Due to a scheduling conflict at Dorney Court we have had to change our summer outing destination and have selected charming Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames. All registered attendees will have received information outlining the change, and we hope you will understand the circumstances–and join us on our new outing.
Here’s some information about Greys Court, an idyllic National Trust property with beautiful gardens:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/greys-court
Greys Court has an interesting St.John connection – especially in view of the social aspirations of the first baronet, Sir John St.John. Sir John’s wife, Anne Leighton, was the daughter of Elizabeth Knollys who was born and brought up at Greys Court, before she was appointed Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth shortly after the latter ascended the English throne in 1558. Elizabeth’s mother was Chief Lady of the Bedchamber and her sister Lettice was a Maid of the Privy Chamber (and incurred the Queen’s enduring wrath by marrying her favourite, Robert Dudley). Despite her sister’s banishment, Elizabeth continued to serve at court throughout her life, preferring it to married life with her husband Thomas Leighton, Governor of Jersey and Guernsey. Walter St.John, the first baronet’s elder brother and ward of Sir Thomas, tragically drowned while staying on the island, leaving John St.John as the heir. Sir Thomas quickly took John on as his ward, and married him to his daughter Anne Leighton. Anne’s royal connections through her mother, Elizabeth Knollys (and the Careys and Boleyns) were a great source of pride to John.
More information about Elizabeth Knollys, the Boleyns, and their fascinating St.John connections can be found on our Friends’ Website Good Gentlewomen section at:
If you have any questions, or are interested in joining the Friends and enjoying this wonderful outing, you would be most welcome. Please contact Julie Holland at [email protected] for more details.