Buckland Abbey is the former home of
Sir Francis Drake, seaman, adventurer and explorer.
Tucked away in its own secluded valley above the beautiful
River Tavy, Buckland Abbey holds the secret to over
700 years of history. Originally a Cistercian monastery
it was converted after the Dissolution to become the
home of Sir Richard Grenville and then, most famously,
Sir Francis Drake.
Visit the furnished period rooms and wonderful ancient
buildings, craft workshops, a gem of an herb garden,
the massive medieval Great Barn and a unique new decorated
plasterwork ceiling in Drake Chamber.
Following your tour of Buckland Abbey, head for another
famous home; Mount Edgcumbe. Sir Richard Edgcumbe of
Cotehele built a new home in his deer park at Mount
Edgcumbe in 1547-53. The house was badly damaged in
the war and was restored by the Earl of Edgcumbe between
1958-64. It is now beautifully furnished with family
possessions, including paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds,
Gerard Edema and William van der Velde, Irish Bronze
Age horns, 16th century tapestries and 18th century
Chinese and Plymouth porcelain.
Ancient and rare trees can bee seen in the 18th century
Earl's Garden beside the House. The formal gardens are
grouped in the lower park near Cremyll. Originally a
17th century "wilderness" garden, the present
scheme was laid out by the Mount Edgcumbe family in
the 18th century. The Orangery housed orange trees which
were taken out each summer into the Italian Garden with
its mermaid fountain and classical statues.
Lunch will be served in the Orangery prior to touring
the house. Later, return to your ship.
|
