Bluebells at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire, May 2017
Ashridge, a 5000 acre country estate and stately home in Hertfordshire, is one of the most popular places in the country for viewing bluebells.
The now serene estate has had it momentous times in history. Back in the mediæval period it was the location of Ashridge Priory, a college of the monastic order of Bonhommes, but was surrendered to Henry VIII and was eventually demolished during the reign of Elizabeth I. The famous landscape architect, Capability Brown, worked on the grounds here; the house was home to the “Canal Duke”, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater; during the Second World War the house became a convalescent home for St Albans Hospital; and more recently it has appeared in a number of films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
In late April and May, the bluebells call in the crowds. Welcoming paths meander across the estate beneath patulous trees. The best area in which to enjoy the full impact of the bluebells is Dockey Wood, where the jazzy shimmer of blue contrasts with the bright green of the new beech leaves. But wandering and over-zealous admirers have caused much damage to these sensitive flowers. As a result much of the floral section is now confined behind woven branch barriers for their own protection.
Dockey Wood, May 2017
–
.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 4 May 2017
Posted as part of Thursday Special and Outdoor Wednesday
Travel with Intent 
Bluebells are perfect at that
LikeLike
Oh these are so lovely! I love when flowers blanket the ground!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The bluebells are such a worthy and beautiful subject for a macro, and a special lens!
Your mention of Elizabeth I made me think of the current Queen Elizabeth. Can’t believe she and her husband are still reigning at their age! Hope Charles still will get a change before he is retiring age!
Thanks so much for linking up these lovely shots to All Seasons! Have a great week:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Her husband has just announced his retirement at 96! And it’s their 70th wedding anniversary this year!
LikeLike
I love that field of bluebells. A great photo that covers all words. Super.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your photo and your story. Would love to visit one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great place. Wonderful for walks at any time of year, but the bluebells are special
LikeLiked by 1 person
Applause! Applause! I simply glimpsed it in the Reader earlier when I was linking to Paula, so I didn’t get the full impact. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it Jo. I only got here very early in the season last year, but today I got the full impact. And it sent me wordy!
LikeLike
We’re doing a bluebell walk in Durham on Monday and I’m wondering if it’s too early, but we’re with the group. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’d love to do that with you – I’ll look forward to doing it on your blog!
It’s perfect for bluebells down here at the moment, but I guess you may be a couple of weeks early for up north!
Ashridge has this weekend marked as peak bluebells – a small charge in place
LikeLike
This is gorgeous, Debbie, really gorgeous. Do you still have the fisheye?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I succumbed and bought one – first day out with it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvellous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thats good that they put a barrier around it. 😊🌼👍🏼 nice photograph 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has made a big difference
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful 🙂 I am just editing mine now !!
LikeLiked by 2 people