Stafford

I was lucky to have a girl's day out with Lillian and Helen at Stafford. I had never been there before, so my camera went crazy.

We parked up and walked through a lovely park. The park was well kept and had a greenhouse, aviary, bowling pitch and thatched buildings.



This little gem of a building caught my eye. Formerly known as Primrose Cottage 1610. It was a grocers by 1900's and remains so today.



Inside there was a fine selection of Thai specialities and fresh fruit and veg.




Strolling along taking in all the different views....



....As we walked through a shut there was a grand, tall and very old Tudor building. It turns out to be High House. It is said that royality stayed here, King Charles I, on his way to Shrewsbury. There was a group of school children touring that day, so included in the tour were people in period dress.

After the children trailed down the stairs, we made our way up.

"Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period."



http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/the-ancient-high-house

http://www.aboutbritain.com/AncientHighHouse.htm






Along with crooked floors and open timbers, we talked to some talented ladies doing embroidery. One was making some beaded slippers. They were happy to show us tea trays and their other works.








After we saw High House, it was back outside....



Lillian and Helen going into an antique store that was recently featured on the telly.



We ate at The Soup Kitchen.

http://thesoupkitchen.co.uk/

The Soup Kitchen started out as a refreshments house in 1861, then the owners turned it into a soup kitchen to feed the hungry. It is now a grand tea room, with baked goods and soups and sandwiches. There are also for sale antiques throughout. Some of the furnishings are original, including a fireplace/stove.




The Bear Grill not Bear Grylls. Now that is clear, onward....



I made Staffordshire cuisine. Staffordshire Oatcakes!



225 g. fine oatmeal
225 g. self raising flour
1 tsp salt
15 g. yeast
450 ml warm milk
450 ml warm water
1 tsp. caster sugar

Proof the yeast in a small amount of warm water. Let it go frothy. Mix the dry ingredients together. Heat the mixed milk and water and warm them in a separate container. Mix the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients and then add the milk/water mixture all at once. Blend into a batter and let rest for an hour. Heat a griddle and ad batter by a ladle. Brown both sides, until the pancake is cooked through.



They are good served with many different fillings. Some like them made with melted cheese and Branston pickle, or roll a sausage up with one.

**************************************************************************************
"When women are depressed they either eat, or go shopping. Men invade another country."
- Elayne Boosler