Market day in Ilminster & Barrington Court

One of the charms of living in a village is Market Day.  Ilminster is a quaint town in Somerset, not far from my aunt's, so we checked out all the vendor's wares.

The village also has a grand 'church', called a 'Minster', which in religious hierarchy, means it's importance is between a church and an abbey.

We continued our afternoon at Barrington Court.  The court house was built in the 1500's, from mellow Ham Stone.  By the early 1900's, it had become a derelict shell, but was lovingly restored by the Lyle family (of the Golden Syrup fame).  The house sits empty but is open for visitation.  The rooms are often used for art shows and time can be spent strolling around the estate and through the traditional British gardens. 

Check out the 'hidden' door in the paneling that leads to the 'powder room'.

These grand halls on the third floor were used for exercise during bad weather.

       The art exhibits today were willow arches and fancy gloves.

                                  Interior court fountain.

                                   Stables for the livestock.

We spent a lovely evening feasting on salmon and visiting with my cousin. 

Tomorrow:  Heading into the New Forest.....