KELMSCOTT MANOR


Steve and I had a script meeting yesterday, to discuss the new draft of the book. Then we went off to meet Sally Sandys-Renton, a fascinating woman, who grew up at Kelmscott Manor. Kelmscott is a late 16th Century limestone manor house near Lechlade, where Jane Burden sat for many of Rossetti's paintings. Two of the most important scene's in the musical take place there.

Sally's family lived on and off at Kelmscott from 1965 onwards - primarily in Garden Cottage - though
sometimes in the Manor. Her Father was instrumental in geting the Manor restored with the expert help of the Architect Donald Insall, and Peter Locke. Above is a photograph by Charles Girdham of the house as it is today. I have visited Kelmscott three times over a number of years and was struck by the magic of the place. It was thrilling to talk to Sally, who spent her childhood there, and she was almost as obsessed with the Pre-Raphaelites as I am! She has always felt the lingering presence of Jane, Morris and Rossetti at the old house by the Thames.

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