Wellingtonia 138

 After the false alarm with car registration plates noticed yesterday at reference 2, we soldiered on with Miss. Marple this (very humid) evening, to be rewarded by some fine shots of a fine Wellingtonia. It was also identified as such by two of the characters.

I take charge of the controller, and after a while I get the snap above. The telephone has done something rather odd with the background colours, but the Wellingtonia is there loud and clear. A very big one too.

Gemini identifies these shots as being taken at Fawley Court in Buckinghamshire. Care here being needed as more than one fancy house was used for the adaptation and more than one fancy house is called Fawley Court. Notwithstanding, Bing and Instagram turn up a snap including the very tree, included above.

Gemini goes on to explain that the Wellingtonia was probably planted in a mid 19th century campaign to improve the gardens, this being a time when Wellingtonia were all the thing.

He also tells me that the house was one of a number claiming to be the inspiration for the 'Toad Hall' of 'Wind in the Willows', with one of the others being the Foxwarren Park of reference 3 which triggered the ongoing excursion for Buxton the brewer and philanthropist. It seems that the author of the present book spent his time drifting from one country house to another: presumably he was able to sing for his supper. In one way or another.

I have not done much checking, but I have been impressed by the speed and ease with which Gemini can substantiate, fill out my stray associations and recollections. Even if he does lay on the flattery a bit thick.

PS: BH still has a proper, old-style copy of 'Wind in the Willows', complete with proper old-style illustrations. A gift from a correspondent.

References 

Reference 1: https://psmv6.blogspot.com/2026/04/wellingtonia-137.html.

Reference 2: https://psmv6.blogspot.com/2026/05/evening.html.

Reference 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawley_Court.

Reference 4: https://psmv6.blogspot.com/2026/03/pitcher-plant.html.

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