National Trust, Baddesley Clinton. Saxon Badde's ley, or clearing; upgraded by De Clinton, a Norman Knight. Bill Clinton famously visited his Irish roots when in power. Was he related to the Norman Knights? On the wall in the moated ancient house there is a Victorian etching of a fine 14-15 century castle, looking as complete and proud as Warwick. Indeed it was a Warwickshire castle by the name of Maxstock. I spoke with the guide. She knew of Maxstock, but there was no castle there now. How could that be? Direct hit in the war? Was it a fantasy etching perhaps of the castle in a previous life?
https://goo.gl/images/dji6q8
Well- there it is. Built in the 14th century by William De Clinton. It's 58 minutes drive away near to Coleshill, on the edge of the West Midlands sprawl. A private house, only open on one day of the year, and that is Sunday 10th June 2018. I am busy on that day. Next year?
31 miles from Leicester to Maxstoke. Cycle.
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