Day #5 - Stepleton House
My only purpose for coming to Blandford was to visit Stepleton House (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/452368) at Iwerne Steepleton, Dorset.
Stepleton House, a 17th century manor house on 100 acres is located 3 miles north of the town, was once owned by Elizabeth Cameron in the early to mid 1900s. Elizabeth (Lizzie) was a close friend of Henry Adams. Stepleton House is presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Coombes who have lived here over 20 years. Mrs. Coombes was kind enough to except my request, made a month earlier by mail, for a visit. Plus she give me a delightful tour of this incredibly amazing property.
My purpose for the visit was to see the monument and grave of Lizzie’s Daughter, Martha Cameron Lindsay, who died in April 1918 at 31 years of age.
Chapel Monument, St Mary’s Chapel. Martha Cameron Lindsay and her grave where also is buried Elizabeth, her mother, and her husband 
.
St. Mary’s, a pre-Norman Chapel built c1050s, sits to the left of the house through a wooded path. Inside here is the monument dedicated to Martha. Martha died at Stepleton from a disease she contracted in Egypt while living there with Sir Ronald, who was on assignment. She was 31 years old and the bright light of Elizabeth life. She was incredibly crushed by her loss.
A few years after Martha’s death, Sir Ronald married Elizabeth Hoyt, a favorite niece of Lizzie’s. All but Elizabeth Hoyt Lindsay are buried here in this grave behind the chapel. The names are now too hard to read clearly and harder to see in a photograph. Martha died in 1918, Elizabeth Cameron 1944 and Sir Ronald in 1945.
Grave of Martha, Lizzie and Sir Ronald.
Other views of Stepleton House:
After entering the large iron gate driving to the house
This photo above is the back of Stepleton House; the cars (below) most likely belong to two of the three Gardner’s. The driveway curves around the side of the building to the front.
(Right) I’m standing it the exact same spot that Henry Adams stood in 1914 after leaving France to escape the war. Henry was recuperating from a Stroke he had two years earlier, the stress of the war could have resulted in another stroke. He “had” to leave France. He came here before leaving for America the last time (Taken by Mrs. Coombes)
The landscape of Stepleton house is incredibly breath taking. Besides an idyllic pond with a bridge, there is an arbor area that is centered by a small fountain, an orchard and garden area with hot house. There is also a tennis court, swimming pool and stables.
(In front of Chapel)
(Partial view of pond)
The Arbor
Below, Hobs Hill in the distance. An early British settlement site under excavation.
The Garden
The Orchard
I spent about one hour here. Thanks to Mrs. Coombes, I was able to do this and accomplish a major purpose for coming to the UK.
Tomorrow I leave for Mildfor Haven Wales to visit a friend.
Stay tuned.
