Chavenage House, located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, is a beautiful 16th-century manor house that welcomed a group of our members on Thursday, 6th July 2023.
After the dissolution of the monasteries, the manor and estate were granted to Thomas Seymour, King Henry VIII’s brother in law. The house was reconstructed by Edward Stephens in 1576 but parts of the present day house thought to date back to the 14th century.
Upon arrival, the members were warmly greeted by a member of the family who provided a brief and amusing introduction to the house’s history and significance. We learned that Chavenage House has been in the same family for over 400 years and has been featured in several films and TV shows, including the popular British period dramas, Poldark, Emma and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Our group was then taken on a guided tour of the house, led by a knowledgeable, amusing and enthusiastic guide going through the grandeur of the Elizabethan Great Hall to the cosy charm of the Tudor bedrooms, every corner of Chavenage House exuded a unique charm and character.
After the tour, we had the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and some homemade scones in the ballroom overlooking the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. The gardens, with their manicured lawns and colourful flower beds, provided the perfect setting for the members to relax and reflect on their visit.
The visit to Chavenage House was a delightful experience and it was very well organised as always by Ruth. It also served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.