Mapledurham House Traditional Geocache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.
Regards
Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This cache affords a view of the south east elevation of Mapledurham, a beautiful late 16th century Elizabethan manor house set in tranquil surroundings alongside the River Thames. It has been the house of the Blount family and their descendants for over 500 years. Richard Blount purchased the old manor (now tea-rooms) in 1490 and building of the present manor houses was commenced by Sir Michael Blount, lieutenant of the Tower of London, in 1588 and completed by his son Sir Richard in 1612. Original plasterwork ceilings and grand oak staircases can still be admired by visitors, as can the fine collections of pictures and family portraits of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The family chapel built in the
late 1700s, decorated in Strawberry Hill Gothick and still in regular use, is one of the rooms viewed by the public.
The great 18th century poet, Alexander Pope, spent much time at Mapledurham visiting his friends, Martha and Theresa Blount and was probably responsible for landscaping the grounds.
Mapledurham also has literary connections with John Galsworthy and “The Forsyte Saga” whilst lovers of Kenneth Garham’s “Wind in the Williows” constantly question whether or not Mapledurham House was the original Toad Hall or the Watermill the setting of Mole and Ratty’s memorable picnic.
There has been a Watermill at Mapledurham since Saxon times and present structure dates from the 15th century. The traditional wooden machinery is fully restored and the undershot waterwheel can be seen in action powering the great French burr milestones to produce flour on open afternoons each weekend during the summer.
Recommended parking is in the church car park.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)