My report comes from the recorded notes of the draft Minutes of the WI meeting on Thursday, 6th November 2014.
“Following refreshments our speaker Cymon Snow gave a very interesting talk on Sulgrave Manor. He introduced us to significant members of the Washington family from the 12th to the 17th centuries and explained how riches and land were often acquired by marriage to wealthy widows. The family connection with George Washington, so important to the preservation and continuing support of the manor, became clear.
Cymon outlined the history of the building, much of which is of relatively recent date. He detailed surviving elements of the Tudor house which would indicate status, for instance the use of bricks for chimneys when these were much more expensive than stone and the symbols on the entrance indicating royal connections and involvement in the wool trade. Cymon went on to describe some of the artefacts in the house, many of great historical importance and to tell us about the development of the gardens. He gave us an idea of the many educational and other events organised at Sulgrave and finished by explaining that the manor is held in trust on behalf of the peoples of the United States and Great Britain and is a lasting symbol of peace and friendship between them.
Caroline closed the evening with thanks to Cymon for a lively and informative talk. Confessing that she has never visited Sulgrave Manor she was now looking forward to seeing it.”