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Northamptonshire : Rose of the Shires |
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Bugbrooke Northamptonshire
By
the time I started the walk the sky, althought bright, was looking grey.
Someone else had my clouds so minimising sky content was a priority. |
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There was a footpath fingerboard pointing at this sign covered gate. There were also a couple of rottweilers bouncing off it but by the time I set up the shot they had gone. I considered the possibilty that they had backed off to take a run up so I left the arguments about rights of way to the Ramblers. |
Anyone
who names a boat after my favourite software gets into the final edit. |
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Mark Pope posted a similar shot some time back and I told him of my intention to steal it at the first opportunity, which I promptly did. Being a Pope he forgave me* so when I saw this I stole it again. Thanks Mark. * I stole his joke too :-) |
The
approach to this old farmhouse belies its run down state. The meadow
in front of the house was a mixture of colourful wild flowers and grasses. |
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Closer
inspection showed that time was taking its toll. |
Even
though it is structurally a mess it is a great setting. |
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A
peek through the windows revealed signs of family life. A few personal
items and a boxed game of solitaire. I decided against going in because
I was off the footpath and I never trespass in pursuit of a shot. |
A
weather vane so fancy/heavy that it was not trusted to the roof. |
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I
alway worried about bumping into the local hunt with only b&w film
loaded but now that hunting with hounds is banned this is probably the
closest I will get to a hunt scene. |
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You may already
know that my fund of local knowledge has made me a legend. I identified
the house as that of the Littliff family. Impressed? I was helped in
my research by a name on the gate :-) Unless Littliff happens to be
the name of a gate manufacturer. * * *See footnote |
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Okay, I lied about never tresspassing but I couldn't not enter when I saw this window. The Littliffs didn't just leave a few Corona bottles and personal effects, they also left the view shown below. Click on it for a larger version. |
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| I
can offer no indentification of this plant but it is obviously a suckulent.
I had always thought that the fruit was imported from somewhere in the
far east but we apparently grow them from seed . |
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I imagine this sign is to amuse rather than inform. It is about as useful as a notice that reads 'Don't Throw Stones At This Notice'. Made me smile anyway. |
* * * Since posting this I have received two emails from people with first hand knowledge of Litliff Farm. The first was dated September 23rd 2007:
Dear Graham,
Just a line re Littliff farm, Bugbrooke.
Built between 1420 and 1700 Littliff was originally a preachers residence.
Expanded over the next two hundered years Littliff was a coach stop (the road
is now under farm land) and more laterly a farm with over 150 acres. Mixed
farming until the early 20th century and primarily dairy farming until the
late 1970's. Rendered uninhabitable by fire in 1986, Littliff was sold in
portions until the buildings and remaining land-around 6 acres-was sold in
2006.
The farm was owned until 2006 by the Gilkes family, and I spent my childhood
there during the 1970's and 80's. In it's prime, Littliff was a magical place
to spend time. Rich with history and reputedly haunted Littliff occupies an
idealic position, and a place in the hearts of all who ever visited.
I am glad you too found Littliff. I hope my e-mail is of interest. The pictures
have captured Littlif well and I wish you success in your career.
Yours sincerely
Clark J Gilkes
The second email was dated January 4th 2008:
I came across your photos on the internet and thought you
might like to know
a little about Littliff Farm! The name Littliff was that of the farm, not
the gate manufacturer, nor the family that lived there. The family name was
in fact Gilkes and I am one of their many grandchildren. The farm
unfortunately has lain in a derelict state for quite some years -approx 20-
after a house fire (caused, it is believed, by washing drying over the range
cooker in the kitchen). It is now no longer owned by my Grandmother (my
Grandfather passed away some 14.5 years ago). It was sold during the early
part of 2007 and I believe is for sale again now. The history of the place
is fascinating, and it was a wonderful place to spend weekends and school
holidays while it was still a working farm!
Sally Chamberlain
I am very grateful to Sally and Clarke for this information. Whenever I am in such buildings all sorts of questions come to mind and to have them answered is an unexpected delight. Thank you both.
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Camera - Olympus OM2 SP
Lenses - Zuiko 21mm f2 - Zuiko 35mm f2 - Zuiko 55mm f1.2 - Zuiko 180mm f2.8
Film - Kodak T400 CN
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© geebeephoto 2005