5 June 2010 - Stourhead gardens

A visit to the Festival of the voice event. A celebration of song with nearly 1000 performers from 30 groups and choirs taking part.

The approach to the house. Rhododendrons now in flower.

The restriction on photography in the house has now been lifted provided you do not use flash. This is the library.

A closer look at the stained glass window. “The school of Athens” by Francis Eginton.

For me the finest object in the house is Pope’s Cabinet.

The cabinet is believed to have once belonged to Pope Sixtus V. It was purchased by Henry Hoare II. It has recently been fully restored. The cabinet contains lots of secret drawers.

The east front of the house.

A pink rhododendron flower in close up.

The gardens were full of the smell of the rhododendrons.

The southern aspect of the house.

The church of St Peter.

A wedding was taking place at the Temple of Apollo.

I thought this tree framed the view quite nicely.

A choir performing on the Pantheon steps.

There was really peaceful relaxed atmosphere throughout the gardens.

Another choir singing on the Palladian bridge.

I always seem to end with a view of the Pantheon over the bridge. So here is another final shot!