Yet long before the story reached the silver screen, it lived in beautifully crafted books -works of art in their own right, that celebrated not only Homer’s words but the enduring power of print.

Within the Library at Wormsley is one such treasure: a magnificent seventeenth-century edition of Homer’s epics, translated and illustrated by the celebrated cartographer, printer and publisher John Ogilby.

Published in London in 1660 (The Iliads) and 1669 (The Odysses), Ogilby’s editions were among the most ambitious illustrated books of their age. Richly engraved with dramatic scenes from the ancient world, they transformed Homer’s stories into a visual experience, inviting readers to journey alongside Achilles, Hector and Odysseus through both words and images.

For seventeenth-century readers, these volumes represented something extraordinary, since printing on such a lavish scale required exceptional craftsmanship. Ogilby’s translations would have helped make the classics more accessible, reflecting the growing appetite for literature, exploration and learning at that time.

Today, they remain remarkable not only for their literary significance but also for their artistry. Every exquisite illustration captures moments of drama and mythology that continue to resonate centuries later, reminding us that storytelling has always been as much about imagination as it is about language.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation – already receiving rave reviews – demonstrates that Homer’s themes remain as compelling now as they were in antiquity: courage, resilience, identity, loyalty and the long journey home. Every generation finds new meaning in these ancient poems, retelling them through the lens of its own time.

At Wormsley, however, these stories are preserved in a form that invites a different kind of reflection. Turning the pages of a seventeenth-century Homer is to experience not only the words of an ancient poet but the history of the book itself – an object created with extraordinary care, intended to endure for generations.

As audiences discover The Odyssey in cinemas this summer, we’re reminded that every modern retelling begins with a story that has travelled through centuries of readers, printers, collectors and custodians. It is a journey almost as remarkable as Odysseus’ own.

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Best known for his roles in Aquaman, Dune and Game of Thrones, Momoa’s series explores artisan craftsmanship, creativity and innovation, meeting people who are reimagining traditional skills and technologies for the future. As part of filming for the episode Off The Grid, the team chose Wormsley as the backdrop for a remarkable collection of vintage vehicles that have been given a new lease of life.

The stars of the episode include two rare classic Land Rovers: a 1949 Series I and a 1961 Series IIA Dormobile camper, as well as three vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles: a 1924 Model JD, a 1927 Model JD and a further 1921 model. These have been sympathetically converted to electric power by Oxfordshire-based engineering company Electrogenic. While their technology may be modern, their character and heritage remain firmly intact.

With our sweeping views, woodland tracks and unspoilt countryside, we provided the perfect backdrop for the filming. Wormsley’s landscape complemented the story being told: one that balances a respect for history with a vision for the future.

Wormsley has long been recognised as one of the Chilterns’ most distinctive private estates and continues to attract filmmakers, photographers and creative teams looking for authentic and versatile locations. From open parkland to secluded woodland, the estate offers a wide variety of settings within one single location.

Family, friends and visitors watching the episode may spot some familiar scenery, showcasing the beauty of our estate to audiences around the world.

https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/

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We are so proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of opening one of Wormsley’s hidden treasures, our beautiful Walled Gardens, to the public through the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

The NGS is one of the UK’s most inspiring charitable initiatives, opening the gates of private gardens to raise money for nursing and health charities. Since its inception in 1927, the scheme has raised an incredible £77.8 million, all thanks to the generosity of garden owners and gardeners across the UK and the Channel Islands.

Over the past decade, it has been a privilege to welcome hundreds of visitors to our Walled Gardens and share this special place with so many garden enthusiasts. As a thank you for our years of support, this year the gardening team has kindly been gifted a commemorative NGS trowel, which will certainly enjoy pride of place down at the Walled Gardens.

As part of this year’s event, we are welcoming a selection of artisan craft stalls to the gardens, as well as serving a delicious selection of refreshments including homemade cakes. Many of our visitors and stalls return year after year, helping to create a wonderful sense of community.

In the words of our head gardener, Charlotte Tremlin: ‘NGS is a highlight of the year for the gardens team as it is wonderful to show new people around and also to see familiar faces of those who return year after year’.

Do come along and help us to celebrate this meaningful milestone.

Booking hyperlink: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/30107/the-walled-garden-wormsley

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Watch the full ad here: Everything is Changing – Denza Ad

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This week, as the world marks the 462nd birthday of William Shakespeare, we celebrate with one of the most captivating items in the Wormsley Library collection.

This exquisite collection of engraved illustrations for John Bell’s edition of Shakespeare’s plays (London, 1775) resides in the Wormsley Library, lovingly preserved for future generations. Highlights are these two portraits of Shakespeare and 71 illustrations of actors, such as David Garrick in performances of Shakespeare’s plays. The handsome red morocco binding with gilt neo-classical anthemion and palmette tooling is by Samuel Christian Kalthoeber, a German emigré, the master of that style in late 18th-Century England.

The post To Hold a Bard in Your Hands: A Shakespeare Treasure at the Wormsley Library appeared first on Wormsley.

If you have any queries relating to Feast on Cloud 9, please contact the event organisers on info@feast-events.com, or call +44 1491 413621.  

We hope you enjoy your visit and time in our beautiful Walled Garden.

Visit Feast on Cloud 9

Explore the Walled Garden

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Hidden within the rolling Chiltern hills, just 40 miles from London, Wormsley is an exclusive private estate offering extraordinary settings for truly unforgettable weddings.

“Your beautiful Walled Gardens and extended estate provided the perfect backdrop for our event, creating unforgettable memories.

The lush greenery, blooming flowers and picturesque surroundings exceeded our wildest dreams. Every corner of the venue was a testament to the care and dedication you all put into creating such a breath-taking setting.”

Venues

Vista is a breath-taking backdrop for large-scale weddings. Its open landscape offers endless creative possibilities, from grand marquees and open air ceremonies to glamping villages and festival – inspired celebrations.

New Barns Lawn offers ample space for marquees for up to 500 guests with a level lawn area.

To learn more about what we have on offer, please contact us events@wormsley.com or call Maddy on +44 (0) 1494 480 401.

Thank you to all the wonderful photographers for capturing these moments at Wormsley.

Chiko Photography www.chiko-photography.com
Lukas and Laura Films www.lukaslaurafilms.com
Bizzy Arnott www.arnottphotography.com/

The post Celebrate your wedding on a grand scale at Wormsley appeared first on Wormsley.

Men’s XIs will play it out for their chance to be crowned ’50-Over Trophy Champions’ across the National Counties.

A day for the whole family to enjoy with children’s activities, competitions and prizes. Full hospitality is available for those wishing to immerse themselves in the entire cricket experience. There will also be a variety of refreshments available around the Wormsley cricket ground, or visitors can picnic on the perimeter overlooking the picture-perfect ground.

There is an early bird discount for tickets purchased in advance of the day. Adult tickets bought in advance cost £10 and will be £12.50 on the day. Children go Free.”

Buy tickets now

The post Save the Date: NCCA One Day Trophy Finals 27th August 2023 at Wormsley appeared first on Wormsley.

Book Tickets Here

The Walled Garden dates from the mid-1700s and was originally designed for the former owners of Wormsley, the Fane family, by Richard Woods, a contemporary of the famous Capability Brown. The garden was positioned a mile from the main house to take advantage of the two underground springs and the better source of natural light than surrounds Wormsley House. A carriageway from the house to the garden was planned but never materialised.

For many years the garden was neglected until Sir Paul Getty purchased the Estate in the mid-1980s and in time made the garden a priority project.

In 1991 the garden was redesigned. The wall itself was the only existing feature so the whole plot had to be excavated and remodelled. During the many years of neglect, the garden had succumbed to ash, sycamore, docks, thistles, bindweed and ground elder.

Over the years since the redesign, the layout of the garden has remained substantially the same, although we have just completed a project to re-site the pergola in the vegetable garden so that it sits symmetrically on the axis of the garden. Over the last few years, the garden has enjoyed many events, parties, opera visits and weddings.

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