The de Grey family came over from France with William the Conqueror in 1066. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 Greys Court lies at the head of a tranquil Chilterns valley in Oxfordshire.
The current mansion dates from the 16th century but walking around the grounds reveals a patchwork of history going back to the 11th century
The house was given to the National Trust by Sir Felix and Lady Brunner who bought Greys Court in 1937. The house is still full of family possessions so no photographs are allowed inside.
However, I discovered this photo on the internet. It shows the interior of the room with the large elegant bow window, image above, which was added to the Tudor wing during the Georgian period - the room has exquisite 18th century plaster work
and this photo of the delightful kitchen with its pretty pink breakfast table and chairs
The remains of the original medieval building built by the de Grey family resembles a romantic folly in the garden
A small walled courtyard dominated by the original Norman Great Tower
The platform inside the wheel where the donkey walked
As the donkey walked and the wheel turned a container was pulled up from the well where it then caught on an iron hook before tipping water into the tank overhead
Towers and walls overlooking the valley from the 11th century revealing a habitation and legacy that has lasted for a thousand years
Arbutus andrachnoides "Cinnamon Bark Tree"
At the side of the house is an intriguing donkey wheel which dates from the 16th century and was in use right up until 1914
The 19 foot diameter wheel is the largest to survive in England
The donkey drew water from the well for the house. The 12th century well is 200 feet deep and would have been laboriously dug by hand.
Greys Court is a cross country journey to Reading. The Brunner family kept a herd of Guernsey cows. H's father managed a pedigree herd of Guernsey cows which he would take to auction at Reading Market. Is it possible that some of H's father's cows could have ended up at Greys Court, they are a very rare breed of cattle?
