A spur of the moment decision

Wednesday 18th

Well that was a turn up for the books. We hadn't realised exactly where we had stopped yesterday and it was only looking in Nicholson's this morning to see where our next destination was going to be that I noticed Dunham Massey Hall not a mile walk away. So even though the start of the day was dull and overcast, (heavy rain fell last night) we thought why not go see. And so glad we did as, what both of us hadn't realised, Fallow Deer roamed free in the grounds. This is a NT property having once been owned by Roger Grey 10th Earl of Stamford and entry prices did reflect that. To park a car costs £6 and entry to the hall and gardens another £14 with gift aid. (glad we walked) The deer park and Mill is free though and knowing how much cafe food would cost we took a packed lunch.

With 197acres of woodland and parkland to walk we set off as soon as we arrived to search for the Deer. Wasn't long before we spotted them. In fact everywhere we walked a Fallow deer would pop up. The weather did deteriorated but the Oak tree canopy this time of year was thick enough to give us some cover. Didn't stop the Deer, squirrels and bunnies from showing themselves. Having walked well over a mile we turned back to find the Hall. After tea for 2 (£3.60) and lunch we headed off to see the house. Here a story was being told about the 7th Earl's second wife. This exert taken from NT website

Eighteen year old George Harry became the 7th Earl in 1845 when he inherited Dunham Massey to become the wealthiest and most titled young man of the time.
When he rebelled against the expectations of polite Victorian society to marry skilled circus performer Catharine Cox, the effects of their controversial love-match reverberated across the whole estate.
Shunned by society, the 7th Earl and Catharine abandoned Dunham Massey. As their heavily laden carriages rolled along the tree-lined avenues of the Deer Park, Dunham’s history was changed forever.
Did they make the right decision? You decide as their story of love and abandonment plays out throughout the House.

 
Tired but enlightened we walked back to FS late afternoon. The sun had come out and we now sweltered in our outer gear, namely waterproofs. Very clad to sit down in FS, rest my aching feet and be revived by a nice cup of tea. Not sure where we will get to tomorrow although shopping is a bit of a priority.

So now to the images. First the house. (more on Jameisons afloat 2)

Dunham Massey Hall

Silver po's

 And in the Deer park (loads more on my wildlife blog)

Fallow Deer

Pinching the chickens maize

cute babies

Dabchick