Aldworth

Abstract

Aldworth was built some twenty years ago, when Lady Tennyson had been ordered change, and Freshwater was found to be unbearable and overcrowded during the summer months. It must be borne in mind that to hospitable people there are dangers from friendly inroads as well as from the attacks of enemies. The new house, where for many years past the family has spent its summers, stands on the summit of a high, lonely hill in Surrey[sic], and yet it is not quite out of reach of London life. It is a white stone house with many broad windows facing a great view and a long terrace, like some one of those at Siena or Perugia, with a low parapet of stone, where ivies and roses are trained, making a foreground to the lovely haze of the distance. Sometimes at Aldworth, when the summer days are at their brightest, and Blackdown top has been well warmed and sunned, I have seen a little procession coming along the terrace walk, and proceeding by its green boundary into a garden, where the sun shines its hottest, upon a sheltered lawn, and where standard rose-trees burn their flames: Lord Tennyson, in his cloak, going first, perhaps dragging the garden chair in which Lady Tennyson was lying; Hallam Tennyson following, with rugs and cushions for the rest of the party.

Records of Tennyson, Ruskin and Browning, pp. 55–6.