JEC Southern Day
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Date20th August 2006
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PlaceLittlecote House, Hungerford, RG17 0SS
This was the 22nd National Southern Day held by the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club.
JEC arranged a very grand family summer day out. There was lots to do and see for everyone including hundreds of Jaguars & Daimlers of all ages, concours, pride & joy, trade stands, Broad Street jazz band, laser shooting, Professor Crumb children's entertainer, flower arranging and cars for sale.
Littlecote House has beautiful grounds to explore, including a knot garden. Bring a picnic or make use of the hotel catering facilities, (two course carvery lunch £8.50 but pre-book with hotel on 01488 682509).
Among the Roman remains which have been found on the site is the beautiful Orpheus Mosaic, which is on display.
The original Littlecote House was built during the 13th and 14th centuries as part of a medieval settlement and was inhabited by the de Calstone family from around 1290. When William Darrell married Elizabeth de Calstone, he inherited the house and his family went on to build a brick mansion in the early 16th century. The former medieval hall is now the Cromwellian Chapel. It was converted by Alexander Popham. In 1804, Littlecote passed into the hands of the Leyborne-Pophams.
Littlecote has seen an impressive line-up of royalty pass through its doors. This is where Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour and where, in 1601, Elizabeth I visited John Popham, her Attorney General. Charles II and William of Orange also visited the house.
More about Littlecote House at
http://www.historic-uk.com/StayUK/WarnerBreaks/LittlecoteHouse.htm
Main Entrance, Littlecote House, Nr Hungerford, Berks, RG17 0SS
Postcode: RG17 0SS
OS 1:50 000 Map: 174
National Grid Ref: SU 310 702
Littlecote House is just over the border into Berkshire and so is quite local to most of us. It lies alongside the river Kennet about two miles West of Hungerford , perhaps 30 - 40 mins from Oxford.
From Junction 14 on the M4 take the A338 for about 3 miles to Hungerford. In Hungerford turn right onto the A4, and at the next roundabout take the first exit following the A4.
Shortly afterwards turn right onto the B4192 (signposted to Littlecote House). After approximately 1 mile (where the road bends sharply to the right) take the small road straight ahead. The entrance to Littlecote House is approximately 0.5 mile on the right hand side.
There is a map and also directions at
http://www.warnerbreaks.co.uk/littlecote-house/littlecote-house-berkshire.asp
However, ignore any postcodes which you see other than the one above - they are wrong!


