A Weekend in Somerset, a 17th-Century House and a Little Inspiration…
Sometimes the best writing inspiration comes when you're not actually looking for it.
Last weekend, Rob and I packed up and headed off to Somerset for a very special family occasion – his mum's 80th birthday. 🎂
There was a big family gathering planned, which meant plenty of eating, drinking, laughing and catching up, and naturally we were all looking forward to it.
What I hadn't quite anticipated was that we'd also end up staying somewhere that made the writer in me think 😳
Our accommodation was an absolutely amazing 17th Century property named Compton House in Axbridge, close to both Cheddar and Wells.
There were period features everywhere, along with furniture, memorabilia and all those little details that make you feel as though you're staying somewhere with a history rather than simply booking a holiday house. And to top it all, it was fabulously quirky, steps up, down, uneven flagstone floors and drawers and cupboards filled with just about everything you could possibly think of, want or need from the last four centuries.
Of course, it all had me wondering about all the people who’d lived there over the years and what secrets the walls hold. The arguments, the love affairs, the triumphs and tragedies.
That’s the wonderful thing about being a writer. You never know where or when inspiration will strike, or what will set it off.
An old house with creaky floorboards and worn flagstones, paneled rooms, four poster beds, cubby holes, butler’s pantry, attic rooms and cellars… well, let’s face it, it’s a historical author’s dream.
Fortunately, Rob loves these kinds of places as much as I do, especially having been in the military and most old houses have some kind of military history attached to them and Compton House was no exception. Even more wonderful, it was the Royal Navy. (Those of you who’ve followed me for a while will be aware that Rob served as a submariner for over thirty years – more about that in another blog…)
The main reason for the weekend, of course, was celebrating Rob's mum's 80th birthday, and it was lovely to have so much of the family together.
Milestone birthdays always seem to make you stop for a moment, don't they?
Life gets so busy that we sometimes forget just how important it is to get everyone together in the same place. There was lots of talking, lots of reminiscing and, as I’ve come to expect with a Watts’ family gathering, a lot of game playing along with much hilarity.
And then, in between all the family celebrations, Rob and I managed to spend a little time exploring.
One of the places we visited was Wells, which is where this photograph was taken.
It's a beautiful place and wandering around those old streets on a gorgeous summer's day was the perfect way to spend a few hours.
The best thing about visiting places like Wells is that you can almost feel the layers of time surrounding you. There’s the top layer - modern life with tourists, people having coffee, lunch, taking photographs, and just going about their lives. Then, underneath, layer after layer, century upon century, all with their own stories. Rob and I love just walking, soaking up the ambience. There’s nothing better than sitting outside a cafe (or pub!) and people watching…
Of course, I didn't spend the entire weekend thinking about writing.
There was lots of delicious food to eat and wine to drink, not to mention cocktails, especially Rob’s signature Mojito… Naturally he was kept busy...
Some things are more important than inspiration. 😂
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and a lovely opportunity to celebrate a very special birthday with family.
But I'm also bringing home a few photographs, some happy memories and, inevitably, a head full of ideas.
Next up in a few weeks’ time is Malta. I’m already wondering whether I can set my next story there… 🤔
Much love,
Bev xx
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