An Angel’s Wings
This week’s blog post is going to be something a little different, exploring the abode of a well-known Romantic poet rather than focusing on my own writing journey. Please note this is not a sponsored advertisement but simply a personal account of my time and experiences visiting the estate.
Practically on my doorstep, Newstead Abbey was a previous priory and known residence of the poet Lord Byron. Having studied his poetry in the final year of my undergraduate course and with the university trip to the estate cancelled, I was very excited to embark on a surprise family day trip to the grounds. Even though we would not be able to enter the abbey itself due to social distancing, I had heard that the gardens and surrounding woodland are lovely and picturesque, thus making it a perfect day out. How right they were.
The weather was initially overcast with odd showers as we travelled through Mansfield, but the skies soon cleared up as we, eventually, parked up and walked to the abbey. Ruby, my cockapoo, was more hyperactive than usual as we ventured around the site, taking in the sights and smells of this new and exciting place. Honestly I wasn’t far behind her, except I was excitedly taking photographs of each fascinating plant, stream of water and scenic view, rather than plunging my nose into every nook and cranny of the scenery.
There are many gardens within the property, with paths leading in and out of shrubbery and into areas hidden by low-hanging leaves and branches, sending me back to my childhood days of forging forts out of fallen leaves, moss and sticks. I was especially fascinated by the small stone bridges connecting the paths together within the Japanese garden, the surrounding architecture mirroring the traditional Eastern pagoda. It’s great, actually, to have experienced architecture and plants from different countries all in one area. It’s like travelling without the endless plane ride or need for post-flight isolation.
One of my favourite parts to the estate is definitely the multiple waterfalls. Not many places have such a variety of sizes, from the larger expanse of flowing water across from the abbey which you can actually walk behind, to the gentle streams no larger than your hand. I could listen to that gushing water all day.
As we returned to the car I knew that I would definitely be back, this time armed with a notepad and pen to engage with the similar inspirations that no doubt sparked Lord Byron’s imagination, also. As someone who adores the countryside, I could quite easily spend all day and night under the shelter of the grand trees, or beside the monument to Byron’s late dog Boatswain, frantically scribbling down whatever words come to me. I would also bring a picnic and blanket, which I advise for anyone else wishing to venture there, to sit on the grass and bask in the beauty of the landscape. With how the weather turned out today, I would definitely encourage all, whether aspiring writer or not, to this wonderful location. Hopefully in the near future we can explore within the abbey itself. I am excited to see the manuscripts that are held within there.
I leave you this week with just a few of the photographs I took from the day’s adventure. I wonder how many of these places Lord Byron sat or stood with a quill and paper in hand, surrounded by the inspiration for his next work. As he once penned, “a drop of ink may make a million think”.
Until next week,
Emily
