Hello and to continue on the visit to Stow thanks to your encouragement in comments and messages. So nice to hear from you friendly readers. I may not have a big following, which has never been my blog goal, but those of you who read are very loyal and thank you.
The Market Square in Stow has been around a looong time as markets have taken place since the year 1107. It has been the sight of the Cotswold’s major sheep markets and at one time it has been said that as many as 20,000 sheep were sold in a single day. Can you just try to imagine the town full of sheep?
I found the narrow side streets leading from the market so charming and full of character. Later I learned these streets were purposely built narrow and winding as a way to control and count the sheep.
Also in the center of Stow is St. Edwards Hall which was built in 1878 and now houses the library.
Other events also take place at the hall and an inviting sign stood at the entrance. Stow is well known for it’s amount and variety of quality antique stores.
The town stands at the center of 6 crossroads so it has always catered to visitors and travellers. At one time it was said that just about every building on the square was either an Inn or sold refreshments. Below is the sign to The Royalist Hotel which claims to be the oldest Inn in England, since 947.
We walked by a number of tempting tea rooms, restaurants and inns. The bakery looked very inviting too.
We chose this tea room on the corner where we had a nice lunch.
Along with “real tea” with a strainer and loads of atmosphere.
In other news… I haven’t been in the garden and in front of the TV all summer and fall. I have been hanging out at this place pictured below, a wonderful antiques and interior store not too far from home. I get to drive through the English countryside every day I go to work, which is about 5 days a week right now.
Only it doesn’t seem like work at all. It is much more like play time, although it can be hard work, but I love it so much. The barn on the right (below) is my “studio” where I get to paint furniture and anything else that can do with a little update. (Not valuable antiques.)
A picture in the courtyard last week.
Two of the pieces I painted below, the tall Eiffel Tower chest and the round clock table, which is a tilt top table. The owners had a booth at the NEC in Birmingham last week for Grand Designs and this is a corner of their booth ( taken before it was fully set up, but gives you an idea.) So I will try to keep posting and visit blogs, but if my posts are short now you will know why. I’ll be painting or maybe…
even chasing rainbows. (Taken on my way home last week.)
Wishing you a great weekend ahead.
4 comments:
I would "LOVE" to work someplace like that, looks like a lovely area to work at. You are truly blessed to be living in the beautiful UK. Again, thank you so much for all of your beautiful pictures.
I wonder if you saw the Countryfile programme where Adam drove sheep through the Centre of Stow replicating how it used to be?
Yes, I most certainly can imagine a town full of sheep! I love the sheep of England and every town would be better with a flock of sheep wandering through. Besides, I've seen enough Lord Peters, Poirots, Miss Marples, Campions, etc. to have seen an English street full of sheep from time to time.
Love your shots of Stow. It is such a charming place! We had tea there. What I remember most about it was that it was expensive. lol
Enjoy your job. Just think. Even if you hated your work, which you don't, you get to drive through that beautiful countryside twice a day!
Liz in Ohio, So glad you're blog is back. I so missed it. Your photos are so great. Also, I'm in awe of your artist skills on the furniture. Wow!
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