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SUMMER OUTING: SATURDAY 7th JULY 2007 POLESDEN LACEY NR DORKING, SURREY Polesden Lacey, a 1400 acre estate, is situated on the North Downs and commands some of the finest views in Surrey. Originally a Regency house, it now has an opulent Edwardian interior with fine collections of Old Master paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver. The Edwardian Garden extends to 30 acres with 10 acres of lawns and elegant grass terraces, including a walled rose garden and summer borders. Polesden Lacey has been owned by a number of people, who made many alterations and additions to the property. The most famous owner was the poet and playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, who purchased the house in 1804. Sheridan adored Polesden, rejoicing in his role as a country squire, giving lavish entertainments to his friends and the local populace. Polesden was then lived in by two further owners until purchased by Mrs Greville, a legendary Edwardian hostess, and her husband in 1906. The house was converted by Mewes and Davis, the architects of the newly built Ritz Hotel. Mrs Greville was most famous as a collector of royalties: her friendship with Edward VII (who thought her 'gift of hospitality' amounted to 'positive genius') inaugurated a lifelong devotion to the House of Windsor. Mrs Greville was adored by her friends and feared by her rivals for her indiscreet and acerbic wit. Our visit will start at 10.45am with coffee in the Tea-room, followed by time to tour the House and Garden. We have booked lunch (two- and three- course options) at the Stepping Stones pub/restaurant, ten minutes down the road in Westhumble (RH5 6BS for those with satnav). The ticket allows re-entry to the house and gardens throughout the day. For those of you who want to make a whole day out, it's Tribute Night that evening as part of the Polesden Lacey Festival, with tribute-bands Queen on Fire and the Scizzor Sisterz (tickets separately from www.polesden.co.uk). The sun has shone on our summer outing for many years, and it's a good day out at one of the South East's most historic houses. It's a time to meet old friends and a chance to make new. Numbers are limited, so note the date, download a Booking Form and send it off now. |
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