There's even a stuffed lion on one of the walls.
All in all a truly fascinating tour. But sad to say Robert van Kampen died in Florida just prior to moving in to the castle, having spent several years furnishing it and totally reviving the 1,000 acres of gardens.
During our stay at Symonds Yat we took a 40 minute river trip along the Wye on one of the Kingfisher cruisers and again only one other couple was aboard.
We left South Wales on Sunday morning for home, calling in at Chedworth Roman Villa, one of the grandest country houses of fourth century Roman Britain. The villa was discovered in 1864 when a gamekeeper, out ferreting for rabbits, found small stone cubes - loose tesserae - from one of the buried mosaics. The site was swiftly dug to reveal extensive walls, bath houses and fine mosaics from one of the most significant Roman Villas in Britain. Chedworth Roman Villa was at its greatest in the fourth century, as a large and luxurious country house, with many domestic comforts such as underfloor heating and two bath houses. Here are some of the mosaics we saw.
What a nice weekend we had. As we reached Bampton we paid a visit to our friend Joanne who has one of the most 'homely' homes I know. It was converted from an old cowshed! You'd never know it though. Earl Grey tea and home-made cakes were enjoyed by all.