An enchanting evening awaits at Lydiard Park as the estate hosts a special event celebrating two notable Wiltshire figures.
On 16th October 2024, Lydiard House will be the setting for “Countrymen,” a unique illustrated talk and musical celebration of nature writer Richard Jefferies and Vernon St.John, Lydiard’s last lord and a devoted naturalist.
The event begins at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm, and promises an insightful exploration into the lives and legacies of these two countrymen. Richard Jefferies, celebrated for his vivid depictions of English rural life, was deeply inspired by his childhood surroundings at Coate Water near Swindon. Meanwhile, Vernon St.John, a reclusive aristocrat, shared a profound connection with the countryside and a passion for its preservation.
Mike Pringle, Director of the Richard Jefferies Museum, and Sarah Finch-Crisp, Chair of Friends of Lydiard Park, will guide the evening’s discussion. They will delve into the common threads linking these two men: one a farmer’s son who achieved literary acclaim, the other a nobleman whose love for nature extended beyond mere scientific interest to a deep-rooted appreciation for traditional country life.
Adding to the evening’s allure, David Phillips and Diana Bickley from the Swindon Opera Collective will perform a selection of songs inspired by nature. The repertoire will feature works by composers such as Poulenc and Gurney. Guest readers will bring the words of Jefferies and St.John to life, highlighting their shared lyrical passion for wildlife and their reflections on a world in flux.
The event will be held in the elegant 18th-century Hall of Lydiard House, once the ancestral home of the Bolingbrokes. During the interval, guests can enjoy a selection of homemade canapés crafted by Lydiard’s resident chef, Marcus Vevey. An optional gratuity for wine will be appreciated.
Tickets are priced at £20, with a reduced rate of £15 for Friends of Lydiard Park and Friends of Richard Jefferies Museum. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Friends of Lydiard Park.
