The Ham Nomads

3 Oct 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Huilin's), Glos —

Today started out inauspiciously. Leaving the layby to go to Richard (to actually buy the engine) we heard a thump, and the charging warning light came on — we'd thrown the alternator belt again. We pressed on, knowing the Richard would be able to set things right once we got there - which he did.

Got on to the vendor of the engine, who was set up to send the thing once he received payment. He asked for a bank transfer sometime today, which was no problem — we could do it in Macca's on the way. You'd think it would be easy — he had given us the three things needed to do the transfer (his bank account name, its number, and a sort code). We got on to the Suncorp site to do the transfer, and the form wanted us to jump through hoops, with an IBAN number, the recipient's address, the recipient's bank and its address, and a heap of other things we didn't have. Just don't say we're not resourceful — went through a website to convert the sort code and bank account number into an IBAN, and from that to get his bank's details. His address was not really relevant to the transaction, but we got it through an internet search. Finally got it done — what should have taken 5 minutes took about an hour!

Left Macca's with the van not entirely healthy — the alternator belt is still making funny noises, but should last a couple of weeks, and at least we have a spare (Warren went over to a nearby parts place while we were with Richard and made sure of that!)

Went out to Snowshill Manor and Garden. On the way we passed through a very picturesque village, Broadway — not that much different from Broughton on the Water (and only a few miles from it).

Snowshill Manor is a place bought by the very eccentric Charles Wade on his demobilisation at the end of World War I. He was an avid collector, and wanted a place to house and exhibit his growing collection. He himself never lived in the Manor, but in the small 'Priest's Cottage' beside it. He also designed a new garden in the Arts and Crafts style. The collection is eclectic and vast. Charles's motto is on the letterbox by the front door — Nequid Pereat — 'Let nothing perish', which just about sums up the man and his collection! Charles bought objects from antique dealers, market stalls, anywhere and everywhere. The sole criterion seems to be that is had to be well crafted, well designed or colourful — and preferably all three. He was a capable architect and illustrator, and well up to the restoration of the objects. What we have is not a museum but, as the National Trust puts it, "a virtual Aladdin's Cave". The National Trust has kept to the feel of the place — the timed entry tickets to the house read "Charles Paget Wade Esq. cordially invites you to view his fantastic collection of craftsman-made curiosities and objects of beauty. You are requested to be present at the front door of Snowhill Manor any time between ... "

If you can't get the model boat
upstairs, put it in the front room!

A child's pusher, in the
shape of a Hansom Cab

The Music Room "Seraphim'
has a diverse collection

He went into town to buy a washer for a tap,
instead bought a job lot of Samurai armour!

The things you find literally hanging about
in the attic

Catherine Parr portrait
in 'Dragon'

'Dragon'
(A downstairs room)

Charles's bedroom
Upstairs in the Priest's Cottage

The Manor itself has a history, being part of the dowry given to Catherine Parr by Henry VIII (after the Dissolution of the Monasteries — it had previously been owned by Winchcombe Abbey since 821 AD). The circumstances are a little suspicious. Catherine herself chose this place from a number of properties Henry offered her, and when Henry died his widow Catherine remarried with rather indecorous haste about 2 months later, to a gentleman, Lord Dudley, from very near Snowshill — had she perhaps been developing a relationship with him well before Henry's death, at the time when he endowed her (at her request) with the property? We'll never know — a year later, Catherine herself died after childbirth, and the estate passed to him! Not that it did him much good, as he fell foul of Bloody Mary (for trying to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne in her stead), was tried for treason and beheaded! The property reverted to the crown! It then had a rather checkered history until Charles Wade bought it!

Part of the garden

Susie in the garden

The mounds in the field are 25-year-old Yellow Meadow Ant nests!

We had a pleasant time exploring Snowshill, then left to make our way towards Croome for tomorrow. We've found a deep layby off the A44 near Evesham (still in the Cotswolds), and only about 20 minutes from our destination.

Distance driven — today, 25 miles ( 40 km ); to date, 8,350 miles ( 13,438 km )