National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
June 2000 Educational Tour
Program for the National Society of Magna Charta Dames & Barons
Educational Tour June 12 - 21, 2000
Monday June 12th 2000
Departure from the U.S.A.
Tuesday June 13th 2000
Arrive at London Airport where you will be met by our Guide. Drive to Wellington, Somerset where we will be staying for the next three nights.
Afternoon tour of this delightful area. Drive to nearby Glastonbury to see the remains of the famous Abbey and hear stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
This evening a welcome drinks party in the hotel, followed by dinner.
Welcome drinks party and dinner o/n BLINDON HOUSE HOTEL
Wednesday June 14th 2000
Today a private visit to SHERBORNE CASTLE the home of the other Digby's. Built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh, Sherbourne Castle has been home to the Digby family since 1617. Within the grounds of the Castle is the beautiful lake and gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Onto lunch at MINTERNE HOUSE the ancestral home of The Lord and Lady Digby. Lord Digby is the brother of the late Mrs. Pamela Harriman, the former US Ambassador to France.
Minterne is a beautiful, part 16th century house, which has been in the Churchill and Digby family for over 300 years. It has an important collection of paintings, and of course the famous gardens, designed by Capability Brown. Lunch, hosted by Lord and Lady Digby, will be followed by an afternoon tour of the gardens.
Dinner in the hotel.
English breakfast, lunch and dinner o/n BLINDON HOUSE HOTEL
Thursday June 15th 2000
This morning drive to LYME REGIS to visit WARE HOUSE. The beautiful house, overlooking the coastal headland, was featured in the film 'French Lieutenant's Woman.' We will invite Arabella Churchill, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, to join us for lunch. Arablla can tell her memories of the famous man and we will see many momentoes of him in the house.
We will then have time to wander around the very quaint town of Lyme Regis, a totally unspoiled fishing town.
Return to Blindon House via CHARD for a visit and afternoon tea at FORDE ABBEY with Sir Mark and Lady Roper. Forde Abbey is the finest example of a Cistercian Monastery still used as a family home, containing a magnificent collection of Mortlake tapestries and many other treasures. The Abbey is famous for its wonderful gardens, stretching over 30 acres, which have a year round interest. Mrs. Roper will give us a tour of the gardens.
Return to Blindon House through some wonderful Dorset scenery.
Dine tonight with Lady Mary Anne Robb at Cothay Manor. This delightful manor house has one of the most wonderful gardens which we will see before dinner.
English breakfast, lunch and dinner o/n BLINDON HOUSE HOTEL
Friday June 16th 2000
Check out from the hotel this morning to drive to Salisbury for lunch with The Hon. John and Mrs. Cordle in their 13th century house within the beautiful Cathedral Close. Malmesbury House is considered the Jewel of the Close Houses. Charles II stayed there and the composer George Frederick Handel was a frequent visitor. Mr. Cordle (who has a wealth of amusing stories to tell) and Mrs. Cordle will host lunch.
After lunch visit Salisbury Cathedral to see one of the four original copies of the Magna Charta which is displayed in the Chapter House. There will be time to wander around the shops and sights of this pretty market city.
Drive to London, arriving late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure this evening.
English breakfast and lunch o/n London hotel
Saturday June 17th 2000
This morning drive to Green Park to watch the Trooping of the Colour. Many members of the Royal Family attend this ceremony, which commemorates the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. This is an amazing spectacle, showing the best of British pomp and ceremony!
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
This evening a private tour of the Tower of London with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels. This is rather special as the Tower takes on a magical feeling when it is empty of all the other visitors! Drinks and canapés will be served. Dine at leisure.
English breakfast and cocktail reception o/n London hotel
Sunday June 18th 2000
Check out from the hotel to go to Windsor.
Today, a very different day awaits you! An opportunity to see the archetypal English sport - cricket. Jonathan Fry, the grandson of one of the most famous English cricketers, C.B. Fry, will give a short talk on the peculiarities of the game in a private room at the Castle hotel Windsor before you arrive at St. George's School at Windsor Castle for the start of the day's activities at noon.
Luncheon in the presence of a prominent Royal (hopefully this will be HRH Prince Philip - it depends upon the diary of the Royal Family).
After lunch, watch the cricket game or otherwise wander around the town of Windsor.
Check into the Castle Hotel, Windsor.
Dine at leisure.
English breakfast and lunch o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Monday June 19th 2000
Garter Day!
Today is the Ceremony Of The Noble Order Of The Garter in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal family.
Depart from hotel by coach to nearby Eton College, Britain's most famous and ancient of public schools, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. Enjoy a private visit of the Museum of Eton Life, the School Yard, College Chapel and the Lower and Upper Schools. This will be followed by lunch follows in the College Dining Hall.
After lunch, drive to Windsor Castle for the Procession and Ceremony Of The Noble Order Of The Garter in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal family.
Each year the Knights of the Garter gather at St. George's Chapel to witness the installation ceremony of new Knights of the Garter by H M the Queen. This is one of the most spectacular events in the English calendar!
As guests of the Society of the Friends of St. George's Chapel, seats will be provided on a stand, giving a prime view of the procession.
Afternoon tea will be served to guests of the society in the Chapter Library of the Castle.
In the evening, visit the Runnymede site of the signing of the Magna Charta in 1215.
Dinner in the hotel.
English breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Tuesday June 20th 2000
Today is Royal Ascot Day!
We will be driven from the hotel by limousine the short distance to the Races, dressed of course in top hat and tails for the gentlemen and wonderful hats for the ladies.
Seated champagne lunch in the luxurious surroundings of a private marquee situated in the grounds of a house opposite the racecourse.
We will be able to experience the rich pageantry and excitement of the opening day of Royal Ascot Races where one can mingle with Royalty and see Her Majesty the Queen and her family walking around amongst the other guests. Those with letters of entrance will be able to go into the Royal Enclosure. [Note to apply for letters of entrance please contact the Society Office].
Afternoon tea will be served on the Heath, watching the horses go by!
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure
Late afternoon 4:00pm onwards - Optional Polo at Smiths Lawn. This event is usually attended by HRH Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family. Polo is played until 8:00pm. The teams competing are riding some of the finest horses in the world.
English breakfast, lunch, tea o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Wednesday June 21th 2000
Departure Day Transfer to airport for your return flight home. Bon Voyage!
Please contact the Society at 215-836-5022 for further information The full itinerary plus the price and terms and conditions, prepared by Gate1 International Travel Service, will be sent to you by the Society. Once you have decided to participate, you will be referred to Gate1 for reservations and payment. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The Tour Operator and Seller of Travel for this Tour is Gate1 International Travel Service.
It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to participate.
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