49 members joined this year’s History Group outing on 5 September to Stonor Park, currently home to Ralph Stonor, 7th Baron Camoys. The house has been the family seat for over 800 years. As Catholics, The family suffered considerably from Henry VIII’s time and use of the title was restored only after Catholic emancipation in the 19th century.
Stonor Park – house
We started our visit at the small, beautiful private chapel, dating from the 12th century. The stations of the cross inside the church were carved by a Polish prisoner of war and presented to the family by Graham Greene.
The house was opened especially for our visit. It is a very welcoming place and the staff greeted us in a very friendly manner. The guides were excellent. The house has a range of styles throughout the rooms and is packed with a varied mix of treasures collected from around the world, plus many historic maps and documents.
The roof space, including a priest hole, was used by Sir Edmund Campion, a Catholic priest and martyr whilst he was writing his Ten Reasons pamphlet, arguments against the Anglican Church. There is a copy on display in the house. The pamphlet was a sensation and Campion was pursued, tortured and executed in 1581.
The gardens are small but a pleasure to wander around and sit in.
Stonor Park – lunch
Lunch, taken in the 13th century hall, was a delicious quiche salad. Afternoon cream tea (or cake) was enjoyed by all and rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting day.