
Walking past the front of the Castle, around the yew trees and into the courtyard at the back, I have often glanced to my left to an ivy-filled muddle, flanked by a grass strip with some fallen stones and bricks. Perhaps because it is spring, this year I felt the urge to tidy the area up. Needless to say my husband was in London when I persuaded Ashley and his team to clear fallen limbs and Mark to come and help me extricate the remains of the building from the brambles and undergrowth.

A sketch of the rebuilt 17th century church
When Highclere was first given to the Bishops of Winchester in 749AD there was certainly a building, or collection of them, where the current Castle stands today and naturally they built a small church. It may well have been repaired and renewed over the years but these ruins represent the remains of the small church built 900 years later (1689) by Geordie’s distant grandfather, Sir Robert Sawyer, It had a portico, small tower with a flight of stairs leading to the wooden doors.

The large Yew Tree base near the old church
In his will dated 1692, Robert Sawyer requested that when he died “in the Communion of the Holy Catholick Church and of the Protestant Church established by the Laws of England”; he wished to be interred in his vault at Highclere. I suspect he is still here at peace, hidden under the grass where we know the vaults still exist. To one side is a broad trunked Yew Tree, one of the oldest trees in the Park and hundreds of years old – what it has seen …!
Two hundred years later, the 4th Earl of Carnarvon decided to build a much larger church nearer Highclere village, which would be more central for the local community, many of whom would not have had horse and carriages and one which would be able to welcome a larger congregation. He commissioned Sir Gilbert Scott (a highly respected architect of, for example, St Pancras station and the Albert Memorial) to design and build what is today still a much loved church.
The archives reveal the agreement, dated 12 May 1869, between the 4th Earl and Charles Wakefield Jackson and George Shaw, to build the new church under the direction of George Gilbert Scott, architect, for the princely sum of £3367. A largish sum then but which seems laughably low now.
Some of the memorials from the old church were moved down to the new building, including an outstanding effigy from the 17th century, but otherwise the old church was taken down to the ground and gradually became lost, leaving only a ring of more recent Yew trees to mark its boundary.
In both rural and urban life, churches help mark our seasons and provide a place for peace and contemplation. We have all felt for the tragic fire and loss of Notre Dame in Paris. Such buildings have shaped our civilisations and our hopes. They provide a heart. Just as the old one did, the new Notre Dame will reveal craftsmanship and beauty, and embody the values for which we all search.

Notre Dame as it was – the inspiration and the majesty
By tidying up the shape and boundary of our little church here, I just hope to remember those who lived here in centuries past, particularly at this time of Easter when we celebrate rebirth after death. My mother -in- law, who made her final journey last week, used to organise Easter egg hunts in the Monks’ garden at Highclere for her grandchildren. Yesterday, it was an Easter trail for a thousand children raising money for a charity, The Murray Parrish Trust, which works to give life – to advance emergency paediatric medicine for children affected by major trauma. Set up in memory of a beloved daughter, it too is about affirming life as well as remembering those who have died. It was amazing day and I wish you all a very happy Easter.
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
LOVELY WORDS.
I have just read your post for the first time. Preserving history with our memories is something to be held onto. I look forward to seeing your lovely home this July.
What a lovely, kind post! Very well written indeed. Thanks! You’ve lifted my spirits with your prose about lifting spirits.
Thank you!
Such a beautiful, peaceful article after all the tragedy we’ve endured in the news of late. Wonderful remembrance of Notre Dame and loving tribute to your mother in law. Nice to see photos of an area of Highclere that needed tidying up and its wonderful lead in to your history of earlier times.
I can see what else I need to tidy too!
Thank you for your lovely account of history. The memories are precious, as with those of your mother-in-law. I’m sorry for your loss. Treasure those sweet moments spent together. They are part of the path that you are walking with your family, into the same shared history that touches many lives on the way. It is a wonderful time to remember the resurrection! God bless your family.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Wow, so much sentiment in this post.
Thank you.
Cheri
What a wonderful post. All of the history you and your husband care for is a treasure. How grateful we are for people like you.
We, too, had a peaceful and amazing Easter Day, quietly in my husband’s hospice room where he lies with a broken back, and so badly broken the prognosis is not good, but on this special day, we were lifted through CD’s of music and message to higher realm of communion with God that makes everything we endure on this earth fade into the true reality of Eternal Life. It was the most wonderful day we have spent since his compression fracture occurred on Feb. 26th. We have a long ways to go, but are thankful for our Spiritual relationship with God, and your wonderful blogs are an inspiration as well. Thank you for this one.
We were given spirit as well as body and I sometimes think that part of Lady Almina Carnarvon’s success, when Highclere was her hospital 100 years ago, was that knowledge. We have been given another chance. Thank you for your message
Every Monday – over here on the West coast of Washington state – I look forward to reading your words Lady Carnarvon. Today’s entry about yew tree, rebirth after death and the churches is another wonderful one to read and think on. Thank you!
Ina Sue Fox
You are kind and I look forward to the comments!
As a Brit expat I miss the English countryside so much, and look forward to your weekly blogs with your news and commentaries on life in the country, and in such a special home.
Condolences on the passing of your mother-in-law, an end of an era for your family, I’m sure.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This past week has been a time of sadness shared, coming together and celebration over the holiday weekend around the world. Your story is a beautiful way of encompassing all of these moments in history which make our world a more meaningful place. Thank you,
Happy Easter
To your family from ours
What a beautiful post and sentiment, Lady Carnarvon. I enjoy reading every post as I feel I learn something new each time. Wishing you and your family the best this Easter season and throughout the year.
Thank you – Happy Easter to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Lady Carnarvon, for your lovely post. We too, have had a loss in our family last week. Our family patriarch, Herman, my father-in-law passed away after 91 years of a wonderful life. As a WWII US Navy veteran he was afforded military honors at the nearby National Cemetery: it was a proud comfort for our family. Losing someone at Easter-time is a blessing with readings of resurrection girding our faith in a final reward. Too, our weather has finally changed and I also have an itchy green thumb, and thankfully, much to do in our own small property. Our hearts go out to the people of Paris and parishioners of Notre Dame. Here in the Saint Louis the Basilica of Saint Louis, King or more affectionately known as the “Old Cathedral” whose roof was severely damaged by winds nearly cancelling Easter services. It is also the church in which my wife and I were married. Fortunately the workers were able to secure and repair the roof for Easter services and Vigil Mass to take place as scheduled. Spring is an amazing time of year where nature conquers the dark season of winter and life springs forth anew. The hope of abundance ensues.
Thank you, Mark, so much for your lovely words. Your father in law must have been one of a kind!
A very inspiring and beautifully written post…Easter joy to you and yours…
mary pauline
Happy Easter
Every Monday morning the treat of #Highclere_activities arrives as my must-read letter. Well-done to clearing out the Old Church area & establishing a park-like setting. The holiday events were so cheerful and the community involvement is so encouraging. Even the #infamous English weather cooperated with the Event. Last week has been a challenging week for me and your letter this morning was a boost. Thank you for presenting both sides of life & history to us. I, as well as so many of the other readers, so appreciate you.
Thank you – although am not there yet on the delineating the old church !
What a wonderful Easter message in your beautifully written post. I have told many friends of my visit to Highclere and the work you are doing to be sure it’s wonderful history is celebrated in so many ways. I feel your care of this treasure is a wonderful life achievement that has great meaning to your family, your community, your country and those of us who live on other continents. Thank you for your time on this blog and your continuing historical research.
Thank you !
Lady Carnarvon, I would love to have your gift for painting such lovely, descriptive word pictures for your readers! As always your writings share your love for Highclere, a wonderful sight for those of us who cannot visit in person. You do a great job of helping us visualize it in our minds! Maria Aldridge
Thank you for your lovely post
What a joy and adventure it must be living on such historical land where you can find such treasures around every corner. So amazing what bricks and mortar can reveal to us!! KEEP EXPLORING!! I bet your attic must be something else, filled with such beautiful things!
There is always more to see!
Dear Lady Carnavan, Thank you as always for your lovely thoughts. I am back in the US, but last week was in Trouvilles-sur-Mar, France, with a group from Iowa Public Television, who has taken groups to Highclere in the past, visiting Normandy battle sites. I was scarfing down mussels in a local bistro when our guide came into the same restaurant and told us the horrible news that Notre Dame was burning. It was kind of a, sick feeling, that affected people all over the world, like my husband’s friend in Oregon who thought we were already in Paris and skyped him, practically in tears worrying about the art. We were scheduled to visit on Thursday afternoon. Fast forward to Thursday. Our hotel was within walking distance so I did walk down and join the hoards standing on the side walks. As horrible as the news was when it hit, at least by the time I got there, we knew the art was safe and that the bones of the building are good. It was also heartining to see that most of the stained glass windows look intact, although pretty black. The telephoto on my camera allowed me to see the indvidual panels and features and faces are still visible. However, as a musician, it dawned on me in church yesterday, the magnificent organs that must have been lost and that is also tragic. I love the Cathedral organs in Europe and every so often, I have been lucky enough to hear one played. So thank you for your thoughts. They have said in France that the goal to rebuild is five years and I wish them well. Although I will never see the original, I do hope to see the restored interior someday.
I know the goal is to rebuild although I am not sure why such a timescale is set!! I am never quite sure why we set ourselves schedules like that!!! In the time I have lived ad worked here I think it is a journey one of seasons in our case but of projects as well. Our most skilled joiners cannot hurry. They care about the wood and their work.
Good Morning Lady Carnarvon and Virginia Stone,
Hope you don’t mind my comment here.
I, like you Lady Carnarvon believe they (the restorers), should take their time in rebuilding Notre Dame so it is done well and can stand the test of time. I believe the five year goal has come about because Paris France will host the Olympic Games there in 2024. That is why their President Emmanuel Macron has set this time frame. The goal is to have Notre Dame safe enough but may not be completed it time for the games. My concern is by putting a deadline that short, mistakes could be made.
Thank you – I see the light!!!
Lady Carnarvon, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I know this past week must have been quite the emotions especially this time of the season. If trees could talk…. You have so many beautiful trees on the property I was in awe when I visited. I love the bits of history every Monday and some I wish I had known when I visited a couple years ago. I guess that means I will have to come back again just to see it with a new perspective!
You will indeed.
Dear Lady Carnavon,
Thanks for your words !
We really need places for peace and contemplation !
Sincerely,
Marie Louise Pépin
You always manage to bring history and current events together – so sad about Notre Dame but I know it will be saved and rebuilt with honor. Easter is a time for re-birth and renewal so loved your bit about the old church. Reflecting on your mother-in-law also made me feel for all my loved ones that have passed – and so lucky to still have my Mom of 92 years with us celebrating yesterday. Thank you again for my Monday pick me up!
Thank you!!
Lady Carnarvon,
Many thanks for sharing your love of lives and buildings not forgotten. There is tenderness in your words.
Am a bit late replying as I was working in my garden, a favorite duty.
Martha Glass
North Carolina
How lovely that you and your staff tidied up the hallowed ground of the old church at Highclere. It looks like a peaceful spot in the shadows of the Yew tree, where one could sit and be still. I’d love to see it someday.
Thank you for sharing your home and your thoughts with us. It always brightens my day!
Thank you
Beautiful words as per usual…thank you so much for sharing! When my husband and I were traveling in England, the tiny village churches and the soaringly majestic abbeys and cathedrals were some of our favorite places to visit. They really are the hearts of their communities.
I agree
What a blessing you are to marry the past to the present for us in such beautiful narration. We certainly all grieve the damage to Notre Dame and I am thankful I was able to take my children there in 2008. I agree that it will be rebuilt with the same beauty and majesty that past artisans have created in history. I am thankful for photographs and videos that have captured it over the years. And I am thankful for those that came to the financial rescue to keep her the magnificent landmark of time, architecture and especially spiritual significance that Notre Dame has always been.
Thank you for another interesting history lesson about the church ruins on the grounds at Highclere Castle. How fitting that you spoke of this the week of Easter and the week after the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. I am happy to hear the Easter egg hunt was a success for a good cause. Happy Easter from Savannah, GA.
They are such good people!
I love reading about the castle’s history. I will have to go back and re-read other posts before my visit in August. You are a such a great historian. It shows the great love that you have for your family and advocate for Highclere’s legacy.
Allison Barker
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Since almost three years I´ve been receiving your blogs that you kindly address me since my visit to Hihgclere Castle in September 2016. The saga “Downton Abbey” that I followed with fascination, of appeal me visit your Castle. When I saw the Castle for the first sight, I said to myself “This a privilege to be in the real scenery. Every thing was so “familiary”. The green grass and the view around the Castle was so quiet. so peaceful!
Im retired now and painting is my hobby. Since then and now, “Dowton Abbey” is one of the motif I like the most. I would like to share my work with you but I dont´t know how.
Thank you once more and receive my best regards.
Eduardo Gonçalves
Thank you – how very kind the best thing to do is email our Castle office as a first point of contact: [email protected]
Look forward to exploring in September
Good!
Dear Lady Canarvon, I thank you for sharing the history of Highclere. I look forward to reading your blog and seeing pictures of Highclere Castle and the beautiful property surrounding. I am so very sorry to here of your mother-in- law’s passing. May God give you, your husband and family comfort in the days ahead. God Bless Gina Jones North Carolina
Thank you
I look forward to your blog ever Monday. Thank you
I may have been raised in a Jewish household, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the beauty of this season, not to mention reading about a frolicking and successful Easter egg hunt. Today in our beautiful Oregon sunshine, (it finally stopped raining!) I will think of your endeavors to tidy up an area of your wonderful home and gardens as I tidy up my own stone pathway. And of course, may the memories of your mother-in-law be a blessing.
Thank you for sharing the history of your beloved home.
Thank you – around every religion are processions and celebrations and the central tenet is to be kind. I am never quite sure what the arguments are about
I offer again my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law. How fitting is the Easter message of rebirth and renewal each spring as we celebrate the risen Christ, as you and your family mourn the death of a great lady? I have always loved the spring season the most – all the blossoms of the trees and plants, the baby lambs, calves, and colts, and eternal reminder that all that is within us, will be made new again in the Holy Kingdom which has no end. It seems fitting that after the horrible news of the fire of Notre Dame, came the good news that it can be rebuilt. It also seems fitting that you and your team have cleaned up the footprint of the old church. It is a testament to faith hundreds of years old. It is wonderful that children could once again hunt for Easter eggs while supporting charity on the grounds of your home. May you be abundantly blessed in all that you do.
Beth Janelle Rhoades
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I love yew and oak trees and, of course, our pecan, scrub oak and cedar trees here in Texas. We had a couple of pecan trees and one unfortunately died during the recent drought along with two other 60 year old trees. We replaced them with mulberry trees, one of which didn’t make it. So, next we are planting Ligustrum Lucidum otherwise known as Chinese Glossy Privet. They grow very fast and make great shade trees. These are beautiful trees and there is nursery in Abilene that carries dozens of them about 7 to 9 feet tall for only $200 each (about 150 Sterling) which is a great bargain in my book.
Thank you for the lovely info on your yew trees. I have enjoyed it so much.
All my best,
Susan
Thank you!
You have such an outstanding talent to captivate your readers with every single post! What a marvellous gift that is!
I would also like to thank you for being so amazing to my little daughter yesterday! She is so very gentle and shy but meeting you in person and even take a photo with you made her truly burst with pride!
Thank you for coming here ..
Dear Lord and Lady Carnarvon, first may I offer my condolences, at your loss.your mother in law, sounded like a lovely and splendid lady. But I am sure that so much of her, lives on in your husband, and her grandchildren. And through being with her, you also. With all of the history at Highclere, I don’t know how you have the time to persuade it all. But like Easter, you will rise again and again to meet the challenge. Thank you for your wonderful blogs. Desiree.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
First my condolences on the passing of your Mother-in-Law. Then I must add my thank you for a wonderful new blog covering so many topics. I love your photos especially. Your white Lab looks very happy for the comfort of the Yew tree. The archives must be a constant draw to uncover the past. And how blessed you are to have access to the history of Highclere. I enjoyed reading about the Churches.
Best regards,
Shelley in Virginia
Thank you – many of our communities began around a church
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Many blessings to you, your family, and loved ones. Your blog this week has certainly managed to convey a message of renewal while lifting the spirits of many around the world. You’ve brought a smile to my heart. Thank you!
Another written delight from a present world about their once was, still is, and remains today; even those only known in the midst of memories.
Just lovely!
Thank you so much for the gift of your education as well.
I liked reading about Murray Parrish Trust. It is such an excellent way to help kids.
Once again, well done.
~S
Thank you – I also like raising money to help support education – many of my US talks are around such charities..
Thinking Robert Sawyer could be a relative….
( but probably not 🙂 )
Carol Sawyer in Houston
He was a good man !
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
How much truth rings in my heart reading your post today. I live in South Louisiana, only about an hour from where the three Churches were burned in the last weeks. Here there is a Catholic Church on every corner just about and so my French heritage instilled in my that the church is the center of my life. I have two Aunts who are Nuns, an Uncle who is a Priest, a Benediction Monk… and I am married to a Deacon. Watching Notre Dame going up in flames was so sad to watch. It will test our faith, But as all life has a cycle of birth, death, and Renewed life again. Especially this spring I am taking a little more time to appreciate all around me.
Dear Lady Carnavon,
First, so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. My mother-in-law passed the day before Easter this year as well. It is always sad to lose our loved ones but so happy she is finally at peace. As for your article it was lovely as always. I so look forward to your blog every Monday. Take good care.
How lovely to read this on this second day of Easter! I iterate my condolences on the passing of your mother-in-law into her eternal glory. How wonderful to share these thoughts about the sturdy foundations of our churches and likewise of our faith. This is my first Easter without my own mother and in her memory (and that of her mother as well), I wore my grandmother’s pillbox hat from 1961, my mother’s jade earrings, and my own dress. Three generations of Thorson women all represented in one outfit. I sang the wonderful hymns of Easter loudly as she did (and to drown out the voice of my beloved son with Down syndrome, whose motor planning defect does not permit him to sing in tune (it’s just awful, but he makes a joyful noise unto the Lord)) and I made our traditional meal, as she did. It delights my heart to read of your traditions at this time of year as well. A Blessed Easter to you and your family.
Thank you
DEAR LADY CARNARVON:
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY EASTER.
BEAUTIFUL BLOG. IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR CHURCHES RESTORED AND OFFER A PLACE FOR PEACE AND LOVE.
WHAT A WONDERFUL CHARITY, THE MURRAY PARRISH TRUST. I’M SURE ALL THE CHILDREN HAD FUN ON THE EASTER TRAIL.
BLESSINGS,
CHRISTINA
ORANGEVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA.
thank you and soon I fly to Canada
Thank you lady Carnarvon I love your stories , beautifully written . God bless you for this coming week
Thank you
Thank you beautifully written of bless your family always
What a wonderful and inspiring transformation!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Happy Easter to you and family and all at Highclere Castle. I was fascinated by your blog post and always love to hear your histories of everything on your beautiful estate and just history of England. I was inspired by your efforts to improve your parish church. I think it is a reflection of our Lord’s glory that you and all in your sphere do to make life so wonderful!! Hope the bunny brought you chocolates and something very good!!
Best Regards,
Ann Catherine Flood
We had a wonderful day with many happy, chocolate-faced children.
Lady Carnarvan……….your post speaks volumes of the person you are. Certainly a Highclere treasure.
You are too kind.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This is a timely reminder that the preservation of family traditions and memories is as important as the preservation of family property. Thank you!
Traditions and structure help or help me anyway!!!
Thank You. A very interesting and Uplifting post! I did need that.
Highclere needs YEW.
Very interesting story. What you find and see now is the result of many changes over time and you have successfully managed to identify more of Highclere’s wonderful history.
I have been wondering if Highclere features during the Civil War.
Next project……………lake clearance perhaps?
Carry on searching into Highclere’s past, when you have the time.
I have written a blog about Highclere and the English Civil War https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/king-charles-i-of-england/
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I love to read you as always! I wish I had seen the church when I went. Maybe next time!
We finally had very nice and warm weather for Sunday Easter and Monday here around Montreal!
Salutations!
Chantal Leblanc
Whereas our weather has now dropped away!
Thank you for your message.
Firstly let me give my condolences on your mother in law, never an easy thing. I haven’t read your blog for awhile and I must admit it was the reading of an article about the queen attending her funeral that returned me to your stories.
I enjoyed the Yew tree blog in particular. I can only imagine what it is like to live on the estate and make little historic discoveries. You manage to take the mystery of the estate and bring it into focus as a home. Brenda-Ontario, Canada
Thank you!
Greetings from Tasmania.
I have just stumbled on your blog and read with interest the history of this great church and “house”. Loved seeing it in the Television show and the gorgeous rooms. Was disappointed there was not a parterre type garden. I guess I ask too much, but you do have some amazing trees. Cleaning up around them would bring surprises and wonderment as to what was originally there and how it was all built using the technology of the day.
It was so sad hearing about Notre Dame. They will be able to install some modern fire/smoke detection for future protection. Why do these places under renovation succumb to such devastation?
Sincere condolences on the sad loss of your mother-in-law.
Best wishes,
Lesley Lyons
Leith, Tasmania
thank you for your kind thoughts – there was a parterre in the 17/18th centuries…
Oh, the possibilities of those bricks and foundation. Perhaps a sitting garden for prayer and reflection. Maybe a small memorial garden for past Countesses.
Lady Carnarvon ,
Thank you for your kindness and giving us hope.
Hello Fiona!
Jeanie also had a sister who loved her deeply. In fact we had daughters named after each other (I have a Jeanie and she had Carolyn)
I’m having a difficult time knowing I won’t see her again. We spoke to each other very frequently. Give my condolences to Geordie please.
Fondly
Carolyn
I can only imagine you are having a deeply grievous time and each and every day is a different day from how it was just three weeks ago. I am so sorry.. I thought it was so wonderful how each of your daughters lives on in name for the other sister. xxxxxxF
I was traveling when this blog entry was published, so I am just reading it now. I trust you had a happy Easter. It is fascinating how much history is hidden at Highclere. It is marvelous how you bring it to light – through your words and also literally. How wonderful that you help to preserve the ruins of something that old and significant.
It is so interesting and I am just waiting for some research papers..
I am a great-great-granddaughter of Charles Wakefield Jackson, who with his partner George Shaw, built the new Highclere Church. I was wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a copy of the agreement bewteen the 4th Earl and the builders which you mention has been found in the archives.
How interesting – please email [email protected]