This and That – Good Morning on the Train to Durham…I hope.

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Good morning on the train to Durham…I hope. There was some snafu with our tickets while we were boarding. The train was about to steam out of the station, but the conductress didn’t kick us off the train. I hope we don’t end up back in D’Lo. LOL. When we ended up in the next town, we were hastily pushed out the door and onto the train platform. Sam was none too pleased. We’re now waiting for another train to take us back to our original destination so we can continue our journey to Durham.

Finally arriving in York, we discovered that, due to the Queen’s funeral, York, both ancient and new, was, for the most part, shut down. We did get to see the Cathedral because we attended Evensong. The gothic style…is there any other architectural style that so enhances worship? I don’t think so.

On Sunday, I had a dream fulfilled. Forty years ago, the TV series, Brideshead Revisited, greatly influenced my then young life. I promised myself that one day I would visit Castle Howard, where the series and movie adaptations were filmed. And now I have!

Walking into the columned entrance hall, I expected to see Charles and Sebastian smiling down at me from the gilded banister above. Many of the rooms were nothing more than hollow shells, bleak brick walls and massive charred beams, the vague remnants of lost grandeur. A massive fire in 1940 engulfed one wing of the house, burning up through the dome, which collapsed into the entrance hall. One wing survived, as did much of its period furniture and paintings.

The gardens were amazing. The huge Atlas fountain was not playing, but it still didn’t disappoint. The Temple of the Winds was my favorite garden folly because it was here that Charles and Sebastian drank chilled champagne, ate strawberries, and contemplated their futures.

I’ve posted some snaps. Enjoy. We’re off to Edinburgh in the morning. And then…home. Big hug.

(Originally posted September 20, 2022)

Moi with Castle Howard in the background.
Some tacky American trying to look cool on the steps of the Temple of the Winds. He even removed the sign that said, “Do not climb the steps, they are dangerous.”  😊😜😊
The magnificent Temple of the Winds. It’s what’s called a “folly.” This was used in the scene with Sabestain and Charles, lit by candlelight, where they drank champagne and ate strawberries.
Oops! There’s that tacky American tourist in trouble again. This time, just outside the doors of Castle Howard’s private chapel. Thankfully, its marbled, frescoed walls and carved oak survived the fire.
Aloysius, Sebastian’s teddy bear from the TV series.
The famous paintings in the garden room. These were painted for the TV series and were left to replace the ones destroyed by the fire.
A peeling, fading fresco on the grand staircase used in a famous scene between Charles and Sebastian, where they discuss their future. Every time I watch the series with them, and see this scene, I holler, “Yay!!! I’ve been right there.”
The entrance hall fireplace survived the fire but still shows evidence of it.
The recreated dome painting.
One of the upstairs rooms, which was destroyed by the fire and never replaced.
The Long Gallery, which was used extensively in the TV series. The floorboards were about twelve inches wide. I loved the way they creaked when walked on.
The Blue Drawing Room, which, thankfully, survived the fire.
The Castle on fire in 1940. So sad!
The famous Atlas Fountain featured so often in the TV series.