On Tuesday October 24th we had a guided tour of Newstead Abbey. Best laid plans to meet at Newstead Village and to enter the Abbey grounds through the tradesman’s entrance were thwarted by a flooded road with two abandoned vehicles. Plan B was then executed as we travelled round to the main entrance and onto the Abbey car park.
Our guide Barrie was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The building and contents are very impressive and Barrie was able to explain the provenance of many of the paintings, furniture and rooms and put them in a chronological historical context. He also led us through history of the Abbey including the various Byrons and the Wildman family.
He recognised Melvyn from a time when their professional careers crossed, a time when Melvyn was without his recognisable beard!
Afterwards we dined at The Badger Box where the staff were very welcoming.
