Old houses day 6

 Today I checked out of Cambridge and met Viv, my driver and guide. She trained for two years to be a registered tour guide and drives a Land Rover, an unusually large vehicle for here. We were on our way to Kentwell Hall, an old (1490ish) place bought in the 1970s by a family with the ambition and money to refurbish it, and they live there some of the time. On the way she took me to a little village full of half-timbered Tudor houses and a church larger than you would think they need, which has to do with the wealth that wool brought to local landowners.

There are still houses with thatched roofs, many covered in chicken wire and gently rotting. You can't replace them with a different kind of roof, and insurance companies don't want to cover them for fire.

Kentwell was nearly deserted, tourist-wise. We had tickets and maps, but there was nothing to prevent us from wandering off the paths between outbuildings, or even in the home.

This little building is lifted on staddles to keep out vermin

Tiny ponies! They make Shorty seem huge

The moat was full of carp and ducklings

Rose petals

Recognize this guy? This is a 20th century bathroom sometimes used by guests

After Kentwell, Viv drove us to Lavenham, another village full of REALLY wonky old homes. This is 16th century or so.

The Guildhall

Wood pigeon, the most common bird I see and hear

After this came a 3-1/2 hour drive to my next hotel. One night here, then more old buildings and on to York. You have to understand that for the British, some people rarely see family members because they live 45 minutes away, so this is a herculean effort, especially considering the gas consumption of a big vehicle. Viv told me she turned down a booking to guide Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), who she did not know, to Windsor this Saturday because she was going to be making dinner for friends. 

A local furniture maker was famous for signing his work with a carved mouse. When you watch as many reruns of the UK Antiques Roadshow as I have, you recognize these things. And yes, the carpet is purple and green plaid.