Avington Park, near Winchester , holds a captivating allure that has enchanted visitors for centuries. Lauded by William Cobbett as a pinnacle of natural beauty, this idyllic spot has retained its enchanting charm, its landscapes still teeming with an abundance of wildlife. History whispers tales of royal indulgence there.
It was at Avington Park that the charismatic King Charles II sought respite from the pressures of the crown, often in the company of his beloved mistress, Nell Gwyn. As the grand project of constructing a palatial summer residence in Winchester, under the masterful eye of Christopher Wren, unfolded, the king found solace in the tranquil embrace of Avington. Sir George Brydges, a favoured courtier bestowed with the title of "groom of the bedchamber" and a generous annual stipend, graciously welcomed the monarch and his entourage to his estate in Avington while the plans were being carried out.
In anticipation of Wren's architectural masterpiece, which was to be adorned by a stately avenue leading to Winchester Cathedral, the king and his companions made Avington their temporary haven. (Image: Echo) To accommodate their royal guests, Brydges undertook an ambitious expansion of the Elizabethan house, culminating in the construction of a magnificent banqueting hall designed for opulent feasting and revelry. Nell Gwyn, the king's captivating companion, was treated with a level of opulence befitting royalty.
Her private chamber was a testament to her elevated sta.