HENLEY ON THAMES and GREYS COURT (NT)

Henley on Thames and Greys Court (NT)

Friday 23^rd April

Henley-on-Thames is a world-renowned historic market town in Oxfordshire, England, famously known as the global home of rowing.  Nestled on one of the most scenic stretches of the River Thames at the edge of the Chiltern Hills.  After Lunch we travel to the nearby Greys Court (NT), this picturesque 16th-century mansion and tranquil gardens were home to the Brunner family until recent years.  The house exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked kitchen and homely living rooms.  Inside the house there's a plain pine staircase, at the top of which is a window containing five panels of 16th and 17th-century-stained glass. They are all originally from Switzerland and would likely have been collected by Sir John Brunner, 1st Baronet, on one of his frequent trips to the country.   The series of walled gardens is a colourful patchwork of interest set amid medieval ruins.  Other buildings from earlier eras include the Great Tower from the 14th century and a rare Tudor donkey wheel, in use until the early 20th century.  The Maze was inspired by the Archbishop of Canterbury's address in 1980, in which he spoke of a ‘mazelike muddle in which the world finds itself’, and his hope that Christian and non-Christians, working together, could solve it.  The design, by Adrian Fisher, is packed with Christian symbolism, for example, the seven rings stand for the seven days of creation, the three outward turns for the three days that Christ spent in the tomb. The Octagonal Stone fountain designed by Hugo Brunner’s brother-in-law, the architect Francis Pollen. A prayer for good harvest by the Latin poet Horace was carved in slate.

Adults: £56.50   Senior citizens: £55.50 Child: £46.50 Including admission

Adults: £37.50   Senior citizens: £36.50 National Trust Members

NT Members please bring card and make the office aware to qualify for reduction.

Cropwell Bishop - Fern Road Bus stop

Cotgrave - The Manvers Arms Pub

Radcliffe on Trent - The Grange

Bingham - The Co-op Market Square Bus Stop

West Bridgford - The Library

Nottingham - Mount Street Bus Stop

If a trip is heading South, we additional pickup at Clifton - Mcdonalds Bus Stop