Hi, I'm Frances Rose Agnes Napper from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Welcome to my Blog Site. please respect my photos. This site is for viewing only. All of the photographs featured here were all photographed by me. If I include anyone else's photograph, I will acknowledge the photographer.
Email: Francesnapper@yahoo.com
Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist best known for her classic book “Little Women.” I loved both the book, and there have been a few film adaptions over the years. I often wonder which of the sisters best reflects my personality— was it Jo, Beth, Meg, or Amy March? 🙂 It was a profoundly tragic story, especially when “Beth” March unexpectedly passed away due to Scarlet Fever. It evoked an emotional response, reminding me of the challenging circumstances of that era and bringing to mind themes from “The Brontës.”
“Little Women” is a semi-autobiographical novel inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s own experiences with her three sisters. If you have not yet read the book or watched the film adaptation, I highly recommend it.
Alcott also wrote “Rose In Bloom” which was a sequel to “Eight Cousins.” The narrative centres on Rose Campbell following her return from travelling abroad. As a person of wealth, she endeavours to discern authentic friendships and romantic relationships from those motivated primarily by her financial status. Additionally, the story highlights the significance of independence and the pursuit of personal purpose beyond considerations of marriage, set against the backdrop of numerous suitors.
The story is set in the 19th century and reflects Alcott’s views on women’s roles, education, and class differences. friendships and romantic relationships.
Please note that my photographs are for viewing only.
Some years ago, my daughter Catherine and I came to Belton House for the day. They had a child’s dressing up box. Catherine wore a beautiful purple dress. I still have that photograph. I do not know where all of the Belton House photographs from that trip disappeared to as someone only left me with a photograph of my daughter and I. It seems very prejudiced that someone went into my google account and removed them.
I packed a lovely picnic, and my photography destination was Belton House Such a splendid view of Belton House as I had a picnic lunch. 🙂Belton House – Here’s a lovely view of Belton House—the striking Grade I listed country mansion near Grantham, Lincolnshire.More photos to followThis is a photograph of me when I visited Belton House with my daughter Catherine a number of years ago. All of our photographs disappeared and I am left with just two photographs as a memory. I am so glad that I revisited the house again, just for memory sake. I was a full-time mother to Catherine and my youngest daughter Lauren back then.
Frances x
Here’s a lovely view of Belton House—the striking Grade I listed country mansion near Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Belton House
Architectural gem: Built between 1685 and 1687 by Sir John Brownlow, 3rd Baronet, Belton House exemplifies Carolean (Restoration) architecture—hailed as the only truly vernacular architectural style England produced after Tudor times .
Over the centuries, it remained the Brownlow (and then Cust) family seat until it was donated to the National Trust in 1984 due to financial pressures .
History & Significance
The estate was utilized during both World Wars: first as an assembly point for the 11th (Northern) Division in WWI, then as RAF Belton Park during WWII .
Throughout its long history, the house underwent thoughtful updates reflecting changing tastes—yet the core design remains largely intact .
Interiors & Collections
Special rooms include the Marble Hall, Chapel Drawing Room, and the Chinese Bedroom with its hand‑painted wallpaper .
The collections are outstanding—featuring English portraiture, silver, ceramics, rare furniture, and one of the National Trust’s largest libraries .
Unique treasures include a lapis lazuli veneered cabinet and a sophisticated Daniel Delander longcase clock with perpetual calendar .
Gardens & Parkland
The estate’s formal gardens combine Italian and Dutch styles, including an Orangery and a distinctive Dutch Garden with parterres and topiary paths .
The Conservatory, designed by Jeffry Wyatville and built in 1820, is the first garden building of its kind in England .
Beyond the gardens lies 1,300 acres of parkland rich with wildlife, including historic fallow deer .
Don’t miss the sundial by Caius Gabriel Cibber—featured in the beloved book and BBC adaptation of The Moondial .
Film & Cultural Highlights
Belton House famously portrayed Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s estate, in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice .
More recently, its grounds—including the Italian Garden and Orangery—were used in the Bridgerton spinoff about Queen Charlotte, alongside interior locations like the Marble Hall .
Visiting Today
Access: Located near Grantham, it’s roughly a 2 hr 40 min drive from London, or reachable by train from Kings Cross to Grantham .
Facilities:
House tours, gardens, playgrounds, and miniature train rides—especially popular with families .
Indoor play café, stables café, gift shop, and a second-hand bookshop .
Accessibility support including mobility aids and sensory bags .
Timings & Pricing:
Varies by season; house, gardens, and play areas have differing open days/hours. It’s best to check ahead .
Entry fees available for house, gardens, and park separately .
At a Glance
Feature Highlights Architecture Exquisite Restoration design, largely preserved Interiors Marble Hall, wood carvings, Chinese décor, vast library Collections Portraits, ceramics, silver, rare books, unique pieces Gardens & Park Italian & Dutch gardens, conservatory, vast deer park Cultural Appeal Featured in Pride & Prejudice, BridgertonVisitor Services Play areas, cafés, shops, accessible facilities
It was a lovely evening out at the Tavan. I think I chose the wrong dish from the menu this time around. I have eaten at the venue previously and my food was very good.
SmileyRose Ramblings by
Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her) 