It’s that time of the year again, folks, spring has sprung, the National Trust doors are open and off we go. First up, Clevedon Court  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-clevedoncourt with my daughter Celia. The historic home of the Elton family. I have to say the well known Eltonware pottery struck me as rather bizarre but the veiled lady was fascinating. She was apparently donated to the family years ago by a neighbour who said she frightened her children. I can’t say I’m surprised.

Next to Hungerford Castle http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.16178 

with my elder daughter Caroline and her three sons. I knew little of the Hungerford family, two of the early ones above,  and was shocked to see that most of them met gruesome ends. As the Castle is in ruins, the boys could do very little extra damage, therefore, it’s one of their favourite places so far. Evan, espying a rather scary looking cherub on a tomb in the Chapel, stood beside it and gave a fair imitation of an evil angel out of Dr. Who. Just like this! He’s only three, but advanced for his age. Could this be why the three boys are reluctant to go to bed at night? (This image comes from Dr. Who, Blackpool. Perhaps I’ll buy him one, but not yet!)