Saturday, August 15, 2009 - Still another climax in a fortnight of climaxes. Steve will be driving Donna and Ed to “Chartwell,” the country home of Winston Churchill in the Weald of Kent. We feel special, riding in a handsome London cab through the most beautiful countryside in the world. Kent is incredible, and one exhausts all superlatives in describing it. No wonder Churchill chose to live here.
Many people have come to pay homage to Churchill, and soon it will be crowded. We catch a light lunch and coffee at the snack bar, and then begin to walk the long path to the mansion. Along the way, we see plants and ponds created by the great man himself, a magnificent accomplishment. Eventually we reach the line at the front door and after a short wait we are ushered in. Steve notes the Masonic pillars framing the front door, the significance of which none of the tour guides are aware.
Large cards are given to each visitor to explain the mansion. Unfortunately Ed can’t read his card because he lost his spectacles somewhere on the long, winding pathway to the mansion. Never was such a loss so ill-timed. Ouch!
We are ushered in to Churchill’s large study, ancient beams overhead, from which is hung a medieval banner. We see Churchill’s many books, and the long stand-up desk he used to work. Finally there is his huge traditional desk, a table really, in front of the window, giving him a spectacular view down upon the Kent countryside. Many of his books were written here. What’s more, the Free World was saved here.
Next we move to the living room. It is huge and impressive. Fireplace, groups of plush chairs, paintings by Churchill himself. One can easily see the family at ease here.
Upstairs to Lady Churchill’s chamber. Large and comfortable, vintage 1930’s. It’s beautiful. Next we gravitate to rooms containing Churchill medals, uniforms, and gifts from foreign leaders, all labeled and explained. We find it odd that this is all found in the house when perhaps it should be displayed in a separate building, especially as it is very crowded in these rooms. Nevertheless, it is mightily impressive, and there are few people who could match these accomplishments.
Steve’s favorite room is the dining room, or, as he calls it, the “breakfast nook.” And what a nook it is! It is as big as the living room. A large round dining table and chairs are located near the great windows that look out at the huge lawn and the rolling Kent countryside. We can see Churchill spending hours here with family and world statesmen, and we can smell the cigars. Churchill even painted himself and his family here! We can see why Steve likes it.
Next we see the kitchen, frozen in time in the 1930’s, and an exhibit on Churchill’s life, and then we exit the house. We walk down the sloping lawn to Churchill’s studio, set up as if Churchill would be arriving to finish a painting soon. We tour the incredible gardens, all surrounded by tall walls whose bricks were laid by Churchill himself, the pastime he chose for relaxation! The garden sports the largest selection of roses, and the biggest thistles imaginable! Ed finally finds his glasses that were turned into the main gate, just in time to look around the book shop. Then it is time to go. Never have we visited a more moving site. Steve drives us back to Writtle. But the day is far from over!
Tonight will be a party night! Steve and Lyn have invited a large contingent of friends to meet us after dinner. Some of them hail from Steve’s Masonic Lodge, and others are neighbors or fellow customers at the “Endeavor,” Steve’s favorite pub. Both Steve and Lyn, as well as their beautiful and wonderful daughters Emma and Nicki, have worked very hard to arrange for food and drink and cater tonight’s soiree, and Ed is looking forward to testing the various English beers being set up in the garden (yard). Young Harry helps decorate the garden with innumerable British and American flags, and helps with all aspects of party preperation.
The party is a smash hit! All are smiling and cracking jokes, and they put us Americans at ease. The party is terrific, and we will never forget the great time we had, all enhanced by the handsome home that Lyn and Steve maintain, and by the picture-perfect garden Steve has created to the rear. The weather blesses us, too, as it has almost this entire trip. We know how lucky we are, and enjoy every minute of the wonderful hospitality, friendship, food, and conversation. It’s been quite a day, one that we will not soon forget!
