Moving On ~ on the trail of John Constable

The Hay Wain, John Constable 1821

The Scene of Willy Lott's Cottage in Flatford, More Trees Now

 Linda and Steve had bid farewell to take on the jungle that is London. We are exploring new territory 3 hours away in our own wilds of little Suffolk. I am on the trail of one of my favorite romantic artists John Constable. So away from the hilly, agrarian Cotswold gold stone and back in time to half timbered, level, Medieval wool merchants. 

Seeing the hills recede with Broadway tower a small needle on the skyline was bittersweet. I took the word on the stone post in Chipping Campden to heart, the End and the Beginning. Time to absorb the last of England until next time. 

George and I walked from Constable's birthplace in East Bergholt to Flatford, where he painted. We walked along the flats of the River Stour in Dedham. It was good to feel the earth again. 

Our Old Friend Oliver Cromwell's Headquarters in 1642
He Sure Got Around

A Stunning Example of Ornamental Pargetting in Saffron Walden

Guess the Name of This Pub... Hint "8" 

In Saffron Walden, It's Church Was Built in 1066

If You Think This Is a Small House, Consider
It's Divided in 2! 

A Leaning Timber Building in Lavenham.
Lavenham is Nicknamed "Wonky Town" 

Lavenham, Suffolk

This House Was Built in 1430! 

The Facade of the De Vere House With Its Second People Door
Set into the Large Door. The House Was
Used in the Film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". The Owners While Renovating Found Invocation Marks in the Attics, Put There to Ward off Evil Spirits.
It's on the Market for £950,000 - That's $1,541,856.15

The legends of De Vere House

King Henry VII visited De Vere House when visiting Lavenham for a day's hunting in 1498.

It is possible that De Vere House was used to house the many guests of the king and the 13th Earl of Oxford.

The sister and youngest brother of Charles II and James II were held under house arrest in De Vere House during 1651. For a short period of time between 1649 and 1660, the young princes and princesses were placed under the custody of Mary de Vere, the wife of Lord Fairfax.

The records show that Lady Fairfax soon tired of the children and handed them back, but do not state where they were held in custody.

Hat Maker

John Constable's Studio in East Bergholt

George Wanders the Marketplace

The 800 Year Old Turf Maze.
It Definitely Clears Your Mind of All Else When You're Walking It