Never ones to be put off by the prospect of heavy rain, three hoods-down Morgans driven by their intrepid Thames Valley owners and co-drivers (wives) plus one Land Rover, with owner and dog, met up on the 4th Sunday of February to walk the grounds and woods of Greys Court. At this time of year the snow drops are fully out and presented colour to our very slippy hour-long walk around the circumference of the estate. This was followed by well-deserved coffee and cake, and a very wet drive home, hoods-up.
There has been something on the site at Greys Court since the Domesday Book, but the earliest surviving remains are parts of the 11th century Great Tower. Greys Court is named after John de Grey, the 1st Baron de Grey, who in the 13th century fortified his mansion house and surrounding buildings. During the region of Elizabeth I, the then owner, Sir Francis Knollys was given the role of guarding Mary Queen of Scots, and in the hope that Elizabeth would visit Greys Court he demolished the medieval mansion and rebuilt it as a fashionable courtier's house. Despite all his efforts the Queen never visited. The manor, which has historical associations with the Hell Fire Club and Ian Fleming, was continually occupied until 2003 when it was passed to the National Trust. Next time we visit, perhaps we will explore the house with its Romantic style decoration and delicately ornate plasterwork.
So, don’t be afraid of getting your Morgan wet at this time of year.
