COMPTON WYNYATES
=How to get there.=—Train from Euston. London and North-Western
Railway.
=Nearest Station.=—Kineton (5 miles from Compton Wynyates).
=Distance from London.=—91-3/4 miles.
=Average Time.=—Varies between 2 to 3-3/4 hours.
1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—Single 14s. 4d. 9s. 0d. 7s. 8d.
Return 26s. 6d. 16s. 11d. …
=Accommodation Obtainable.=—At Kineton—"Red Lion Hotel,"
"Swan Hotel."
=Alternative Route.=—None.
Compton Wynyates, the seat of the Marquess of Northampton, is one of the most beautiful Tudor houses in England, and although Warwickshire is exceedingly rich in castles and fine old houses, it can show nothing to surpass this time-worn pile of red brick and stone. Though the moat, which was the outer guard of the place, has been partly filled in and converted into smooth lawns, one of the most romantic aspects of the house is to be seen across an angle of the watery enclosure. The buildings surround a quadrangle, the entrance being made through a beautiful Tudor gateway. In the spandrils of its archway are carved the arms of Henry VIII., with the griffin and greyhound for supporters and the royal crown above.
The house was built by Sir William Compton during the reign of Henry VIII., with the exception of some additions, including the great parlour panelled with oak, which dates from the days of Queen Elizabeth.
To touch on half the glories of this perfect Tudor house would occupy many pages of this book—its beautiful chapel with its curious carvings with the seven deadly sins represented as knights in armour, the great hall in which Henry VIII. was welcomed by Sir William Compton, the drawing-room with its fine plaster ceiling—all are so full of beauty and interest that they can merely be referred to here.
The situation of the house in a richly timbered hollow adds infinitely to its charm. The gardens, too, are of the beautiful type that one learns to expect in conjunction with so lovely a dwelling, while flowering creepers on the towers and on the gabled walls complete an ideal picture of all that is loveliest in an old English mansion.
Permission to see Compton Wynyates can only be obtained by a written application.
[Illustration: Valentine & Sons, Ltd.
COMPTON WYNYATES.
The seat of the Marquess of Northampton, is one of the most beautiful mediaeval homes in England.]