
As you drive through the gates of the park, you catch a glimpse of the Castle before you lose it again as you sweep down the hill. Local taxi drivers slow down at this point and turn up the Downton music as visitors crane their heads. Turning left at the crossroads, you again glimpse the Castle tower as the car winds up the main drive, which is just the right width for a horse and carriage. A magnificent English oak leans out an inviting arm, the aged bough suggesting a welcoming. Finally you arrive at an oblique angle to the Castle, before you wave goodbye to the cheery taxi and walk, hopefully with admiration, between the lawns, towards the graveled sweep in front of the Castle.
It is not just the Castle which all of us, whether visitors or community, find inspiring. It is also the setting: a marvellous compromise between untrammelled nature, man’s vision of what nature could be and farm land.
Several thousand years ago there would just have been woodland, scrub and pasture. Early Neolithic farmers cleared areas and farming gradually grew more sophisticated with settled field systems and byways. Here at Highclere, the church started to organise the land with fields and bee hives and fish stews (ponds).
In the 13th century, the creation of a medieval deer park significantly changed the immediate landscape so that, by the 18th century, the small agricultural fields of the time created a tessellated view of patchwork hedgerows. In 1771, Capability Brown swept all this away, using elements of the old medieval deer park as a frame to remove boundaries in order to create the “Arcadian” landscape which was so fashionable at the time.
Walking around the Castle to the south, sheep graze the park pasture whilst deer live in and around the fields and woods. A key element is the lack of fences – the relaxed continuity. Oaks tend to stand on their own in fields, as do the cedars, whilst limes, beech, rowan and birch create mixed woodland areas. Trees age and die, some still standing in skeletal majesty whilst others fall and slowly begin to decompose, the nutrients recycled by, above all, the fungi followed by a myriad of insects, larvae, bacteria, slugs, snails, millipedes, springtails, earthworms and beetles. Death leads to renewal, a replenishment of nutrients.
I believe that walking under trees, on a beach or through a landscape, admiring a view, gives reassurance and helps us restore our balance and calm. A poet, John Clare (1793-1864), spent much of his work mourning a rural idyll, a way of life that can never be recaptured. Whilst not wishing to be romantically innocent, there is a value in nature beyond money. With technological advances and a sense of superiority, we act as if we are able to develop and take from land at will, rather than allow the earth time to recoup. We don’t always remember that we are partners and how dependent we are on the earth. There is an endless unfolding complex natural process which interconnects and I would suspect Clare would think we have never been so unconnected to it.
To see the beetles their wild mazes run
With jetty jackets glittering in the sun
Now summer is in flower and natures hum
Is never silent
As one critic (The Guardian) wrote about his poem An Invite to Eternity: “After a flowing pastoral start this quickly becomes a darker glimpse of a damaged life in a damaged world.”
Not only does his poetry describes a world he feels is passing, but he uses a vocabulary which we are also, in a way, losing because we forget to look.
Over one hundred and fifty years since John Clare died these are again interesting times, for nature whether in the raw or surviving in Arcadia. It takes only a little time to recognise and listen to the bats diving out of the yew trees, or delight that the house martins return to the corners of the Castle courtyard, look out for the owl on the fence post, the red kites circling lazily, the field fares crowding a thorny field border or hearing the shrill cry of lapwings. They depend on the insects encouraged by the slow reclaim of fallen limbs to multiply.
The trees and plants in our pastoral landscape give us so much during their lifetime – pleasure, shade, food, and yet are still able to contribute to the circle of life even after their death and thus they give back.
‘Couldn’t be more in tune with nature as I read this lovely blog and sit in the shade of the olive tree here out by the Halkidiki Greek seaside. There is that “hum’ now at noontime, of bees and bugs and butterflies. The photos of you and Lord Carnarvon in the field of wild flowers is fantastic! All the photos are wonderful, as is the description and writing…’love this summer blog! And, yes, I remember the taxi driver playing the Downton theme music as we entered the estate, what an experience to see Highclere Castle come into sight, takes your breath away!
I never tire of it
Lady Carnarvon …. thank you … what a vivid reflection on the beauty around us! On my way to work each day, I used to pass huge fields where I often saw a farmer tending to the crops that he had planted. The fields were surrounded by a frame of trees. The view was calming and kept me connected to nature. Now when I drive to work, that same farmer’s field is presently a construction site with about eight, multi-storied apartment buildings going up. I hear hammering .. and the noise of the nail guns … I see trucks and disrupted earth. I used to hope that the farmer would hold out! But who knows his story. I do know this… I miss the tranquility and beauty of those fields! Marilyn Peck
You are the perfect stewards of such a lovely and historical place. I admire you for researching and caring for every inch of your place. People nowadays seem to always want more…it is very liberating to be satisfied with what you have and to be able to share with those less fortunate. I loved Downton Abbey, and enjoyed my visit to Highclere a couple of summers ago. Would love to come back for an event sometime!
The picture of the two of you in your “fields of flowers” is beautiful! Connie
I will never forget my first visit to Highclere in 2014. As you described ,the taxi drive up to Castle is filled with anticipation. The bends in the lanes all add to, when do we see it? And then, there it is, and it’s gone again, a few more twists and turns and Lo and behold, the Castle it’s self. Breathtaking . Walking up to Highclere brings Downton Abbey to life, and hearing the theme music in my head.
The grounds seem to stretch forever around you.
Nature at its best.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. It helps.
Thank you for these beautiful, inspirational words. Your thoughts and descriptions of country life calm the soul and free the cluttered mind.
Betsy
A beautiful and thought provoking post. Stunning photos, and the one of you both is very natural and lovely.
My husband and I visited Highclere back in 2014 on our 40th anniversary trip to the UK. Downton Abbey was our favorite show and we wanted to see the castle “up close and personal”. We loved everything about it, but especially the gardens and grounds. This past May, we shared it with another couple who loved it as well, except that we were fresh off the plane with little sleep. So it was a glorious day to sit outside in the sunshine enjoying a cup of English cream tea while the newcomers explored the castle. What a glorious place………….and we are happy that you share it with us!
Carrolle Bowermeister
North Carolina, USA
Thank you for more wonderful photography and informative words. I am always looking forward to more.
Your lovely, lyrical commentary on the gift of nature at your beautiful estate reminds us all of what we owe to nature everywhere for giving so much of herself to and for us. We owe her our loving care and concern, our tenderness and ability to gently tend to her needs. Thank you for the priceless time you spend keeping us apprised of the wonders of beloved Highclere. I look forward to hearing from you every Monday.
We should nurture nature
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your beautiful essay is a call for us all to think more deeply and act more effectively in “Giving Back” to nature. We need to allow wild Nature to exist and flourish. And we need to experience it so we, too, can flourish and can strengthen our commitment to preservation.. Your essays always bring both calm and inspiration.
We treasure the memories of our two visits to Highclere. You have a magic touch in allowing visitors to feel free as you manage the challenge of the hundreds flowing through. Thank you!
Thank you
Good morning
The beautiful picture of the baby deer resting caught my attention.
Thank you.
Shirley taylor
Your pastoral photos tugged at my heart and brought back memories of the rides on my magic carpet Indian Dancer, my Crabbet bred Arabian stallion, who carried me over the mountains and through the valleys and meadows of the beautiful southern California area that I have lived in for the past 25 years. He brought me to the center of life that you describe in your post, such as the smells and vibrations of the intricate web of nature, and wonderful gifts such as magnificent views that “give reassurance and help us restore our balance and calm”.
Arabs in particular have such a link to the ground – they see so much the main thing is to see it as they do and thus go with!!1
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This latest post of yours is by far one of the most gratifying as your sense and connection to your natural world around you there at Highclere Castle feels very familiar and comfortable to me in my natural world where I live in Connecticut, USA. I take great pleasure and find such a sense of calm in tending to our gardens, hearing the bees buzzing about collecting pollen, birds & butterflies swooping in and amongst the various plants and trees, ground squirrels & chipmunks racing about collecting and storing food for the winter and hummingbirds visiting on their annual migration. In this hectic, demanding world we all live in taking time to stop, observe, smell and walk amongst nature is sure way to bring a sense of calm and order to a day. Thank you so much for the lovely photographs and gracious writing. I love beginning my week reading your blog each Monday morning. I relive my past visits there with every description you detail so beautifully.
Thank you !
Thank you describing the scenery around Highclere so well that it made me feel as though we were strolling the grounds together.
I hope you will come and stroll the grounds
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you once again for relating the constant beauty and connection made between man and nature.
We just returned from a trip that brought us a lot closer to history and how we need to ‘relate’.
You have opened many thoughts and actually connections between the two.
It’s nice to see you and your husband walking through fields of wild flowers, and preserving your property for your pleasure and ours.
As always, thank you for sharing.
Kind Regards, Jane Hrabak
When we were there in early June, I asked your husband if the sheep stayed outside all year long. I was concern about them having enough water to drink. He said that you have a water system for them and that they love to be outside and they are sheared in July.
There are also plenty of trees for shade
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Once again, you have given the gift of artfully crafted words to enrich my Monday morning. I read your blog first thing so I can absorb the calm that is always imparted so generously.
We visited Highclere on a tour with Debbie last year for our 50th Anniversary and we are going to be there for Heroes At Highclere this September. We are filled with anticipation!
Your words about the world and nature really strikes a cord within me. We live in Southwest Florida by the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is beautiful, but we have not visited it for months because of Red Tide. The Red Tide seems to be present when they release a lot of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee, which is in the center of the state and is connected by canals to both coasts. Man has disrupted the balance of nature here to the point that the Everglades is not the Everglades God designed anymore. They diverted water and added fill to Everglades land to grow crops for profit. Since Florida is a semi tropical climate they can grow crops year round. So the land never gets to rest. The Bible says to give the land a rest every seven years. But of course, that never happens here. So, they add chemicals to “enrich” the tired soil to grow more. Then the chemicals run off into our waterways and we get Red Tide blooms out in the Gulf. It kills fish by the thousands. SO SAD! There are hundreds of dead fish floating in the water and laying on our beaches. One variety found dead is the Goliath Grouper. The carcasses found are 5 feet in length or more. Nine such fish were found on just one stretch of beach. Ironically, this species is protected and cannot be fished. This devastation goes on for miles.
The wisdom that is applied at the Highclere Estate is needed the world over. God Bless you for respecting the land and the one who created it. We are indeed ‘caretakers’ of this land. We really do not own it.
Respectfully,
Linda Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
Thank you for your thoughts – we seem to grow too much in the wrong place..
I am so thrilled you are coming in September please do share this event with your commmunity to gather people here where possible – it is something of an endeavour and a centenary thus not a repeat!
What a thoughtful and inspired essay on life at Highclere and beyond you have penned, Lady Carnarvon. As I was reading this beautiful piece, it was like reading Scripture. You have inspired me to unfold myself from this chair and have a walkabout, even though it is 100 degrees in the shade here today. It’s my way of saying Thank You, to the obviously loving Creator we have, and to refresh my mind, body, and spirit by enjoying the abundance of the Creation. Again thanks for taking the time to pen your reflections at Highclere, a place I love, and always will.
Thank you – hope you took some water!!
Your wonderful musings about the grounds of Highclere remind me of a question about land management in England I never have had someone to ask. Possibly you?
In the much of the Western US, land is either open range or not. In open range areas if you want to keep your stock in and other stock out, you have to fence your land. If not fenced, any animals that want to come in may. Is there such in England, your land?
Cordially, John
There are fences across some fields and hedges. In the past thickets, scrub and thorn were important and important for wild life. The field names today still bear witness to the earlier look- ie Thorndown…
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I don’t know if I enjoyed the beautiful photos or your picturesque descriptions of the charming history of sights on your land.
(Oh, it would have to be your lovely writing! It isn’t true a picture is worth 1000 words here! I could “see” more beauty clearly captured in the artistry of your writing!!!)
Thank you,
Marsha
Florida, USA
A lovely essay – nature to be appreciated in all forms. There are still pockets of rural life here in southern California, not too far from Los Angeles. Several years ago I would drive to work and pass a dairy farm. An ostrich also inhabited the farm and each morning would stand at the corner of a fence, watching the occasional car go by. Every day, in silent communication, I would look at it as it looked at me. Then once, just for fun, I waved and I swear it winked back! At least, I think it did…. 🙂
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Reading your lovely description of how nature takes care of life around Highclere is so moving and brings me back to how I felt when I visited in 2014. Aside from the awesomeness of the estate, I loved the vast expanse of the natural beauty of plants and animals around Highclere. We didn’t have enough time to appreciate the views and hope to return some day. Coming all the way from Hawaii made such a trip a dream come true! Thank you for opening your home. I have read all your books and look forward to the next one.
Aloha,
Ada
Aiea, Hawaii
Thank you!
Enjoy this paradise
I and others ..
Lady Carnarvon,
I am coming to visit Highclere Aug 23. 2018. I am very excited. In fact, it will be my first stop on my way to Wales for a family reunion. I will be flying from Austin, Texas. I was born not very far from Highclere near Reading in a small town called Earley, and moved to America when I was 14 years old. That was 25 years ago. I have not visited since 2004. I’m very looking forward to visiting Highclere and the surrounding areas.
I know exactly where Earley is – not far!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you so much for this most beautiful blog entry. One has enjoyed reading it immensely, and also the most beautiful photos. What a beautiful place Highclere is, that never ceases to amaze with its magnificent landscape.
Thank you so much for taking the time to bless others with the wonders of Highclere.
Enjoy the remainder of your lovely summer season this year.
Kind regards,
Michael Haggar (an Australian who loves Britain)
Well thank you!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I, like many, subscribe to your blog our of our love for Downton Abbey. My husband and I visited Highclere castle last summer and fell in love with the real Downton Abbey.
Most of your entries describe you life, and the life of Highclere. This particular post needs to be read by more than your subscribers. I hear in your “voice”, a pleading with us all to respect and cherish the earth, something I feel is sorely lacking in most parts of my country, at least. Maybe the world.
Is there a way, perhaps, you could get this entry published in a national newspaper?
Respectfully,
Elizabeth Verderosa
Metuchen, NJ
PS I recommend the book, The Hidden Life of Trees, by Wohlleben and Flannery.
Thank you – in some ways that is the strength of social media, this is in the public domain – and it allows thoughts to be shared, to be reflected upon and taken further as you see fit. Highclere “gives back” a long view in space and time.
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Reading your blog is like listening to classical music with your eyes closed, the images you conjure up floating before them like peaceful clouds, a verbal massage. Thank you for your inspirational words on the beauty of nature which they conjure up. You have a very real gift and a beautiful home.
I often listen to classical music when writing this blog – it helps to clear one’s mind.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This is by far my favorite post you have written as my husband and I are both Biologist (he the Chair of Biology at the largest university in the US and my degree is in Marine Biology). How true that there is a ‘value in nature beyond money,’ yet ‘we’ keep clear cutting, polluting, taking, and destroying-forever that which can never be brought back…all in the name of profit! 🙁
We will be visiting your beautiful home and its lands in two weeks and I am obviously excited to marvel at the Castle and the beauty within her walls but I have to admit that I am perhaps more eager to ‘just be’ as we walk the grounds and gardens and take in all that you have described!!!
THANK YOU once again for sharing your home and more importantly your heart with all of us!
Sincerely,
Tammy Worthy
Orlando, FL
I hope I might see you – I am around much of the summer
You two are such an asset to Highclere and England!!!! Thank you for taking time to share things you love with us. It looks like some of the wild flowers you are walking in are Queen Annes Lace. They make beautiful bouquets by putting cut flowers in colored water (food coloring) and they will soak up the color and turn the lace to that color. Beautiful and simple bouquet. I have made patriotic arrangement with the red and blue coloring! Have a SPECTACULAR summer!!!!!!
The meadow changes through the summer and different colours dominate – I picked some wilder flowers to create sone table decorations – every time has highlights
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Once again you have outdone yourself in this lovely description of your part of the world! It is a pleasure to read and imagine walking across the expanse of lawns, paths and forested areas. The view from the hills down to the castle are wonderful, too.
Our walks in Northwest Montana in June might also include glimpses of tiny fawns hiding just where their mom told them to stay. We try to stay far enough away so they don’t have to disobey their orders to stay put! We also might see sign of bear or even a black or grizzly in “person”.
We visited Highclere in late May of 2015 and enjoyed the visit so much, arriving in the morning and staying through a light lunch taking home a fine little cup which I bought with my coffee.
Looking forward to your next entry,
Margaret
Thank you!
Lovely and serene blog about the beautiful grounds. I know Tressa was just there with her winning group for an evening and I hope you will blog about that soon! We are just thrilled for her trip!
She arrives for tea tomorrow!
We visited in early April and unfortunately did not get to enjoy the same scenes because of heavy fog and sometimes slight mist. And of course the garden was just beginning to bloom, but we could tell it was going to be beautiful.
We certainly did enjoy the inside and the gardens up close and thank you both for sharing your
beautiful home with us.
Garry and Ann Fama
Dallas, Texas
You had rather typically British weather! Thank you for visiting
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your lyrical and beautiful essay is incredibly moving! It struck a chord with me. Thank you for sharing photos of Highclere’s stunning landscapes and the beautiful portrait. Your devotion to and stewardship of Highclere is admirable. And what a beautiful reminder that we are all stewards of the earth and its amazing creatures, large and small.
Stacey Brown
The Woodlands, Texas
I could tell by your lovely wording that the grounds and wildlife around the castle have seeped into your soul. Your piece reminded me of the Dylan Thomas poem, “The Force That Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower.” The poem’s theme is quite similar to your piece – that all things are connected. Thank you for sharing your insight!
(PS We didn’t hear the Downton Abbey theme in the car because we didn’t have a local taxi. Our taxi driver drove us to Highclere from Windsor. Hearing the theme song would have been a nice touch.)
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We met briefly on March 15 during the Garden Tour at Highclere Castle. At the end the tour, but before the lovely tea, we walked out among some beautiful chestnut trees and I picked up a chestnut seed which I brought back to Boston. On a whim, I decided to plant the seed and now have small sapling which we have named in your honor, “The Lady C Chestnut Tree!” Sorry, I wasn’t able to attach a photo of the sapling to this blog.
How amazing – a little bit of Highclere
Thank you so much for making my quiet, morning coffee read such a wonderful experience. One can just imagine how majestic your grounds and farm are in any season. So few really take care of our good earth. Bless you both for your contributions to making it a beautiful place for all to enjoy!
Brenda Watson
Glenn Heights, Texas
Thank you
We were lucky enough to visit Highclere Castle a few years ago, it was the highlight of our trip. It was one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. I did get to see where one of my favorite show Downton Abbey was filmed. Thanks for sharing your wonderful Castle and beautiful gardens.
Thank you!
Lady Carnarvon, I just returned from an english garden tour with friends from Chadds Ford, PA, USA. We are all native gardeners and enjoyed the gardens of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll. How delighted we were to visit your home and see the large specimen trees, wildflower meadow and formal english gardens. A treat. Thank you for sharing your beautiful property and home with us!
My husband and I love the gardens – if it cools this evening I might pick up a fork and dig round some flower beds. I found some lists of specimen trees from about 1820 and it would be interesting to see what I could find now. I am glad you all enjoyed them!