Wilton House (Wilts)

“So whether you come to stroll in the grounds, watch your children let off steam in the adventure playground, or enjoy the art collection in the House, we believe that you are seeing Wilton in the finest condition it has been for many years.” So say the Earl and Countess of Pembroke whose distant ancestors were gifted the Wilton estate by Henry VIII. You do have to wonder if the local birds see Wilton in the same way. Under ‘Sporting‘ (which let’s face it, it is not), we are told that “with spectacular views across the county…the Estate shoot places the emphasis on quality birds, and the primary aim is to provide an enjoyable day’s shooting for our clients.” So, no, probably they don’t. For the shooter the day doesn’t end seeing dead birds fall from the sky: assuming such fripperies actually matter to them, he or she will bask in the presence of greatness “when lunch is served in the Wyatt dining room, a former House kitchen now repurposed as the family shoot dining room designed by Lady Pembroke.” Nauseating on so many levels, really…