If there was anywhere on earth to become the Duke and Duchess of; surely the best must be Sussex.
I cannot claim to be a native of Sussex, as was my father (I was born just over the border in Surrey), but for most of my UK residency I lived in Sussex. It is not known as 'Heaven on Earth' for nothing.
Your Graces; I would like to be amongst the first to officially invite you down to Sexy Sussex. We could put-you-up overnight in Brighton, maybe order ourselves an 'Indian', then I'll take you on a tour the following morning.
Firstly we would head for Chanctonbury Ring, which, as everyone knows, is the very centre of The Garden of Eden; and you will see why it was so perfectly chosen.
After a brisk walk, we'll go for lunch at The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking.
Having partaken of good Sussex Ale and Sausages I'll take you on a short roundabout tour of your new Duchy, to show you some of the delights that you might otherwise miss.
We'll go through Steyning, (which in times past was actually a sea port), then on to Storrington and beautiful West Chiltington (I'll show you the lovely thatched house where I used to live), then north to Horsham (pronounced Hors-am; not Hor-sham) where my father was at school.
From Horsham we'll head South again through stunning countryside back towards Lewes (the county town of E Sussex), then on to Charleston Farmhouse to look at some Bloomsbury painting and decor. Then finally on to Wilmington where we'll admire The Long Man (photo above). Here we'll have a flask of tea (Lapsang), with some of Lady Magnon's Lemon drizzle cake and Cucumber sandwiches; I'll bring a couple of tartan blankets.
May I suggest that you borrow a helicopter for the trip. Being such a beautiful and popular county, our roads tend to be quite congested; this is something you may like to look into at a later date.
Let me know when you're both available, and I'll make the necessary arrangements.
Addendum.
Oh Yes !
ReplyDeleteCan I come along ?
cheers, parsnip
If there's room in the helicopter, you'd be very welcome.
DeleteThanks for the pronounciation of Horsham because I did read it as Hor-sham.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
According to Hilaire Belloc, in Sussex the S and H in a placename should never be pronounced as SH. Bos-am (spelt Bosham) is a good example. But try telling the good folk of Horsham that!
DeleteI was born in Horsham and lived there for 12 years, my father has lived there all his life. We always call it Hor-sham.
DeleteMy goodness, I'm pleased to be able to put you right after all those years. I have even added a couple of extra pix to explain all.
DeleteI have always pronounced the "H" - I am chastised. Perhaps, when we make it to the U.K. you will be able to give us the conducted tour.
ReplyDeleteWhen were you last in Sussex?
DeleteMaybe 25 years ago....not sure.
DeleteYou haven't mentioned the weather!
ReplyDeleteIt's called Sunny Sussex. The Sunshine Coast. Sea, sex, and sun. Etc.
DeleteIt's all meaningless, this naming business.
ReplyDeleteWould you have preferred 'The Duke of Norfolk'?, because he already lives in Sussex (Arundel).
DeleteNo, I would prefer the Duke and Duchess of California and for them to go and live there.
DeleteYour wish may well be answered; give it time!
DeleteWhy all the hate, Rachael? They seem like very nice and charitable people.
DeleteI hate nobody. What a horrible thing to say. They would be happy in the US You are the hater.
DeleteThat comment breaks my heart. I am not like you. I speak from the heart. But I hate nobody. You need to examine your judgement of people.
DeleteI know exactly what you meant Rachel. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they don't move to the US at some time.
DeleteThese days whatever they are called the HRHs have to live in 'protected/protectable' compounds with their relatives. So London home and Norfolk more than likely. But I suspect that they would love your tour.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect them to go to live in Sussex, just to visit me occasionally.
DeleteNever been there but your tour makes me want to go, especially Lady M's Lemon Drizzle and the sausages and ale (not together I might add - I'll keep the cake to eat with the tea.
ReplyDeleteWorth it for the cake alone! If we get a big enough helicopter I'll let you know, and you must join us.
DeleteCerne Abbas is in Dorset, I suppose you knew?
ReplyDeleteI believe they wanted to add a big willy on The Long Man, but the good folk of Sussex refused. In Dorset they are less 'refined'.
DeleteOh, I thought the willy had been airbrushed out. So it is in Sussex.
DeleteIn Wilmington.The Long Man of...
DeleteWe used to sing a song at school assmebly called Sussex by the sea, changed to ---sex by the sea in every song book of course. I thought it was a hymn but having looked it up I see it is a patriotic song and the county's unoffical anthem. Heaven knows why we were sinign it at High School assembly. It was usually a rousing hymn or two, Onward Christian Soldiers, sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteWe used to sing it at Brighton and Hove Football Club games; usually led by Norman Wisdom.
DeleteI think that I’m all Harry and Meghaned out now !!!
ReplyDeleteMy sister lives in Horsham and she has never said it’s pronounced Hors-am and she’s lived there over forty years !!! I shall drop it into the conversation when we see them next !!! XXXX
I believe everything that Hilaire Belloc says; others don't. Hors-am it is for me.
DeleteInteresting, Cro. I did phone Horsham District Council (I work in research and can't help digging deeper when something piques my interest). The general consensus, not least among the people living there, appears to be Horsh am.
ReplyDeleteU
I would suggest that 100% of Horsham residents agree with your careful research. Mr Belloc occasionally writes with his tongue firmly in his cheek; it is for us to determine exactly when!
DeleteJUST HAD FIRST SWIM OF 2018. 23 C, but really very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI have had the pool open for a month but that is because it is in the 100+ here already and I have the heater on. A little warmer water is better for my arthritis , so
Deletenot cold but cool.
cheers, parsnip
The older I get, the more tolerant of cold water I become. Useful!
DeleteHappy times and Happy memories make happy places.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like Sussex!
DeleteOn his fatigues or battle dress, whatever it's called, Prince Henry's name is WALES. With his red hair and beard reminds me of another Wales. Henry of the Tudors of Ynys Mon. I expect him to be the next Prince of Wales if he doesn't bog off to LA.
ReplyDeleteAs Rachel said above; I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that his wife wants to spend time in the US, which will eventually mean full time. Not for a while though.
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