homage to the borderland’s most inspiring churches, including the cathedrals at Brecon and Hereford, and is further distinguished by private visits to a number of country houses, notably Dingestow Court, Llanvihangel Court and Tredegar House.
The ancient seat of the Council of the Marches was based in Ludlow, where the parish church contains a marvellous set of mediaeval misericords. Kilpeck, reckoned to be Britain’s finest Romanesque church, displays 12th century carvings in profusion, whilst Abergavenny is world-famous for its mediaeval oak sculpture of Jesse. In Hereford Cathedral we will admire the superbly crafted choir stalls, the mediaeval chained library and the 13th century Mappa Mundi.
Where country houses are concerned, the Marches are spoilt for choice: the mediaeval grandeur of Stokesay Castle and Tretower Court gives way to the Elizabethan delights of Llanvihangel and the Restoration period wonders of Monmouth Great Castle House and Tredegar House. Georgian style is seen to advantage at Dingestow Court and Berrington Hall, whilst Gothick splendour has no equal in Eastnor Castle with its Pugin interiors.
We stay at the Belmont Lodge Hotel, just outside Hereford. Set in the heart of the Wye Valley, the main house – a listed building – was constructed in 1788 by James Wyatt. Bedrooms are in a modern, purpose-built annexe.
Dates: June 27–July 1, 2011 |
Cost: £630 |
Lecturer: David Bostwick |
Course Code: HEWM11 |
Itinerary
Day 1 Course assembles 1300 at Belmont Lodge Hotel, Hereford, for four nights. Afternoon: private visit to Eastnor Castle (Pugin interior), Kilpeck Church (England’s finest Romanesque church, sumptuously carved interior and exterior).
Day 2 Private visit to Llanvihangel Court (16th century manor with delightful banqueting house), Abergavenny Church (15th century Jesse tree sculpture; mediaeval, Tudor and Stuart memorials), Tretower Court and Castle (mediaeval galleried courtyard house), Brecon Cathedral (rare 12th century font), Haye on Wye.
Day 3 Private visits to Dingestow Court (18th century country house and gardens), Monmouth Great Castle House (late 17th century plasterwork ceilings), Tredegar House (superb late 17th century mansion of Morgan family).
Day 4 Stokesay Castle (mediaeval fortified manor-house), Stokesay Church (17th century painted wall-texts), Ludlow Church (mediaeval misericords), Ludlow, Berrington Hall (neo-Classical mansion set in Capability Brown park).
Day 5 Hereford Cathedral (private viewing of Mappa Mundi, chained library, quire misericords) followed by private visit to Clytha Park (18th century country house with fine picture collection). Course disperses 1600 at hotel.
Cost
Cost of £630 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, drinks reception, breakfast & dinner, excursions & admissions (except English Heritage properties for non-members).
Not included: travel insurance, supplement for doubles/twins for single use £165.