MDFAS

OUTINGS - 2011/2012
Patsy Cole is responsible for the information on this Page.

The Roman fortress at Caerleon is one of the best preserved areas in the country showing how the Romans lived their lives so many years ago.. We will begin our conducted tour at the amphitheatre where we will learn about the history, structure and many uses of the theatre. We will be taken to where the barracks were situated and will learn another aspect of Roman life. After this tour we will have an opportunity to visit the Bath House and the Museum in our own time, both of which are very interesting as well as self-explanatory.

Blenheim Palace, which is a World Heritage Site, is a place full of history and many enticing tales. The 300 year old building, the home of the Marlborough family, is full of wonderful treasures and the grounds are beautiful. We will have a special visit with refreshments followed by a talk and tour based on the theme of The Ladies of Blenheim Palace. This tour will take place in the afternoon and, in the morning, members will have time to look around on their own and have lunch.

Treberfydd is an interesting house in an idyllic setting near Llangorse Lake, not far from Brecon. The house was designed by John Loughborough Pearson and built in 1848 for the banker Robert Raikes to found a centre of Anglo-Catholic Tractarianism in the Welsh hills. It has remained in the same family ever since. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of a country house built during the Gothic Revival movement of the 19th century. Many of the original features still remain, including mullion windows, carved stone fireplaces and impish gargoyles. Ten acres of attractive lawns, borders and woodland walks designed by the Victorian garden designer W.A. Nesfield surround the house. We will have a tour of the house and gardens given by one of the family, see an art exhibition and have a light tea.

Treberfydd is situated at Llangasty and we will find our own way there. The tour will begin at 2.00 pm. There is plenty of parking although some people may choose to car pool.