Monday has turned out to have been the best day of the week. On arriving home from my morning swim 'Himself' suggested a trip to Angelsey Abbey. It's a National Trust property we had been meaning to visit for some time now. I knew we had missed their renown snowdrop display so I wasn't sure if I really wanted to go out. We'd also seen Carol Kline visit the Winter Garden on Television's 'Gardeners World' program on the previous Friday. Then, having remembered seeing photographs of the magnificent Himalayan Silver Birch grove in the gardens I decided I wanted to go.
The journey wasn't a long one as the Abbey is just a little north east of Cambridge but we were disappointed that the lovely sunny day had turned overcast. Arriving at around lunch time we were surprised by how busy the car park was. We had thought Monday wouldn't be a busy day especially as we knew the Mill and the Abbey wouldn't be opened! Quite a few people were coming aways from the Gardens as we walked in. 'Himself' soon sussed out why. Prince Charles had been for an official visit and and was now having lunch in the closed Abbey restaurant. The up side of his visit was the Mill was opened to visitors.
As we had a nice light lunch in the modern light airy restaurant the cloud layer dispersed and the sun made a welcome appearance once more. We set off in the sunshine to walk around some of the the gardens. The grounds of the Abbey are essentially divided in to four main gardens, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter garden
The winter garden didn't disappoint despite the snowdrops and the fragrant Virburnum Bodnantence Dawn being over. The Hellebore's were still all out in flower and daffodils were making their splendid sunny appearance.
The main appeal of the Winter Garden though is the colourful stems of the shrubbery and the wonderful tactile tree barks.
Such vibrant colours made more so by the sunshine.......
....and then round a corner you stumble on this plantation of young Himalayan Silver Birch. It truly is a beautiful sight. Their brilliant white trunks gleam in the sunlight.
Out of the winter garden and round another twist in the path you come across the mill. This is a water powered flour mill. It shouldn't have been open but for the Royal visit, so we took the opportunity to pay it a visit as well. 'Himself' climbed the steep ladder to the top but I elected to stay at ground level. The volunteer guides were most informative and actual started the hugh mill wheel turning to grind fresh flour. I had to buy some, so now I have a kilo of freshly ground wholewheat flour sitting on the shelf in my kitchen.
The body of water that runs the mill is called a Lode. It's clear, clean water that sparkles in the sunlight. The leaves of the emerging water lilies are clearly to be seen sprouting towards the surface.
The present mill dates from the 18th century but there are records of a mill on this site in the Doomsday Book of 1068. The cogs and wheels of this machinery are a work of art. Some of the cog wheels are made from wood and interlock so perfectly. The main upright beam that turns all the machinery is one massive tree trunk of a sweet chestnut tree.
Pressing on along the winding paths we came across various sculptures all around the gardens. This guy must have felt a little chilly this winter!
The original Abbey on this site was an Augustinian priory and was built in 1236. Religious life of the Priory came to an end in 1536 when it was dissolved by Henry VIIIth. The Priory then became a private house with various owners. In 1928 it was bought by Lord Fairhaven who renovated and restored it. He eventually left it to the National Trust.
After we had covered about half the grounds I decided that was enough for my dodgy joints. A sit down in the restaurant with a cup of tea was definitely called for. We'll save the rest for another time of the year and on a day when the Abbey is opened to view.
Most definitely a place to be placed on the list for further visits, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
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