Note by the author, Error in this Secton

I have been alerted to an error in this section, where the image in the top left, which is an overlay, for visual effect, with a transparent background, it stops the user being able to access the buttons beneath the rectangular area of the overlaid floral image, to overcome this before I can get round to resolving the issue, make the window as large as possible, the buttons should then be outside the area of the floral decoration! Sorry about that.

Introduction

This new section is for two three purposes. First I have found that visiting the wide assortment of country piles and also the many castles dotted around the British Isles is invaluable in recognising the methods and materials used by our forebears. Second it allows me to create a more diverse web site, which may find interest across a broader section of the population. Thirdly the Gascoignes' along with their architect George Fowler Jones were keen early photographers, and we now know that GFJ created an extensive collection of photographs, many of prominent castles and houses that were visited, so in a way I am re-creating the photo albums of the day that might have been found in the Drawing Room at Parlington! I suppose there is a fourth purpose, having left Parlington, I now have time to enjoy visiting these magnificent structures.

However the number visited at present is fairly low, so the section will grow as I get time to make the excursions, in the meantime here are some views of Haddon Hall, one of Britains best preserved country houses, and also Stokesay Castle in Shrophire, described by English Heritage: "One of the best-preserved medieval fortified manor houses in England." Also the latest addition Witley Court, Worcestershire, which has to be the one of the most spectacular ruins in the country.