My grandmother lives at “Eponia”, a country mansion outside of Coventry. It’s been added to over the years, but it was originally a large stone cottage that Lady Godiva built. Well sort of made of stone, some of it is carved out of the sandstone hillside. Have you ever seen Castle Rock? Sort of like that, trees have been planted that camouflage the rocky entrance. But on the outside, it just looks like a brick country manse since the original section was built over.
The cottage, forest and pasture were protected and deeded to Godiva’s family, and it continued even after the Norman invasion in 1066 to be inherited mother to daughter, that’s what Gram said. I can’t even find a record of it in The Domesday Book, the official land record after the Norman invasion of 1066. Nor have I been able to find any listing under churches, abbeys, or monasteries.
"Eponia” is not visible to anyone even now. When we visit, we stop at a local farmer’s home, and get the key to the sheep pasture gate, then take a little lane that leads up the steep hill, into the forest.
The path winds through the massive oaks, opening into a beautiful sunny yard with gardens, chickens, and stables, and a pasture. Have you ever seen the musical “Brigadoon” where a mythical land comes to life every hundred years? This was and is my Brigadoon. It was like going back in time every Christmas, and every summer.
Gram told me that Godiva lived there for several years before marrying Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Even now his double-headed eagle crest shield hangs over the fireplace. The building was hidden by forest; it’s been overlooked during invasions and even the destroying of monasteries by King Henry VIII. Not sure why.
It is clear that some sort of abbey or monastery was built, protecting the cottage. In the early 1800s, Dame Margaret endowed the building of this large manse, to my great great grandmother, to serve as a “retreat center.” The manse was designed to incorporate portions of the monastery and to “absorb” the cottage as a cozy reading room. Years later we tuck pointed and winterized it, keeping the stone walls, the huge hearth, and the living spaces.
We also cleared out the trees closer to the house, allowing for gardens, lawn, and sun. Still, I healthy perimeter of the forest to protect Eponia from prying eyes. More later!
Edy
Photo credit: Stage 7 Photography 1231464 unsplash.com
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