Coughton Court

Our visit to Coughton Court began with a tour of the house, where we discovered that the correct pronunciation is "Coat-on Court". The Throckmorton family have lived there since 1490, and still do. The gunpowder plot was developed here which included the plot to kidnap Princess Elizabeth from Coombe Abbey.

After ascending two flights of staircases which contained a large number of family portraits, there were many rooms to see. Among the many treasures  of particular interest was the large wooden wardrobe from the 1600s in the tapestry room, the wooden panelling in the dining room and the magnificent display of jewellery and silverware.

Those who could manage the narrow spiral staircase to the Tower Room and the roof were rewarded with extensive views of the surrounding countryside.

Fortunately the expected rain did not materialise and we were able to walk around the grounds and visit the walled garden and see the splendid herbaceous borders. There was also a pop-up jigsaw sale, which was enjoying a brisk trade, judging by the number of puzzles I saw carried onto the coach on our return.

There are two churches on the estate, one Catholic and one C of E, which were both worth a visit.

It was an excellent day out and our thanks go to the organiser, Charles Linfield.

Coughton Court-nearly 6 centuries inhabited by the same family