Hmmm, who’s that lurking in the undergrowth outside Arundel Castle? Paddy and Plunkett picked the perfect day to explore this mediaeval castle in West Sussex – just look at that sunshine! Let’s join them as they take a trip around this incredible place, which has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk (and their predecessors) for nearly a thousand years!
Given the most un-British weather that day, it made sense for them to start in the rose garden…
There were a only a few roses out, but the boys found a sundial to keep themselves entertained! That said, it wasn’t long before they were overcome with curiosity… Time to explore the castle! Let’s go!
Arundel Castle is a bit of an architectural hodge-podge – the oldest parts were built in the late 11th century and subsequent generations left their mark on the building, both inside and out. In the late 16th-early 17th century, the 14th Earl of Arundel (nicknamed “the Collector Earl”) went on a bit of an interiors shopping spree, and many of his purchases can still be found in the castle today! Although the castle was damaged in the English Civil War, repairs were eventually carried out in the early and late 1700s, and a further round of restoration, completed in 1900, produced the remarkable building that stands today.
All this means that architecture buff Plunkett is in seventh heaven! However, Paddy maybe isn’t the most willing audience for his musings…
…Not when he can hang out with the man-at-arms and his cat, anyway!
At least it’s given Plunkett a chance to brush up on his Latin.
They also met a former castle resident in the private chapel – well, kind of.
But the bright sunshine soon lured the lads back outside. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to see the gardens in all their glory! First stop was this formal garden, created as a memorial to the “Collector Earl”, which was full to bursting with beautiful tulips. Then they headed to the Stumpery – a novel concept garden where native woodland plants are encouraged to grow over the stumps of felled trees. This creates a really unusual and artistic display… and a great habitat for local wildlife!
The boys also encountered a few curiosities on their travels… A whole family of scarecrows, and a rather unusual sign!
Paddy thought it might have been the first cryptic clue in a treasure hunt… He spent the rest of the day trying to figure out what it meant. Perhaps he’ll have something to show for his mental exertions next time we catch up with these two!
What have you all got planned for the weekend? For any yarn-lovin’ folks out there, don’t forget that tomorrow is World Wide Knit In Public Day – what better excuse to grab your needles and make a start on a fun new project?
Enjoy!
It is always so fun to read their adventures !
Thanks! It’s nice to have you join us for the trip 😀
A day out with Paddy and Plunkett, it was fun! Quite the adventurous souls, these two! History be my fancy since forever, thanks for the trip! 🙂 Where are we going next, exploring the medieval Europe?
Light and Peace,
Zahra
Wow, what an intriguing place! … wonderful pictures,too.
Thanks very much! The camera does seem to love Paddy and Plunkett 😀
… and they have this great photographer.
They do! (I can say that… I didn’t take these!) I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments 😀
Paddy and Plunkett certainly picked a good day for an adventure, they have the best times! Hope you and all your Beasties have a great weekend 🙂
I know! They were super-lucky with the weather, and that always helps 😀 Hope you enjoy your weekend too – will you be knitting in public today?
Sadly not as I am at home today and then at a family party…I’m not sure what the etiquette is at knitting at family parties so I’ll just go and drink wine instead 😉 What about you?
Heehee, sounds like a good way to spend the day – I hope you enjoyed your party! I got to spend a couple of hours at my local yarn store… there was knitting, cake AND I won a spot prize 😱 I think I’ll post about it tomorrow, so stay tuned 😀
Knitting and cake…sounds like the perfect day to me 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you won!
All will be revealed later on… 😀 And knitting + cake is always a recipe for success! Yum!
Oh they should have told us they were coming to Sussex! Pirate, Diver and Pint Beasties would have loved to catch up with them somewhere! 🙂
Awwwww, a big Beastie meetup would have made for some great photos! Unfortunately Paddy and Plunkett travel solo, and their schedule is dictated by the people whose bags they stow away in! Still, if Explorer Beastie and I ever find ourselves in Sussex, we’ll be sure to invite ourselves over for tea 😀
Oh yes please 🙂
Wooohoooo! Sussex, here we come! 😀
Glad you had such lovely weather. We were there in April, and it was much chillier! Some great tea shops in the town to take refuge in though!
I know! I couldn’t believe the colours in that first photo outside the castle… the boys really were lucky that day! Good tip about the tea shops, too – if they’re ever back that way, I’ll have to request a full tour of all of them 😀
Hmmm…maybe I can hire Paddy & Plunkett as estate agents to search for my villain castle. This one would do quite nicely if it has a decent-sized dungeon (aka “wine cellar”). Although get rid of the historical mannequin set ups, those things always creep me out. And I would knit in public but I’m afraid people would make fun of my odd needle-holding technique.
Why, do you knit with your toes or something? You forget that most regular folks can’t knit at all, or they tried for 3 minutes one day in primary school and then gave up! So hold your needles however you like, and be proud 😀 And Paddy and Plunkett are now officially looking out for your perfect villain castle, so that’s another weight off your mind.
Oh goodie…and they’re footing the bill too, right? No toes, but I’m completely unable to hold the yarn right so I do all my yarn “moving” with my right hand which means I have to use my torso as a needle support with every stitch. Don’t ask how I get anything done, but it’s the only way I can do it without tangling yarn all over myself.
Uhhhh… They didn’t say. It’s worth bearing in mind that any money they might have is probably made of felt, so I don’t know how much use that will be if they actually find somewhere suitable. And I used to knit that way too! I can’t remember what made me change though… it might have been when I switched over to circular needles and propping the ends against myself was suddenly no longer an option!
Felt money? What’s the exchange rate on that? I’ve carefully avoided any projects with circular needles so I can maintain my odd knitting ways.
The international currency markets are surprisingly hard on felt money… I suppose that’s why I’m having breakfast on my couch, rather than on the promenade deck of my super-yacht. Although I do feel compelled to donate at least some of my non-wealth to setting up a knitting sanctuary, where rare knitting habits such as yours can be preserved for future generations to enjoy 😃
They look like they enjoyed themselves. It’s been quite a while since I went to arundel
It looks like a great place – so much to see, I’m actually surprised the lads made it around the whole castle on their little short legs! And the gardens are spectacular, too. Maybe you’ll get a chance to visit this summer!
Looks amazing
Thanks! I think the boys had a great time… but then, they usually do 😀 Thanks for stopping by!