The Downton Shoot.co.uk
Downton Estate, Herefordshire/Shropshire
(This is NOT Downton Abbey, and in fact is about 125 miles NW of Highclere Castle,
where Downton Abbey was filmed. )
where Downton Abbey was filmed. )
I think the guy in the photo above did a lot better than Matthew Crawley. What do you think?
'The Downton Estate extends to about 5,000 acres and is located in the spectacular, wooded and hilly countryside of the Shropshire, Herefordshire borders, close to the Welsh Marches. Ludlow, with its splendid castle, notable restaurants, wealth of ancient buildings and celebrated Broad Street is nearby and the motorway network gives convenient access to Birmingham Airport, London and European destinations.'
From my 'Official Tourist Map -
Cotswolds & Severn Valley'
By the way, if you're interested in visiting this area, you should check out Marches Tours & Talks. You can get information on the Mortimer Country audio car tour (among others) and also personal and group tours of the Marches (border with Wales) area.
From the website, thedowntonshoot.co.uk:
'Downton Estate is a special venue for shooting parties from around the world. We aim to provide an enjoyable and memorable day, catering for the individual needs of all guns present.
All our efforts are directed to ensuring that everyone enjoys a fine day's shooting with high pheasants in spectacular countryside.
The day is complemented by delicious food and wine, served in the warm and relaxing surroundings of the shoot lodge.
The number of guns who return year after year to recapture the special experience of the Downton Shoot testify to the success of our efforts.
We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to Downton.'
Interested in joining the Downton Shoot? More information here!
Downton Castle
(not to be confused with Downton Abbey)
From the website, thedowntonshoot.co.uk:
The Downton Legacy. Originally, Downton formed part of Bringewood Forest and was owned by the de Mortimer family. They had a considerable impact on the history of the Marches. In the early 1700s, Richard Payne Knight took a lease on the Estate to provide charcoal for his fast expanding iron smelting business. With the discovery of coal smelting at Iron Bridge and the Industrial Revolution that followed, Downton was no longer a viable enterprise.
However, Richard Payne Knight's fortune was preserved and he made the 'grand tour' including Italy, where his interest in architecture and landscape were developed. He built Downton Castle in 1780 and became a leading figure in the 'Picturesque Movement', which was popular at the time, furthering interest in ruins, castles and unpretentious natural beauty. He developed his ideas throughout the spectacular landscape of Downton Gorge where much evidence of his achievements can still be seen.
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And then there's the other [fake] Downton shoot:
The Shoot
Downton Abbey
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'Peppermint Tea'
All Natural, Homemade Vegan Soap
What a fabulous post, Judy. It's hard for a gal living on an Oregon hillside to realize that folks still live like this. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeletethe hunter is handsome the dogs are gorgeous
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Judy!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Mary got rid of him too - but now she's alone again - and I wish she could have hung on to Mathew!!!
Have a great wknd,
Hugs,
Suzan
I like this post a lot; great photos of the countryside, the shoot, those handsome hunting dogs, and Downton Castle. I am sad for Mary though.
ReplyDeletei can imagine raising a child on your own - know she has family but without a husband would be tough.
ReplyDeletei would love to see these shots in person. looks like beautiful countryside. ( :
Love this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love castles and the whole idea of castles and those beautiful old estates! I hope to see one in person some day!! Wonderful pictures, Judy, and thanks so much for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely post ... I bet the show has done a world of good for thier business,don't you think? And as far as Mary raising her baby alone, nope, wouldn't be good for the plot ... looking for romance in season 4.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby (aka the Great Scot) worked for the 'Laird' of a Kilbirnie castle in Scotland for several years before emigrating here when we married. Among other things, they had guest cottages and it was a popular destination during shooting season. Oh the stories he tells of the eccentric hunters and the hilarious 'hunts'!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous Castle.
ReplyDeleteI love the hunter and his dog. Fun post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo was interesting. I don;t think I could shoot or eat animals myself. lol
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the dogs! That castle is beautiful. My sisiter and her husband had two weddings, one in England at a castle and one here in the States. She had a real princess wedding. That soap looks wonderful! I do have to do an order. I was using your raspberry soap today and was reminded now that I am at the very end. I hoope all is well. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
Such an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely diversion - a trip to the countryside! And here, I was expecting more gorgeous cathedrals. How beautiful and peaceful! And the dogs are having a grand time, aren't they???
ReplyDelete