At the beginning of the summer I visited Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, England with my parents. It was a last-minute trip for me, and so, so special to have that experience with them. (You can read more about the details of the trip here.) One of the stops we made was to an estate called Chavenage (pronounced chave (rhymes-with-shave)-nej.)
Little did I know the amazing history, let alone star-studded background this place has. Not to mention a very old, traditional English paper-pieced antique hexagon quilt!
History of Chavenage Estate
Here’s some background:
Chavenage is a historic house and estate located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, England. The estate’s history can be traced back to the early 16th century when it was originally built as a Tudor manor house during the Elizabethan era.
Throughout its history, Chavenage’s picturesque setting, carefully preserved architectural styles (including Tudor and Elizabethan features) and historical significance have made it a popular filming location for period dramas such as Lark Rise to Candleford.
You may recognize the house as Trenwith if you watched the guy featured on the pillows below.
Aka: Poldark (feel the smolder.)
The house was also used as the setting for Randalls, the Weston’s home and Miss Bate’s apartment in the 2020 movie adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. (Which I discovered much to my delight as I watched the movie on my flight home.)
The most prominent family associated with Chavenage was the Stephens family. In 1648, during the English Civil War in the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell stayed the night at Chavenage.
This event is memorialized in the room where Cromwell stayed, including a portrait of Cromwell himself, incredible original tapestries on the wall and a lot of original future from the time period.
AND an English Paper-Pieced hexagon quilt on the bed!
Historic English Paper-Pieced Hexagon Quilt
I don’t know the provenance of the quilt itself – it is not of the period when Cromwell would have been there as the earliest English Paper-pieced (EPP) quilts are traced back to the 1770’s and was most popular in England during the early 1800’s.
The quilt might not have been there in Cromwell’s day, nevertheless, it is still a VERY old EPP quilt!
Here are some close-ups of the fabrics used. A lot of fancy fabrics – not just cottons – such as satins and taffetas maybe? (I resisted the urge to touch the quilt.) Those fabrics plus the muted color palette makes me think early 1800’s.
I tried looking for more information on this specific quilt, but didn’t have much luck. I would be so interested in what a quilt historian would say about this quilt based on color, fabrics, etc. (So if anyone out there has some input or expertise, please weigh in in the comments!)
You can go here to read more about how an English Paper Pieced Quilt is made.
More History and Scenery at Chavenage
In addition to the Cromwell bedroom the house itself is fabulous. It is still lived in by the family who owns it now so while some of the historic parts of the very old house are open to the public for private tours or events like weddings – or filming period dramas – the rooms still have a cozy, ‘lived-in’ feeling.
There are also more recent additions such as an Edwardian-era (1890’s) ballroom. During WW2, allied commanders met at a variety of estates in the English countryside – including Chavenage – to plan the D-Day invasion of Normandy. General Eisenhower himself visited Chavenage for those meetings. So, as you can see, some pretty impressive ties to history.
In addition to the house itself, the grounds are equally charming and stunning with vistas of rolling English countryside. We were so lucky to be there on a beautiful summer afternoon.
Today, Chavenage remains a private estate, and parts of the house are open to the public during certain times of the year. Visitors have the opportunity to explore its historic rooms, beautiful gardens, and learn about its fascinating history.
According to the current family, Chavenage is supposed to have some historic ghosts. Which made me think of my current favorite British TV show, Ghosts, and left me wishing I could meet the nice ones here. (Do not be confused by the much less clever and less delightful American version of the show.)
If you’re in Gloucestershire, Chavenage is a fun visit. You must book tickets in advance and as part of a group. More details here.
You can see more of the highlights and places visited during our trip to England here.
Also, if you like quilting-related-travel-posts I’ve got a bunch more here.
Susan Salo
So funny- I have just started watching the Poldark series and enjoying it! We are planning a trip to England next year so I’ll have to keep this in mind. That quilt had seen better days for sure.
Jocelyn
Beautiful pictures and interesting history.
Barbara whyler
Looks like a Grandmother’s garden, with the path between the flowers. Not sure hiw far back that pattern goes but it is an early one
Sandra J Cullum
Good morning from Mississippi, I agree it is a Grandmothers Flower Garden, one of my favorite patterns!! Thanks for sharing
Pamela Weeks
Hi, not called Grandmother’s Flower Garden until the 1930’s in the US. Probably called hexagon or mosaic. Earliest dated English I think is 1712 or 1718. Can’t remember.
Pamela Weeks
Hi, not called Grandmother’s Flower Garden until the 1930’s in the US. Probably called hexagon or mosaic. Earliest dated English I think is 1712 or 1718. Can’t remember.
kenneth tynch
Sorry but the ballroom addition is Victorian not Edwardia. The edwardian Era started in 1901 upon the death of Queen Victoria.
Fab pics, beautiful quilt!!@
Amy
Good point!
Rebecca
In the US, I know this pattern as Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I didn’t paper piece mine, but would like to learn English Paper Piecing.
Belle Plummer
A little snarky, no? Beautiful pictures I’m sure you had a lovely visit. Perhaps you would like to heed the advice of two worthy English gentlemen, Gilbert and Sullivan, who advised that among those who would not be missed were those who praised ” all eras and countries not their own.”
Amy
Oh, I’m so sorry it came across that way. Nothing by praise from me. No snarky-ness intended whatsoever! I’m a devout lover of all things England and English history. An anglophile to the core! 🙂
Peggy
I loved seeing the quilt! I am in the middle of epp a hexagon quilt/grandma’s flower garden using what ever fabric I have already so it has a scrappy feel. Nice to feel part of something that has been crafted the same way for 200+ years!
Diane
Nope, no snarkiness, detected! Amy is one of the nicest most sincere people ever!
Cheryl McEwan
What are you talking about? No snark from Amy, just an interesting and informative article as usual.
Tara Chatts
Hi Belle, I’m curious as to what you found in the post as being “a little snarky.” I read Amy’s post with interest, as it was a beautiful homage to all she saw and experienced in visiting Chavenage. And I enjoy Amy’s blog despite not being an Anglophile (my dark skin and heritage is that of a former British colony and so my relationship with Britain is complicated) and despite having a very different style of quilting (I do not love Liberty of London, and wonder why there’s not more questioning of the colonial origins of Tana Lawn). I come because I find Amy’s writings to be incredibly informative, thoughtful, and full of good humor and grace. I have little patience for careless slights and belittling sarcasm, and so am puzzled by your comment characterizing her words as being such. Additionally, do you mind providing an actual reference to the Gilbert and Sullivan quote as I have searched the librettos of their operettas and do not find it anywhere (I was wondering if there was more to G&S’s words that you were invoking as your suggestion reads fairly unkindly as it stands). Tara
PAULA A CRINKLAW
Go to the YouTube channel The Last Homely House and Kate will teach you EPP and she made a beautiful hexie quilt for her granddaughter, Agnes. I learned to make it from her and she is an exceptional teacher. I have completed my hexie project and it was fun.
Janet Illingworth
We stopped at Chavenage on a walking holiday from Oxford to Bath. I loved the house and especially the family member (daughter of the patriarch?) who gave the tour – she was hilarious! After we wondered around the house for a bit, one of the resident teenagers, who must have been new to having a drivers’ license, was very keen to give us a ride back to the hotel. Great visit!
Susan
Thank you for sharing. I am originally from England and emigrated to Canada in 1968. I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts about your trip. Makes me feel a tiny bit homesick!!
Amy
Oh, thank you. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the England posts. ❤
Janet Greenwood
Visited with my parents years ago. I remember the quilt, a work of art. I love paper piecing because you can carry it anywhere and have a quick addiction fix.
Amy
Me too! I love having and EPP project to carry with me on the go.
Rachel Greenawalt
Why is this called hexagon? Hexagon has eight sides. Beautiful
Amy
Octagon has eight sides. Hexagon has six. 🙂
Linda O’Donnell
I totally enjoyed this post and the other ones about England. Loved the Poldark series so much. It’s totally okay to love many things about other countries as well as our own. I love England too and long to visit there again, Spain and Italy as well as many others are on that list to revisit. The history contained in so many countries is exciting to learn about and going to these places makes it much more real than just reading about in a book. It also stays with you as a much loved friend those places that call to you.
Your posts are always a fun read no matter where you are.
Thank you Amy!
Jean S Reddish
Love the quilt, surprised you were allowed to photgraph it. Mt daughter and I went to Cornwall in April and felt Poldark everywhere. Did a private tour with Timm Uff of Tour Cornwall and it like being with our cousin we hadn’t seen in years. Saw so many Poldark places, and Minick Gardens not to be missed. Didn’t see quilts but lots of Scottish yard in Edinburgh and Inverness, and of course, zillions of lambs frolicking around.
Gloria Marsee
I have a quilt made by my maternal great great great grandmother. It is well over 100 years old and was well used by the family. It is in a fragile state right now. My paternal grandmother who was born in 1895 was the maker of handmade aprons now on display at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton Tennessee.
Amy
Wow! What a great heritage of makers!
Barbara Gough
I can’t believe this popped up on my tablet today! I visited there just yesterday and was completely in awe of the beautiful property and surroundings. I also was amazed at the 2 tapestry decorated rooms and the very old quilts on the beds. Thanks for sharing.
Amy
No way! That’s incredible. And yes! The Tapestries! I can’t imagine their age or value. They were beautiful!
Helen
That tapestry is soooo beautiful as is the quilt. They sure did know how to style a room. I love visiting English country homes. I have been to the UK 10 times and love each trip. So many fabulous memories. Always up for a trip to the UK
Valerie
The only person I know who can help with dating the quilt is Christopher Wilson Tate, he has an antique quilt shop in Abbey Road, London x
Amy
Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds like a place I need to visit next time I go to London!