Terracotta pottery fragments from the garden
Many of you will know that I live on the margin of Highclere Park, within which is situated Highclere Castle. The castle has appeared in many films & TV programmes in the past ('Eyes Wide Shut'...'Jeeves & Wooster') - but at the moment it will be known to anyone who has been/is watching 'Downton Abbey' - as it is the main filming location for this entertaining series.
Autumn Cottage was, up until the 1960's, one of the cottages belonging to the Highclere Estate, with the inhabitants either working at, or being otherwise associated with 'The Castle' - and nowhere is this more visible than amongst the artefacts that I have dug up in, or found on the surface of the garden over the last 25 years. All the little bits of pottery and china, glass and metal give a far more evocative account of those who have lived here than mere words are able to do.
Sponge and transfer printed, handpainted, blown, moulded...pipes and pots, bottles, bowls and inkwells, buttons and teacups...the debris of life at Autumn Cottage
In picture 1 you will see pieces of humble pottery for day-to-day use, such as would be expected in cottages of this stature and age...but if you look in image 2, you will see also a fine array of china which is much more 'posh' - fragments of Chelsea tea-bowls, oriental decorated wares, much ornamented blue and white ware, mixed in with items of more lowly origin. This tells a story, to me, of people in service 'up at the Castle' who may have been given the odd chipped cup or plate, in preference to it being thrown on the rubbish dump when there was still 'a bit of use' left in it. (How I'd love to find that Castle rubbish dump and dig my way through it - I am sure there must be at least one there somewhere!). Can you imagine a maid or farm worker coming home with a pretty plate or cup, admiring it, getting pleasure from it, putting it on the dresser to enjoy it? I can imagine just such a thing - why, I continue a similar tradition every time I come back from the Antiques Arcade!
When doing some restoration work in my hall a few years ago, I found fragments of rather beautiful wallpaper, hand blocked with a fleur-de-lys pattern - yet another discard, I suspect, from the Big House. Recycling has been alive and well in Highclere for a couple of centuries at least...and I have boxes and boxes of artefacts to prove it!
Take a browse through these bits and pieces and see how many different items you can spot - imagine how they were used and by whom, 'Upstairs'? or 'Downstairs'? and if you are wondering about some of them, please leave a comment to ask...If I know more, I'll share it with you.
How wonderful! I am poring over the fragments and, like you, letting my imagination go to work.
How delightful to "know" someone with a connection to the beautiful castle used in "Downton Abbey."
Wonderful post!
thanks .. Cass
Posted by: Cass at That Old House | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 16:42
The hand blocked wall paper intrigues me- I wonder if it could be related to a paper at the castle? There are companies which will reproduce that sort of thing, but it is unfortunately expensive since it is all done by hand.
I see a piece of utilitarian ware with what we call in the Southwest (re. pre-historic pottery made by the original inhabitants)a "corrugated" pattern. I think the design might have added strength as well as decoration. I love all the little bits!
Posted by: Margaret Lambert | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 17:45
A little hello from Norway;-))
Posted by: Ingun | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 19:15
I just watched the first episode of Downton Abbey on PBS and now that I know more about the magnificant castle I will look at it with different eyes. I just learned of your blogs and I'm sure I will enjoy them as I am kind of an anglophile and especially love learning about the English countryside.
Posted by: Ellen Elrich | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 19:24
Roz, Downton Abbey is just starting here and I watched and so enjoyed the first episode, It was delightful to see and examine all the fragments you've uncovered and saved and to think of their use in bygone days. I will watch the outdoor scenes with new interest now.
Posted by: Sonja poor | Friday, January 14, 2011 at 00:29
Oh what a treasure trove you have there Roz every piece tells a story of some kind, love it all.
I have just finished watching the repeat of DA and so look forward to the new series in the Autumn.
Thank you so much for sharing your finds with us.
Hazel C (UK)
Posted by: hazel coombes | Friday, January 14, 2011 at 16:53
Oh, what fun. I spy a fragment of a Dundee crock. Maybe it contained some orange marmalade? That brings back so many happy memories of my university drama teacher,
Alec Reeve. (1960's) God rest his soul. He was an expat who moved to Texas for health reasons. His wife would send him jars of Dundee orange marmalade. He not only introduced me to it's wonderful taste, he gave me two crocks, which I treasure to this day. (And, he taught me to love England.)
I also see one chip of Blue Willow. Now, who doesn't love that?
Last Sunday night was the premire of
Downton Abbey. What a treat to know that you live close by. That makes it even more special. Can't wait to tell my daughters.
It was meant for you to live at Autumn Cottage. How many people would take the time to save and frame those treasures?
Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Mary Lou/TX | Friday, January 14, 2011 at 19:39
Happy New Year from Dallas Tx
We have just viewed our first episode of Downton Abbey. So fascinating to know Autumn Cottage is in its midst. Another devoted Anglophile here. Love your beautiful and inspiring blog
Posted by: Sandra | Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 03:41
Fascinating shards and the wonderful stories you come up with about them. We take walks along the bay and sometimes find bit of pottery or glass the sea has left behind. Sometimes don't you just wish they could TALK? LOL!
Darla
Posted by: Darla | Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 20:25
Now I have to find "Downtown Abbey" on my TV!!!
Posted by: Joan | Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 22:28