Nat Trt outing Dudmaston - Much Wenlock en route

On the way to Dudmaston (see previous days for links) we stopped in the Shropshire village of Much Wenlock, which was quite delightful.

Many beautiful timber-framed buildings. Unfortunately, rather a spoiler, I noticed at least one pseudo-timber framed building where the upper walls had been stuccoed, painted white and the pretend timber-framing painted thereon in black. Ho hum! as Ray would say. However, we had a first class meal in a pub and I found an excellent old book shop.

Y had walked ahead and was talking to Sue and Gordon and when I caught up I said I was going back for a browse. Much laughter. Apparently Y had said "G will not be able to walk past that bookshop". A lady who knows her husband indeed. Inside I found an early edition of Jenny Joseph's "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple". Couldn't resist it.

The sign in Picture 1 was attached to the wall of the Old Police Station and I have reproduced it in black and white because it seemed appropriate. Also, I have left the brickwork in to convey scale.

We then drove to Dudmaston which has much to commend it. I'm not publishing a picture because you all know what a stately home looks like.

Interesting Art collection and some v. interesting Sculpture including small works by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore and a remarkable charcoal sketch for a sculpture by Lyn Chadwick. Both Y and I love sketches and preliminary drawings because they are so real and you feel close to the artist. Well worth going for ! Most of the rooms in the house seemed small and a little claustrophobic. They would probably have been better with a timed-entry system to prevent overcrowding. If you really want to see the house there are some pictures clicky here - not mine but their's.

I decided to do the fading dog roses instead.

As promised, a short bloggette only. I am indebted to Dr. Johnson (as so often) for my quote :-

"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.

Uneventful return journey, conversations, Y back in time to catch the Football Match - England v Russia and it's 3 nil in our favour at the moment. An excellent match she tells me !

..... That's it for today. Not exhausted, but close to. Sleep tight.....