England,  Photography,  Travel Blog

Nostalgia Trip #1: Barnt Green & Brownsover

June 6, 2021 /

Before we turn the metaphorical corner into memory lane, we spend good times visiting some of Michaela’s family in the West Midlands. The combination of our curtailed world trip and the effects of lockdown means we haven’t seen them in almost 18 months, so there is a great deal of feelgood in meeting up with her Dad, brothers and our nieces and nephews. Our base for this is the leafy village of Barnt Green, south of Birmingham and home to Michaela’s brother Andy and his lovely wife Claire.

Barnt Green sits on the edge of the Lickey Hills which hold heaps of childhood memories for Michaela, so we take time out to amble along its leafy paths as Michaela reminisces about those days, recounting amusing tales of childhood scrapes and adventures.

  • Lickey Hills
  • Lickey Hills

With a final farewell to everyone, we take the short trip to our next nostalgia destination, Brownsover Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Rugby. Why nostalgic? Because this is the place where, eight years ago this very month, we got married. Our first impression as we walk back into the majestic old building for the first time since that day is that eight years and a year of COVID enforced inactivity have taken a bit of a toll and the place is not quite as beautifully kept as it was back then, but there is no doubting what a great building Brownsover is.

Brownsover Hall

A mighty fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture, Brownsover was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott who was also responsible for London St Pancras railway station, itself an even more grandiose Gothic design and quite possibly my favourite building in all of England. Brownsover bears some similarities to St Pancras with its lofty Gothic towers and beautifully ornate windows, leaving the observer in awe of the level of wealth which could enable the commission of a family home of such grandeur.

Brownsover Hall Gardens

With the estate having been held by the same family for over 400 years, the current house replaced the original manor house during the 19th century, first changing hands in 1936 when acquired by Sir Frank Whittle, who is of course credited with the invention of the jet engine. An illustrious history then, involving family murder, famous occupants and grand design, culminating in its finest hour, which was our wedding day of course!

Swift Valley Nature Reserve

A delightful waterway wends its way around the back of the hotel, ambling through pasture and wetlands as it works its way through the Swift Valley Nature Reserve. Wandering along its banks, we spot a pair of Canada Geese with four goslings in tow, as well as a clutch of ducklings scuttling along behind a protective mother: a nice symmetry, given that we watched swans and cygnets on the morning of our wedding day. Tonight the warmth of the evening sun make both the walk and the pre-dinner drinks in the garden even more pleasant. It’s all rather peaceful, especially considering just how close we are to the urban districts of Rugby.

Rugby’s place in history was of course to give its name to the sport which was created here when William Webb Ellis, a pupil at Rugby School, picked up the ball during a game of football (soccer) and ran with it in his hands. Or so goes the legend, widely now thought to be a myth, but, nevertheless, the sport bears the town’s name to this day so it’s a pretty decent claim to fame.

It has been absolutely lovely to revisit Brownsover and enjoy proper nostalgia remembering our wonderful wedding day here and to wander around its attractive gardens and the adjacent nature reserve. Taking a second riverside stroll after breakfast, we muse that we could stay longer and reminisce some more, but this is the first of three successive one nighters and it’s time to move on to our next destination. 

Our Wedding Day

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