Lovely autumn colours as we headed through parts of Essex aiming for the Stour River Valley and Dedham Vale area. Enjoyed the little villages of Stratford St. Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt and finally Flatford. Lots of little country lanes (Give Way), pastel coloured houses and picturesque countryside scenes. The views here inspired many of the paintings of John Constable nearly 200 years ago. Indeed very charming and nice to see identified spots at Flatford such as Bridge Cottage, The Bridge, The Lock, The Granary, Valley Farm, Flatford Mill, “The Hay Wain” view and Willy Lott’s House. Fortunately not crowded with visitors at all – maybe because it was a little hard to find!
Stayed at Drinkstone Park B&B where there used to be a large mansion (built in 1760 and now demolished) and park. The famous painter, Thomas Gainsborough painted Drinkstone Park in 1747. One the Grigby family, the first owners of the park, not wanting to be buried in a churchyard, was buried (1829) in the grounds – reputedly standing upright so he could keep an eye on the gardeners! His elaborate tomb is still well preserved.
The current property is only 3 ha and the gardens are well known and visited.
