Boars Hill, given its population, has a remarkable number of poetic connections. Two consecutive Poets Laureate, Robert Bridges and John Masefield, lived there and it is forever associated with several other poets, none more so than Matthew Arnold but also including Margaret Woods and Elizabeth Daryush amongst others. JB’s The Old Liberals is set on Boars Hill.
Our visit will be hosted by Foxcombe Hall which recently became a campus of Peking University and was previously an Open University campus, before that a theological college and was originally the home of Lord & Lady Berkeley. After refreshments on arrival we shall meet for a session of readings, information and discussion led by Roy Burton and Andrew McCallum; a chance to learn more about Boars Hill and its poets. This is followed by a Chinese style buffet lunch with wine (sandwich option available). In the afternoon we’ll be given a tour of the hall and its lovely, extensive gardens then after more refreshments there will be the opportunity, using maps provided, for self-guided exploration, on foot or by car, of Boars Hill including the former homes of Bridges and Masefield, the Jarn Garden and Mound and the Elizabeth Daryush Memorial Garden.
The inclusive cost for the day is just £20. Places are limited to 30 so early booking is advised.