11 of us arrived at the Kelston Cheese Farm; 9 shared cars from Keynsham and 2 walked across the river and fields from Saltford. We enjoyed tea and coffee in the café and warmly welcomed 2 new members, Julia and Julie, on their first walk with us.
We began our tour of the historic village of Kelston guided by Julie Collins who had undertaken extensive research which she shared with us. We viewed the Old School House and then passed an unusual Luxury Hotel!
Sir James Harington was a major figure in Kelston in the 16th century when he was favoured by Elizabeth 1st and lived in the grand Manor House (now no more) where he once entertained the Queen to Lunch while on her way to Bath. He is particularly notable for the invention and installation in the Manor of the first flushing toilet (two hundred years before Thomas Crapper!). The Queen was impressed and asked him to install one for her at Richmond Palace.
We explored the churchyard of St Nicholas church to take in extensive views including the original walled garden, originally growing vegetables for the Manor but now a private flower garden.
We then had a longer climb up to the main road where we viewed the grand Tower House, passed the sadly now closed Crown pub, looked into the original village Lock Up and saw an attractive water trough built by Inigo Jones, a major benefactor for Kelston.
Taking the track back to the Cheese Farm we then parted ways with 8 of us making for the Swan in Swineford for lunch where we enjoyed good food and very sociable company. Good to see the pub thriving.
Many thanks to Julie for organising a most enjoyable walk, and for her diligent historical research which made the tour of this historic village so interesting.