Our merry band of National Trust volunteers had our annual day out to visit another property. This year it was Sizergh Castle near Kendal in the Lake District. The mediaeval house, with its striking inlaid wood panelling. belongs to the Strickland family and is set within a beautiful estate of gardens and woodlands.
Back in the 17th century the Stricklands were known to be friends with the Roman Catholic King James II. On display in the house was a bedspread that once belonged to the King, which he gave to them. There were also several wall hangings and tapestries. I am a great admirer of furniture by Gillows of Lancaster – and there were many of these items.
We were also told the story of Cecilia Strickland through her own letters. She lived in Sizergh in the 18th century and her written words bring that period of time to life. She was widowed then married again having had seven children in all.
We had a pleasant stroll around the gardens, orchard and limestone rockery. And of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying a pit stop in the cafe.