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Our visit to Tyntesfield and Clevedon
Our visit to Tyntesfield, the National Trust property at Wraxall, near
Nailsea, took place in near perfect weather on April 6th. With its pinnacles
and turrets, set against a backdrop of woods and parkland, it is truly a
magical place. Tyntesfield is one of the last great Victorian country
estates, built in Gothic style, to survive almost intact.
Acquired in 2002, after a successful public campaign to save it for the
nation, work began at once on conserving and restoring the property. From
the start, public were admitted. The Property Manager describes it as a
"fantastic resource". It has already become an integral part of the
community, providing exciting opportunities for people of all ages,
backgrounds, abilities and skills. Every possible aspect of conservation
and restoration involves work experience students and apprentices, youth
and community groups and "back to work" schemes. The Prince’s Trust, Duke
of Edinburgh placements, Ashfield Prison, Avon Fire Brigade, Young Bristol
are just a few of the organizations involved in bringing the property back
to life.
There is still a great deal to be done - the upper floors have rooms used
for storage and are not accessible until fire exits are installed. However
there is much to be seen and enjoyed on the ground floor, including a wealth
of detailed wood-carving, original wallpapers, furniture etc. Words carved
over the entrance porch sum up the atmosphere of this Gibbs family home
"Good will to those who enter, fare well to those who depart".The magnificent
Chapel, inspired by Sainte Chapelle in Paris, made a fitting end to our two
hour visit.
After a brief look at the gardens we had a short drive to historic Clevedon
and its elegant restored Grade I listed, Victorian Pier, named "Pier of the
Year" in 1999! It has proved popular with film companies and has appeared in
several movies and commercials. Braving the bracing sea breezes, some of us
enjoyed a walk along its length admiring the brass plaques on planks and
benches which have helped raise money for the pier’s restoration. The
elegant Georgian and Victorian villas on the sea front decorated in pleasing
pastel colours proved a beautiful backdrop to the delicate iron tracery of
the pier.
Clevedon Heritage Centre at 4, The Beach is worth a visit. Sir John Betjeman
described the town as "a beautiful haven of quiet" and many notable
personalities are connected with Clevedon, including Thackeray, Tennyson,
Tolkien, Edith Cavell etc. Last but not least, rather more recently, punk
rock icon, Sid Vicious went to school here!
We arrived back in Street in a hailstorm but it did not damp our enthusiasm
and appreciation of an enjoyable day out.
Anne Biley
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