Coughton Court

*** I am hopelessly behind on my blog stories but I must go on:).

On the same day as we stopped by at Stratford-Upon-Avon, we ventured out to Coughton Court nearby. Do you think you pronounce "Coughton" the way you pronounce "cough"? Nope! It's actually "coaten" court:) 

Couton Court is a House of Secrets & Intrigue. It belonged to the Throckmorton family for 600 years.  This family was a devout but persecuted Catholic family that risked everything on secret plots and political intrigue, as the brochure tells me.

I don't remember many details, but I know that the house was the place where the collaborators for the Gunpowder Plot in 1605--an assassination plot of King James I of England--met. The plot failed but the Throckmorton family was lucky and was only remotely implicated. 

This chair "was made from wood from the bed slept in by Richard III the night before the battle of Bolsworth". Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

 Coughton Court is managed by the National Trust (a governmental trust that owns many historical buildings in the UK). The Throckmorton family, however, holds a 300-year lease and previously managed the property on behalf of the National Trust.

Walking through the house is a pleasure. The family left many family momentos, such as pictures, newspaper articles and family books on display. 

The outside has a beautiful grassy area to play on. Or jump on. 

Their small playground was closed, however, so after visiting the house, a few minutes playing bowling and getting a couple of souvenirs from the gift shop we were ready to leave. 

Although some of these historic houses begin to look kind of similar, I know each one of them is wrapped inside a beautiful (or unfortunate) family story that is very interesting to learn. If the weather is sunny, you are bound to see many British families enjoying the weather at one of these properties, calling it a "great day out". 

Bye for now.

Lyana.