Reference
AU10/102/1/82
Title
Handwritten letter
Date free text
5 July 1957
Production date
From: 1957 To: 1957
Scope and Content
"["THANET 63256" added to top of letter by hand.]
I am just about to set out on my travels again, so I am answering all my letters as far as I can. My friend Petrie has got his yacht all fixed up in Ramsgate harbour, and four of us set sail on Monday, coasting around France and Portugal, and so on to the Mediterranean and the Riviera. It is four-cabined, roomy vessel, and very comfortable: and my three fellow travellers are all ex-Naval men: so I feel safe enough! The kitchen duties will fall mainly to me: but I do not mind that. Many thanks for the "Bedford Magazine": it is quite the best of magazines of that type I have seen: so beautifully printed and produced. I don't think there is any point in your sending me the book on English Wills yet, as I shall have plenty on hand on my return. But I would like a copy of the Duke of Bedford's book - "The History and Treasures of Woburn Abbey" (2.6d). (I will send you a book in return!) Will Hockliffe's have it? Have you been through the Abbey since it was opened up to the public? I often drove through the Park, and wished I could get inside the house. There was an exhibition at Burlington House some years ago of pictures from Woburn Abbey, and there was one picture I fell in love with: A View of Houghton House, by Richard Wilson. I bought a black and white reproduction at the stall, but it gives no idea of the beauty of it. It shows the towers of Houghton House (as it was in its glory) rising above the thickly-wooded slopes, illuminated a glowing red by the rays of the setting sun: in the distance is a church which could be Ampthill. If you go, do make a point of looking for this really lovely picture. I wish the Medici Society (or Ganymede) did a colour reproduction. Apart from the beauties of the Abbey, the Duke and Duchess seem to be making fools of themselves. I wonder what Sir Anthony would have thought of it all!!
You certainly seem to have started the summer here: for since your visit we have had wonderful weather. The high temperatures have been tempered by light breezes, and people coming down from the oppressive heat of London have said how thankful they were to get here! You will now be able to picture me in my background of castle, sea and country. It certainly is looking its best now. I hardly like the idea of leaving it! We have had plenty of swimming during the heat wave - but today has been rather cloudy and dull.
Yes, I have seen those ZEDBEDS. Actually my August problem will solve itself, as I shall go into Petrie's spare room for the week.
Thanks for the lavender. Here's a return bunch from my bushes!! They have developed tremendously during the hot weather, and make a fine show. Do tell me whether they ought to be pruned down in the autumn, and cut quite low. Last year I left them as they were, but several people told me I should have cut them down: otherwise they will grow "woody" and straggly.
So Adam Stavert is still at Stowe! I keep expecting to hear from his father that they have arrived in England from India, but I am afraid he is a bad correspondent. Adam came to stay with us at Richmond in 1953, or 1952, when he was at a prep school at Seaford.
I do hope you will pay me another visit when you feel you would like a day by the sea. But I do think you would find it easier if you did it from London. I think that early start from Ampthill, and the long journey back again really too much for one day.
Can't you persuade Aunt Eva to stay at the old ladies' house? It would solve another big problem.
I hate leaving a blank page on the other side, but I must finish, as I have several other letters to write. I expect to be back (with luck) about the middle of August.
Yours sincerely"
"P.S. Remember me to Graham James. Tell him you have paid me a visit. No need to keep it a secret. I know how discreet you are! and can believe you have not mentioned it to a soul outside the family!!"
skiing
Level of description
item