Elizabeth Veale, as she was then, was born in 1766 and raised in the English village of Bridgerule, on the border of Cornwall and Devon in England’s southwest.

The time I spent in Elizabeth Macarthur’s birthplace was absolutely the highlight of my trip to England.  But, as I alwayMr John Boudens seem to find, the place mattered far less than the people.

The spritely octogenarian, Mr Bowden, who showed me through St Bridget’s church and then rang the bells for me.  That’s him holding the enormous key to the church!

Rose Hitchings, who was almost as excited as me to find the gravestones of Elizabeth Macarthur’s parents and sister.

Diana Green who generously shared her knowledge, pictures and research.

The owners of The Glebe – now a beautiful accommodation venue but once the home of Elizabeth’s best friend Bridget Kingdon.  They were more than happy for me and my new friends to explore the (gorgeous) grounds.

Rosie Beat, of the Bridge Mill, who showed me her wonderful, and very beautiful, organic garden.

David and Vivienne HaleShiela Cholwill and MST, owners of Lodgeworthy Farm (where Elizabeth Macarthur was born) who kindly invited me into their home, shared their information about Elizabeth and fed me the BEST afternoon tea ever!

Diane of Tackbear Manor, who also showed me through her home and beautiful gardens.

And last but very definitely not least, Bridgerule locals Sheila and Colin Cholwill who willingly invited me, a complete stranger, into their home.  Luckily we quickly became friends and their generosity and kindness will stay with me for a very long time.

It was entirely thanks to Sheila (pictured with me – she’s the blonde) that my adventures in Bridgerule were so successful.  The woman is a human dynamo!

 

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