June 16, Dursley to King's Stanley

 Technically this was supposed to have been a circular walk day.  Instead, I did tomorrow's route to see the countryside on the other side of town, and besides, the walks I had planned for today did not light any fires.  This walk was a glorious walk!  A cool start, gorgeous woods, vast fields, long but not impossible hills, wonderful views.

Black sheep:  

Bird on a post:

Like the teepee Megan and Benjamin built in East Rock Park:

After completing the route—more or less, much more than less—I headed along a tow path:

to Stratford Park in Stroud, a park that has over 800 tress.  Sadly, I did not take full advantage of the park because I made the not great choice of visiting the Museum in the Park whose collection, alas, did not excite.  In all fairness, I was tired and hungry—it was afternoon and I had been climbing and descending since 5:45 a.m.  

So, you know how Browning's last duchess is painted on the wall, looking as if she were alive?....  Well here, at the museum, is a no-good, swindler, Sir (no less) Paul Baghott (painted c. 1812), hanging on the staircase hall of the museum, looking silly and arrogant:

 You can read about him:

Paul Baghott was at different times a banker, merchant and clothier.

In 1802 he bought Lypiatt Park Manor, two miles from Stroud. He began expensive alterations but they were never completed. He went bankrupt three times as a result of dubious business practices, an extravagant lifestyle and gambling.

Despite a shady reputation, Baghott was nominated High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1810. He was knighted in 1812 though the knighthood was issued for convenience rather than through merit - this painting shows Baghott receiving the award Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath on behalf of Lord Strangford.

Baghott had to be a knight in order to be able to receive the award for his friend. To show that he is just standing in for Strangford, Baghott does not wear the mantle of the Order, but has it draped over his arm.

Baghott spent his last days in some ease at Nash Court, Stonehouse. His widow on the other hand died in Stroud workhouse. The story goes that she had only this painting to remind her of better days.

All of which goes to show, "lo chadash tachat ha'shemesh."  (There is nothing new under the sun.)