Yes, a party of Friends set off in two minibuses to adventure across the border into – Dorset! What were you expecting? Their first destination was the Minster at Wimborne followed by a short journey from there to Kingston Lacy.
Getting round Wimborne proved trickier than expected as our minibus suffered with conflicting satnavs the effect of which was that part of the group enjoying a pleasant drive around the streets of Wimborne. On arrival at the Minster (yes, we did find it!) we were shown where to park by a Minster representative and were bemused to find that we were the first bus to make it the other obviously having enjoyed a similar additional tour.
We couldn’t have had a warmer welcome as we were ushered into their church rooms and greeted with some very welcome coffee and cake. After this the party was split into three groups each with a guide. Needless to say, not all the groups comprised the same number of Friends!
The Minster has many aspects which parallel the development of Romsey Abbey but with equally as many different artefacts and history. The building with two towers looks large but inside it seemed smaller than the Abbey which has the distinction of being much bigger inside than would appear from outside appearances. Like Romsey it also housed a Benedictine nunnery and possibly a monastery, the Wimborne nunnery being destroyed in a raid by the Danes (they seem to pop up in a range of places). Some of the outstanding features of the Minster were evident whilst others were highlighted by guides. The Baptistry contains an astronomical clock believed to be earlier than that at Wells, the first documents relating to which were dated 1409. An accurate working model also housed in the Baptistry was donated to the Minster in 1951.
There was the opportunity to visit the chained library, one of very few remaining. Access to this is via a stone spiral left hand defensive staircase (to fend off attackers with drawn swords – fortunately none when we visited) of 26 steps – there was one fitted handrail and one rope so for those perhaps a tad nervy about the climb, it was a reassurance. The library was established in 1695 although the first books were donated in 1686. The original silver chains were replaced with Victorian chains. The oldest book which was donated was believed to be from 1343 and was handwritten. Until the time of print, it was remarkable how so much handwritten work was in straight lines and very neat.
We were shown a wall painting which is a fragment of a larger painting depicting part of a crucifixion and has been recently restored. A slightly amusing artefact is the effigy of Sir Edmund Uvevale who died in 1606. He looks very comfortable and relaxed and it appears he has two left feet. There is a variety of reasons for this but nothing of certainty. We were also informed that at one time the Minster had a spire but after a number of unsuccessful renovations and work to retain it, was ultimately demolished.
Onwards then to Kingston Lacy which was but a short journey up the road and by which time most were ready for their lunch. The restaurant service was very well organised and there was more than enough seating both inside and out for many more visitors than were there.
Members of the party were able to decide for themselves how to make their way around the venue with some choosing to look around the magnificent mansion and others walking the grounds. The estate was purchased by the de Lacy family and visits were made by Henry III, IV and V but by the 15th century it had fallen into ruins. It was purchased by the Bankes family in 1636 who rebuilt the house in 1660, subsequently extending and redesigning it to what it is now, It was kept in the Bankes family until 1981 when the National Trust took it over. The surrounding grounds are extensive and attractive including formal gardens with a parterre, a kitchen garden, the Japanese garden and a woodland walk.
There is no doubt that both venues are worth a return visit and Wimborne itself is a very pleasant little town. Enough of the tourist information – take a look for yourself!
The party returned to Romsey promptly at 4.30 without a further scenic tour (shame!) but it was sad on both journeys to see the charred remains of the land where the fire broke out on the A31 in August burning for best part of two weeks, attended by around169 fire personnel from about 83 stations.