Welcome to the Mead Tea Gardens (Historical) Website

Reminisce and share your memories!

The eight pink cherries at their peak in 1980s. Planted in September 1937

The eight pink cherries at their peak in the 1980s. Planted in September 1937
by Evelyn on buying the Mead with its Tea Gardens, five acre market garden & cottages.
Another seven were planted around the new Tea Garden when Evelyn had the pavilion moved,
in 1947, from the house garden down to its 'Wind in the Willows' setting beside St. Catherine's Brook.

James and his wife Annie Dow Wilson bought The Mead property 26 March 1921...... Started the TEA GARDENS in 1923. He passed on whilst in Scotland attending his father's funeral, and died at Norwood Castle, Blain, Dunfermilne, Fife 22 Jan. 1933. ANNIE his widow was so distressed, she sold The Mead 23 June 1933.

ORIGINAL BROCHURE

Come to the Mead for Tea!

THE TEA GARDENS AT THE MEAD,
ST. CATHERINE'S, Near BATH.

The Delights of St. Catherine's Valley.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in the garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

DOROTHY FRANCES GURNEY

The tiny village of St. Catherine's, one of Somerset's sweetest beauty spots, is becoming every year an increasingly popular place of resort with all who love the unspoilt countryside.

Citizens of Bath have long revelled in its beauty at all seasons, and, thanks to the motor coaches from Bristol, which pass through Cold Ashton on their way to Marshfield and Chippenham, residents in the "Sister City" have now discovered that St. Catherine's, with its well-known Tea Gardens at The Mead, offers a delightful and convenient "halfway house" on a round trip which they may accomplish by combining a healthful walk and the swifter and less arduous pleasures of riding.

Main photo of the Mead Tea Gardens from the 1923 to 1947 Original Brochure

Dainty Teas In the Garden

The reason why The Mead Tea Garden has become so favourite a rendezvous is not far to seek.

"It is not only" (says the "Bath Chronicle," June 25th, 1923) "that the house is a picturesque old place, that its extensive gardens are aglow with sweet-scented flowers, that the scenery all around is of wondrous beauty, but, over and above all this, the actual teas provided are a sheer delight.

"There are all sorts of Scottish home-made dainties, including girdle cakes and shortbread, besides, in season (June and July), luscious strawberries and raspberries fresh culled from the garden, with ample supplies of cream.

The Wishing Well

"After tea you may stand before the quaint old Wishing Well in the Garden, with its never-failing spring of the clearest, coldest water, and legend says that if you carry out certain mystical rites while wishing, your desires will be fulfilled.

"If the unexpected desire of the 'well-wishers' is for a delightful walk to follow the tea it will certainly come true and that right speedily."

For the better accommodation of visitors a bungalow has now been installed, with a wide verandah, on which teas are served (as well as at the tables on the lawns), while ample room is provided within the bungalow in case of cold or inclement weather.

Teas are served both weekdays and Sundays, and parties are especially catered for. When large parties are arranging a visit a postcard intimating the fact will be much appreciated.

Fresh Fruit and Flowers may be purchased at The Mead. Tomatoes a speciality.

How to Get There.

Main map showing how to get to the Mead Tea Gardens from the 1923 to 1947 Original Brochure

The best way of approach from Bath is to take the Bathford tramcar as far as the "Lamb and Flag" at Batheaston, turning to the left at that familiar inn, whence St. Catherine's is reached in the course of half an hour's walk along a country lane which commands on either side extensive vistas of magnificent scenery.

The Round Trip From Bristol

Visitors from Bristol take the motor 'bus as far as the cross roads at Cold Ashton, where they turn south along the lane which winds through the beautiful Valley traversed by the little trout stream known as St. Catherine's Brook. Monkswood Reservoir and the stately St. Catherine's Court are passed on the way and an hour's delightful walk brings St. Catherine's into view.

Geting home again is a pleasant task in the cool of the evening, the stroll to Batheaston, the ride in the tram beside the Avon, passing Bathampton Weirs (beloved of the artist) and then the wondrous view of the myriad lights of the Queen City of the West climbing almost mountain resort high to meet the stars, being an exquisite experience with which to round off a happy day. Often it is difficult to decide where the lights of the City end and those of Heaven begin.

From Bath the G.W.R. provide an excellent service of trains to Bristol, or, if road travel be preferred, there are two motor-'bus lines, both starting from Queen's Parade Place (Gay Street Corner), which afford a ten minutes' service. The route of one passes through Saltford, Keynsham and Brislington to the Centre; the other goes to Bristol Old Market by way of Kelston, Bitton, Willsbridge and Hanham.

Over Bannerdown To Hunter's Hall

An Alternative route to St. Catherine's from Bath is to walk (or take the afternoon Castle Combe 'bus) over Bannerdown as far as Hunter's Hall, and then stroll along the shady by-road which brings you down into St. Catherine's past a tiny reservoir—Oakford (note the diving birds on it). When you join the main road again turn to the right and climb a ahort steep hill; The Mead lies just beyond it.

Visitors from Bath usually either walk on after tea, past the Court and Monkswood Reservoir, returning to Bath along the Gloucester Road, or take the lane to Hunter's Hall, thence reaching Bath via Bannersdown, passing, on the way, the Three Shire Stones. Many, however, now walk to Cold Ashton and catch the motor 'bus to Bristol, completing the round trip by train or motor 'bus as their fancy dictates.

NOTES OF INTEREST

TO ST. CATHERINE'S FOR TEA.

(From the "Bath Chronicle and Herald," Whitsuntide, 1931)

Better than the motor-car, better than the train,
Just an idle saunter in a lovely English lane;
Just a walk, a friendly talk, with time to pause awhile,
Time to stay, and time to play, or linger by the stile.
Sunny hours, and scented flowers, and, when it's time for tea,
You'll find it waiting at The Mead, for folk like you and me.
Here's a tip for Whitsuntide, for Jack and Jill, and Jane,
Stroll out to St. Catherine's; you'll want to go again.

MR. & MRS. WILSON.
THE MEAD,
ST. CATHERINE'S.
NEAR BATH & BRISTOL.

ST. CATHERINE was the patron saint of Bath, and the freemen of the City, in their ancient oath, swore to observe "S. KATERN'S DAY." Before the Dissolution of the Monasteries the priors of Bath had a Grange at St. Catherine's, the manor having been in their possession time out of mind.

ST. CATHERINE'S COURT. — One of the most picturesque houses in Somerset, the residence of Mr. Strutt, a kinsman of Lord Rayleigh. The terraced gardens are charming, and there is a quaint "Adam and Eve" bathing pool at the back of them. The house was rebuilt by Prior John Cantlow, of Bath, circa 1499. Note the lovely view across the valley referred to by the author of "John Halifax" in "My Mother and I."

ST. CATHERINE'S CHURCH. — A tiny building with square embattled tower adjacent to The Court. Portions are late Norman or Early English. Rebuilt by Prior Cantlow in 1499. Features are the tower, the chancel arches, the fine font, the colours of the carved pulpit, some precious stained glass, and the monument with figures to William Blanchard and his wife (1631). Near the Church is a cruciform tithe barn.

HUNTER'S HALL INN. — A farmhouse on Bannerdown. It ceased to be an inn sixty or seventy years ago, but in its heyday was a noted rendezvous of Bath and Bristol sportsmen for cockfighting, prize-fighting, pigeon-shooting and pony-racing. Over 600 feet above sea level, it commands a glorious view over Colerne, Ditteridge and the Wiltshire Downs.

MONKSWOOD RESERVOIR. — The main source of Bath's water supply and the headquarters of the little trout stream known as St. Catherine's brook. It is believed that, in the Bronze Age, there was a lake village built on piles around a lake on the site of the present reservoir.

EAGLE HOUSE. — Once the country residence of John Wood the elder, the famous architect, who came to Bath from Yorkshire in 1727 and, with his son, "changed Bath from a mean-looking town to the most beautiful in England."

THE THREE SHIRE STONES. — On Bannerdown, in a little alcove beside the road. They mark the junction of Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. A favourite "snap" for photographers, with three persons mounted on the Stones, one in each county.

A GRIM RELIC. —The tablet inscribed "E.R. 1761," in the wall on Bannerdown about forty yards on the Bath side of the lodge of The Rocks, marks the spot where Edward Roach, of Marshfield, was robbed and murdered. His gravestone is in Marshfield Churchyard.

"COLERNE DONKEYS." — The people of Colerne, a Wiltshire village (reached by a by-road from Bannerdown), have for generations been playfully termed "donkeys," some of their predecessors being alleged to have buried the vicar's donkey (during his absence) in the churchyard with its feet sticking up in the air and to have kept its hooves polished with sandpaper. Afterwards four big square stones were put on the hooves to keep them down. Antiquarians investigating this queer story declared the stones to be the base of a Saxon Cross around which the parishioners worshipped before the Church was built. The Cross has since been restored.

1923 - 1950 Photos

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

1940 Original Tea Garden Entrance & sign & 1890 Greenhouse...

...And down the path with border of pinks...

Original setting - 1946.

A photo of Evelyn's husband and Jonathan's father showing the original Tea Pavilion in front of The Mead.

The Mead 1682 fireplace circa 1947.

1948 - Just moved down from the House to the Brook.

Evelyn with her Austin at The Mead during the War; regularly raising funds for the war effort at The Tea Gardens with St. Catherine's parishioners and running 5 successful businesses - 600 would have tea at The Mead at a weekend. Huge endeavour and team work!

Evelyn with at The Mead during the War...

Evelyn's Restaurant in Bath. Jill's Grill with Trim Bridge 1932 - 1950...

Evelyn - Jonathan's Mother - who bought the Mead on her birthday Sept. 12 1937...

Feature from the Bath Chronicle,
Friday May 10 2002

Original Article by old tea customer, Christopher Hansford

ONE of the great Bath culinary institutions for decades was the glorious Mead Tea Gardens out in the beautiful St. Catherine's Valley near Batheaston.

The gardens were started back in 1923 and, until they were closed a few years ago, anyone who was anyone would be sure to be seen one weekend afternoon or another lounging around on garden chairs with pots of tea in real teapots and the kind of afternoon teas you just don't seem to see any more.

In recent years, the last owner of the tea garden was Jonathan Metcalfe, who ran the garden from 1970 through to 1992 having taken it over from his mother. The Mead has re-opened on selected weeks during the early summer to raise money for charity.

Jonathan, who now lives mostly in Dorset, has brought in this photograph which was taken by the Bath Chronicle back in 1948. The picture shows some of the Mead's visitors to the garden after Jonathan's mother had the tea pavilion moved down to the brook in 1947.

Jonathan, who was a very small boy when the picture was taken, says that his mother, who ran the tea gardens from 1937 to 1950, can be seen standing at the back.

(If you are on the picture or have any information please get in touch via the Guestbook!)

Photo showing the Bath Orthopaedic hospital outing to The Mead in 1948

This 1948 picture of the Bath Orthopaedic hospital outing to The Mead was on the circular I sent out to some 200 of our old customers in May this year, the fourth year running we have done it for charity. 500 returned, £900 was made for Save The Children despite two all wet days when nobody came, just two lovely days and then a final flourish with a record 116 & £350 on the final Sunday for St. Catherine's Church restoration fund! My mother is second right at the back, shortly before going back to Ireland when she bought Cahore Castle on the Co. Wexford coast.

There was a happy outcome from this delightful publication by Chris. When the phone rang at the Buttles & it was the 12 year old girl in middle front of the photo ringing from Camborne in Cornwall 54 years on to say "it was she" and her daughter spotted it in the Bath paper! We are going to meet up when I next return to Valerie in St. Agnes, just 5 miles away, Val being my very good neighbour, friend and helper at The Mead from the start in 1970 until her move to Cornwall in 1980. Most of the children in 1948 were polio patients, I can remember the scene and them, when I was four!

My return from Ireland January 1964 up to Tea Gardens re-opening 1970.
5 acres of jungle and boundary wall down in 11 places in 1964!

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

The Tea Pavilion 1966, rescued from 'Jungle' & before 1970 Tea Gardens 'Re-awakening'.

The Cottages 1967 before re-opening 1970 with new & 3rd entrance behind down into new carpark.

1967 rose terrace. View from the house where the medieval cottages and then the 1890 greenhouse once stood.

Views facing North 1967.

Front garden 1968, pre Tea Gardens re-opening, & Manchester terriers.

Front garden 1968, pre Tea Gardens re-opening, and Manchester terriers.

Rose garden 1968, where greenhouse stood 1890-1965.

New lawns, all hand dug 1964-1966, from brambles and nettles!

Courtyard June 1968 - was this the largest Syringa in Somerset or England?! The scent was fabulous!

The border of Mrs Simpkins pinks, Manchester terriers Sheila & Sally.

The border of Mrs Simpkins pinks 1968, Manchester terriers Sheila & Sally.

1969 - One year before re-opening.

Wayside Cottage & Garden Cottage April 1969, in the courtyard - now 'The Buttles' & split from The Mead.

Jonathan's Rose Garden Terrace 1969 - after the 1890 greenhouse was demolished...

The 1970 - 1992 Brochure

Est. 1923

Map from the 1970 - 1992 brochure for the Mead Tea Gardens

Map showing the location of The Mead,
on the borders of Somerset,
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

ST CATHERINE'S VALLEY
BATHEASTON, Nr. BATH, SOMERSET

SEASON:
APRIL 1st or GOOD FRIDAY -
1st SUNDAY IN NOVEMBER OR HALLOWEEN
April - October inclusive
OPENING TIMES:
Afternoon Tea 2.30 - 6.30 p.m. daily

Delicious home-made and cream teas are served in pleasant country
surroundings - between April and October.

Parties are welcome and may be arranged in advance.

Wedding Receptions, Morning Coffee, Salad Lunches,
Suppers and Barbecues catered for.

Bed and Breakfast accommodation at "The Mead" c.1682

Dinner and Dinner Parties.

"Strawberry Breakfasts" in June and July

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
... About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.

A.E. HOUSEMAN

THE MEAD TEA GARDENS celebrated its "creamteanery" 50th year in 1973. Our homemade and cream teas have an Irish/Scottish flavour; fresh fruit and cream is a speciality in season. Fresh eggs and greenhouse rose blooms and other produce are available. The setting is ideal for children's birthday and christening parties, rambling and cycling clubs, W.I. and old people's excursions, treasure hunt terminus etc. Invalids can be served at the house. The car park accommodates around 30 cars; both entrances can be used. Coaches are limited to 30 seaters.

Situated in the prettiest and southernmost Cotswold valley just four miles from beautiful Bath, where St. Catherine's Brook is the ancient boundary with Gloucestershire, this is a renowned Somerset beauty spot. The Cotswold Way and many other footpaths ramble about the old world charm of this sweetest of vales with its birds, butterflies, bees and many wild flowers. The Mead is especially noted for its cherry blossom in spring.

A grateful heart a garden is,
Where there is always room
For every lovely, God-like grace
To come to perfect bloom.

ETHEL W. DENNIS

In 1982 the tercentenary of the House was celebrated with 20 events during the year, mostly in aid of charity. In 1983, the Diamond jubilee of the tea gardens brought 1,200 people to the Valley over a glorious October weekend and £900 was raised.

In 1987, we hope to celebrate 50 years of one family ownership of The Mead in similar fashion.

The property has featured in 3 B.B.C. films and many famous personalities have visited.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Strings in the earth and air make music sweet;
Strings by the river where the willows meet.
There's music along the river for Love wanders there,
Pale flowers on his mantle, dark leaves on his hair.
All softly playing, with head to the music bent,
And fingers straying upon an instrument.

JAMES JOYCE

For centuries, before the dissolution of the monasteries, the Benedictine monks passed by a cottage dwelling on the site of the big wall along the road in front of the house, travelling between their monastic home at auld "Caterne" and Bath Abbey. They possibly took refreshment at the ancient wishing well under the road, which you may visit in the front garden of the house.

The present house faces due south and was built in the reign of Charles II in 1682. The full length, some fireplaces and windows remain and two drawings of the original building, architect's drawings of 1866, are pinned to the Tea Garden wall in the entrance hall.

From 1682 to 1817 the property belonged to the Coates family and then changed hands many times before Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson from Scotland appeared in 1921 and created the Tea Gardens and market garden which became so well known.

I have a garden of my own,
Shining with flowers of every hue;
I loved it dearly while alone,
But I shall love it more with you;
And there the golden bees shall come,
In summer time at break of morn,
And wake us with their busy hum,
Around the Siha's fragrant thorn.

THOMAS MOORE

The Chalet was specially built in 1923 and stood in front of the house. Scottish homemade food was served until 1932 when Mr. Wilson passed on. The Mead was then owned by Mr. and Mrs. Padfield for four years and then the business came into Irish hands with the present ownership. The Tea Garden became a household word between 1937 and 1950 when thousands of people wandered the little lanes of St. Catherine's Valley and called for tea at The Mead ... strawberries and cream in the War years was a main attraction and up to three hundred people would have tea on a weekend afternoon. Due to overwhelming numbers, the Chalet was removed to a new garden alongside the brook in the winter of 1946-7. The ash tree there was planted in 1850 and is the cornerstone of 3 parishes.

From 1937 to 1950 was a heyday period for the Tea Gardens under the ownership of Mrs. Evelyn Smith, whose Irish charm and incredible energy made her one of Bath's personalities. She also owned Jill's Grill in Queen Street for 18 years when it was Bath's most popular restaurant, ran The Mead market garden and a homemade cake business, sat on nine commities, raised money in all directions for charity and used the Chalet as the village hall for St. Catherine's every fortnight during the War effort.

The Tea Garden was closed from 1950 to 1970, but we hope you will enjoy the charm of its rural setting and homemade food once again.

* NOTABLE VISITORS *

THE BISHOP OF BATH & WELLS, Dr. HENDERSON.

*PETER GABRIEL & Crowd ... how proud I was to see him playing at the last Winter Olympics in Northwest Italy where Canadian Jeffrey Buttle won skating medal.

JONI MITCHELL ... his partner on an Amnesty International tour.

LADY VALENTINE THYNNE, sister-in-law of the Marquis of Bath.

*LORD DAVID BEATTY, wrote history of his great grandfather who lived just 5 miles from my Buttle Victorian business great grandfather in Co. Wexford ... WW1 Naval Admiral, given the title.

DAVID SOLE, Scotland rugby captain and Bath player.

MICK DOYLE, Irish rugby forward and later team coach.

JANE SEYMOUR's husband and sister ANNIE whose great friend BARRY MASON stayed at The Mead, writer of hit song "Love grows where my Rosemary goes...".

ANN WIDDECOMBE lived at The Mead 1957-60 when her father was my Mother's tenant of the house & garden, (we were back in Ireland).

*SCYLD BERRY, Cricket Correspondent of The Observer/Telegraph/Wisden chose The Mead with his wife for his wedding reception esp as the tea pavilion had a cricket pavilion atmosphere and MIKE BRIERLEY England and Middlesex was one of the guests.

*PETER BLAKE, Somerset artist and member of the Brotherhood of Ruralists, filmed by the BBC in the Tea Gardens, also designed Sergeant Pepper's Beatles LP sleeve and became SIR PETER.

*BEL MOONEY, author, and Mrs. Dimbleby.

LYN REDGRAVE whilst in a play at our famous Bath Theatre Royal.

ROGER REES, actor. Filmed at The Mead in a Peter Ustinov film.

and some of Bath's TEARS FOR FEARS pop group.

*GUY JENKIN, lived 1 mile south of The Mead in Batheaston, script writer of BBC's "Week Ending", "Drop The Dead Donkey", and more recently "Outnumbered" on BBC television.

*BERNARD KEEFE, and his wife Denise, always stayed at The Mead when he was introducing classical music programmes from BBC Bristol.

RICHARD HOLMES, Director of BBC TV Gardeners World (Richard's Dad, Brian, in Staffordshire, made an excellent video of The Mead in action which we have).

AL HUNTER ASHTON, playright and actor of many parts, including London's Burning and Jeckyl (see Jonathan's Corner for Mead Xmas pic. of him).

HAVE I LEFT YOU OUT?!....... Did world famous Bath & Sherborne Soprano EMMA KIRKBY ever come to tea....... Does anybody know?

*returning customers who loved the Tea Gardens.

The 1990 Mead Tea Gardens Menu - complete with genuine tea stains!

Excerpt from 'Country Walks Around Bath'

The following is an excerpt from 'Country Walks Around Bath' with a walk in St. Catherine's Valley. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden looked at THE ROCKS with a view to buy in the 1970s.

Map from the 1970 - 1992 brochure for the Mead Tea Gardens

Itinerary

The first half mile is the only bit where you'll see much traffic but the views make up for it. Walk back to the Three Shire Stones at the end of the wall on your right. They mark the spot where Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset meet. They are in the form of a cromlech and were put up as a fake megalithic monument in 1859, probably to record the site of a chambered long barrow. Go down into the original fosse of the Roman road which is built up like a causeway above the fields on either side and enjoy the cathedral-like nave of beech trees which line the ditch. Now turn back and keep an eye on the walls as you set out on the walk. The art of laying them goes back thousands of years and different shapes of stone have names like quar, maverday, long wivett and middle batchelor.

Hidden in the park on your left is the ruin of a Victorian castle called The Rocks. You will get a dramatic view of it later. What you can't miss is Hunter's Hall, a big farm like a barracks at the crossroads where we go sharp left for Marshfield. The farm has chamfered mullioned windows but is perfectly symmetrical so must be an 18th-century remodelling of an earlier house. When it was built the farmer still housed his workforce under his own roof. The porch and the rough-pointed openings in the side wall of the farm buildings are fake Gothick of about 1800. So is the elegant wrought-iron sign-holder with its curvaceous quatrefoils. Nowadays, Cotswold farm buildings often get converted into houses and someone has been ingeniously at work here with the usual obtrusive hard-wood stained windows and doors.

Our lane runs along the top of a larch wood. Don't take Oakwood Lane downhill to the left. Further on, Ashwicke Home Farm on the right overlooks native oaks in a deep valley with the ruins of The Rocks commanding a view to your left. Some of the windows of the farm and its outbuildings have ovolomoulded mullions - look for the one in the side wall of the gabled cottage by the road. These date the complex to the late 17th century. There is a distinct air of affluent grandeur to the farmyard.

The Cotswolds are famous for micro-climates. You will run into one round the next bend: a mini micro-climate with bushy...

Up at the House

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

The entrance with Cotswold Stone wall just repaired by Jonathan..

White cherry blossom & greenhouse - side of house 1976.

Roses grown in the two greenhouses 1970 - 1980. Jonathan & Evelyn over from Dublin/Wexford.

Front garden, May 1st 1974.

Roger Rees & Pub Sign, Peter Ustinov Film 1979.

Breakfast room at The Mead. Tamsin born at The Mead (upstairs!) l963 and Robin now in mid Wales.

Old friends in the courtyard...

Joint birthday dinner parties - 'Madame La France's party in dining room...

The eight pink cherries at their peak in the 1980s.

More cherry trees...

Cherries & Forsythia 1984.

Wedding party on middle lawn where pavilion stood 1923-46.

Another wedding reception.

Dining room: Zoë, Alan, Margaret, Ian, Mary, Brian & Jean 1987.

Mary Snell Mead resident 1970 back for tea with her two sons in 1988!

Dining room: 'The Bunch of Lilies' Dinner Party 1989.

Birthday picnic lunch on the rose terrace 1989. Great helpers Nick & June in forefront.

Teas on main lawn 1989 where pavilion had stood 1923-47.

Dining room: 'The Honourables' stag party dinner 1990...

Whilst we lived back in S. Ireland the Eedles succeeded the Widdecombes as tenants of the Mead 1960-64...

Regulars "Mrs. Lucy" with her lovely pet Lucy who loved her piece of cake in the kitchen but hated my Digby jun's advances!

Folk group at tea time.

The original entrance gate off the road into the tea gardens 1923-1947.

Courtyard; putting in a stairs to new attic room 1990, the Coffeys and old Merc.

Winter Teas on Sundays at the house...

View across the Valley from The Mead front garden...

Wedding at The Mead 1990.

...and wedding Rolls Royce awaits in the courtyard!

A group of pictures presented by 'The Phantom Lodger' from Derbyshire.

Digby jun. on road next The Mead with SandybankFarm in background...

Autumn Corners

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Down by the Brook

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Steps and roses leading down... 1970.

Approaching the Lower Tea Gardens.....

Tea Gardens Re-opening 1970, Melanie & Emma serving.

1971 Marty Stanford & her cousin Susan & baby Nicola, of Dublin & Bristol - Kinsmen of Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford. Susan's father Maurice in Co. Wexford suggested growing roses in the greenhouses...

1973 Marty Stanford & her cousin Susan & baby Nicola, of Dublin & Bristol...

Our first wedding reception 1974, the Honey wedding and original 1923 tea garden clock which we still have, in Dorset.

There were 200+band at this summer party including Mick Doyle the Irish rugby international.

Wayside Cottage resident Brian Watson, in flooded Tea Gardens in 1975.

Spring setting for tea 1975.

Cherry blossom 1978, before new 1982 kitchen.

The Tea Gardens by St. Catherine's Brook.

Tea by St. Catherine's Brook.

"Wind in the Willows"

Across the verandah at cherry blossom time.

W.I. outing filling the verandah 1982.

1985.

More photos from the 'The Phantom Lodger'!

Alan & Jonathan beside the pavilion 1984...

Karl Heinz with original l948 kitchen Belfast sink behind him.

Looking up the steep slope, this is the only photo we have showing the bottom to the top to-gether and where 150 plus would have tea in both places on a hot hectic Sunday.

Looking up the steep slope... where 150 plus would have tea on a hot hectic Sunday.

A group of pictures showing the new 1983 (60th Anniversary) Kitchen, replacing the 1947 boxed in verandah when it was moved down from the house. At it's best - cherry blossom 1st May 1984 and the Gill Nutgeons team of helpers.

The GILL NUTGEONS team l983-6 and Spring cherry blossom

Cherry blossom time with the Irving Family of Garden Cottage.

St Catherines Valley Parochial

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St Catherines Parochial Harvest Suppers, Whist Drives, Charity Teas. Many dozens of lovely fund raising events at The Mead, 1970 - 1992. (Sadly no Whist Drive photos - biggest was 80 at The Mead with supper, Queen's Silver Jubilee 1977 - house was so packed we had to use a bedroom upstairs!

At the church, Sunday 29th May 1977.

St. Catherine's Annual Harvest Supper, October 1977 in the 1923 Tea Pavilion.

Michael Balfour of Sherborne & the Routh Family at St. Catherine's Harvest Supper, drawing room 1989.

The Bishop of Bath & Wells, Dr. Henderson, & full group, outside the cottages...

After service at St. Catherine's Church, parishioners Iris, Gladys, Phylis and Patsy having tea!

IRIS (Garden Cottage), Ethel & Gladys, Bishop's visit in Mead sittingroom under that big water colour!

To celebrate 50 years of one family ownership...

QUEENS SILVER JUBILEE PLOUGHMANS LUNCH AT SANDYBANK July 1977...

NELLY (Evry) & ROSE (Godwin) my Mother's 2 STALWARTS...

Charity Teas at The Buttles

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

Mrs "First" and "Second" Lady, sisters from Bath - first customers back in 1998!!

Charity teas from Wayside Cottage, 2000

"The Helpers!"

The Godwin Family of Beeks Farm on the Marshfield side of St. Catherine's Valley...

The car park.

EEDLES & EMERYS, 1960-64 Mead residents and friends for 50 years!

Charity teas at 'The Buttles' (now 1/2 of The Mead, car park side) 2002.

Jonathan's 60th, 2004. Richardsons and Clarkes return...

"Garaged" - It's raining, 2004.

"Waiting" and St. Catherine's Valley, 2004.

Marge and family, Batheaston and Swindon Thompsons 2004.

Mrs "Snowdrop" and Mrs "Lucy", 2004. 2 real favourites meeting - there are dozens more!

Batheaston favourites! 2004.

"Mrs. Salmon Sandwich" with the GORDONS behind, now of GOODBUY Bath bookshop and were old Dublin school with me 1950s!

"The Duke & Duchess of Rockcliff". Peter & Edith WALLIS and she IS American!

The REEDS indeed!

Clifford with Lucy's gardening.

Clans

Co. WEXFORD BUTTLE and Co. TIPPERARY BEETLE. (from Rhineland 1709)

BUTTLE of County Wexford and BEETLE of County Tipperary, Ireland. The descendants of Hans Wilhelm BITTEL who came from the Rhineland

Palatinate(Pzalz) in Summer of 1709 with 13.000 via Rotterdam to London. Most went direct to new British colonies in Eastern America but some 213 families were sent in September to Dublin to become tenant farmers under British landlords in S. Ireland. John William Bittel is found in Youghal, Co. Cork 1712/14 with a son baptised there and on Palatine lists.

The Co. Wexford BUTTLE family have records starting in 1736 in south Co. Wicklow with John Buttle at Coolefancy near Tinahely....then his younger brother Henry Buttle near Ferns at Coolatore etc. who took many farms.

John jun. of Coolefancy then takes Kilmichael a 200 acre farm in north Co. Wexford where this line stays for just 200 years. Younger sons Henry, Benjamin and John take off for Ontario in May 1852 and the former settle near Cobden on farms, the latter in Hamilton. Another son Thomas returns to Co. Wexford and his line are now well established there in business and farms.

Henry's lines of Coolatore and Ballinacoola further south around Ferns include the Clologue family with 9 children in 1808-1827 period which include Samuel jun and William and Thomas who all leave for USA. Eldest son John is the father of John & Samuel who found Enniscorthy businesses, Buttles Bacon Co. etc 1870 - 1920. Many of these descendants are now in Ireland, Australia & N. Zealand.

We have records and family trees of all of these lines but are looking "out there" for further descendants!

In 2004 it was discovered by pure chance that the original German must have had a son left in Munster and a colony of the BEETLE family was found living since 1795 at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary looking at Slievemanon mountain.

Descendants now with the spellings Beetel in USA and Beatty locally have been located. They are now 8th. cousins to their Buttle kin of Co. Wexford. We are in touch with many of this Clan but if you are one of the Irish Buttles/Beetles please contact! (Jonathan Buttle F. Metcalfe who has researched since 1966!)

ESSEX BUTTLE and BUTTELL, BOWTELL, BOUTEL. (from Normandy 1066)

YORKSHIRE E.R. BUTTLE and BATTLE (out of Essex Clan) 15th. c.

COTSWOLD BUTTLE and BUTTELL (1540)

NORFOLK BUTTLE and BUTTOLPH (1300s)

SOMERSET BUTTLE, BUTTEL and BATTLE (1579)

LANCASHIRE BUTTLE (1540)

Buttle Clans Gatherings at The Mead and The Buttles, St. Catherine's Valley, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998 and at various other venues.

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

'BUTTLE FAMILY RECORDS', The Book Launch in 1988, historic day at The Mead after 22 years research!

Jonathan in 1988 with 'Buttle Family Records' after 22 years family research at The Mead.

Jonathan in 1988 with 'Buttle Family Records' after 22 years research...

Buttle Clans Gatherings at The Mead, 1988, 1989 & 1991.

1997 in the car park — 35 various clan Buttles holding the Somerset Family Tree by Jonathan, 70 feet long with 29 branches back to 1579 in the Blackdown Hills.

Buttle 1st. Cousin Nancy from Dublin (with book on table).

Leslie Buttle (Yeovil Somerset Branch) & Dr Michael Buttolph & Co (Norfolk Clan) 1988.

Mead Gathering 1989 - on the right Buttle sisters from historic Gaspé, Quebec Branch & 1838 Sea Captain.

At The Mead 1990.

Amazing coincidence - blew in same day, same time to The Mead, 1990 - Dr Francis Buttle (Somerset Clan now Sydney) & Thomas Buttle from my Co. Wexford 7th Cousin Clan & children. The Blue Boy (Jonathan Buttall) & The Book!

Amazing coincidence, 1990... Dr Francis Buttle & Thomas Buttle from my Co. Wexford 7th Cousin Clan & children...

350 years - Wonderful Somerset Buttle gathering 1991 at Clayhidon Church & Inn after lunch...

Churchstanton Church, Blackdown Hill Buttles 1991 - 3 & 1/2 centuries of the Somerset Clan were there!...

Buttles Farm (17th c.), Buttles Lane & gathering 1991.

Ballinahoun House Buttle Family 1994, Jonathan's 7th Cousins, Co. Wexford.

Devereux - Buttle 2nd cousins, Jonathan just landed from 12 hour flight from L.A. On farm South Auckland, March 1995.

Devereux - Buttle 2nd cousins... On farm South Auckland, March 1995.

John Buttle (Yorkshire Clan), New Zealand. Grave of the founder of their 1840 emigration.

John Buttle (Yorkshire Clan), N.Z., grave of the founder of their 1840 emigration.

At 'Wexford' Darfield Canterbury, New Zealand, 1995, with the present Buttle family on 700 acres ranch, emigrated 1922 from Enniscorthy.

At 'Wexford' Darfield Canterbury, N.Z. 1995, with the present Buttle family on 700 acres ranch, emigrated 1922 from Enniscorthy.

Jonathan & Michael Devereux, 2nd cousins on Gt. Grandmother's grave, Christchurch, N.Z. 1995...

Orange, N.S.W. (1995 visit) Buttles (Somerset, Calstock Branch) and cousins of famous Ida Prins Buttle.

Wonderful Ida & Eli Prins Buttle (Somerset) meeting Revd. Richard Buttle from Auckland (Yorkshire Clan)...

Jonathan's 60th, wonderful day at Buttles oldest farm from 1736, Coolafancy, Co. Wicklow, May 2004.

And at Kilcommon Church where they are buried 1736 - 1860.

Buttle Clans gathering at 'The Buttles', St. Catherine's Valley, Nr. Bath, Somerset, July 1998.

Co. Wexford Buttles, 1st. 2nd. & 7th. cousins Aughrim, south Co. Wicklow, 2004.

Paul Buttle of Cotswold Clan and author of Walks in the Lake District with Paul Buttle of the Essex Clan - West Ham branch.

Paul Buttle of Cotswold Clan and Paul Buttle of the Essex Clan...

Cotswold, Essex and Co. Wessex Buttles, Dorset Gathering 2005.

Somerset, Essex, Cotswold and Co. Wessex Buttles, Dorset Gathering 2005.

Dublin Buttle 1st. cousins the FINEGAN Family staying at The Mead.

St. Botolph's & Buttles' Day, 17th June 1990

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

Buttle gathering on ST. BOTOLPH's Day at the home of BUTTLE'S TIMBER owner, 'St. Botolph's' Shenleybury in Hertfordshire. Peter bought the deconsecrated church as a dwelling not knowing of the association between Buttle & Buttolph surnames!

The whole gathering.

The BUTTOLPH Family party...

All the SOMERSET BUTTLES...

Maureen Buttle Possidonio from Portugal...

Somerset, Essex, Cotswold, Essex and Co. Wessex Buttles, Dorset Gathering 2005.

PETER of the Little Easton Essex Clan...

In September 1937, the PADFIELDS sold up to my mother on her birthday, Mr. Padfield couldn't cope with the 5 acre market garden having another profession in Bath and Mrs. Padfield who was also a JP was suffering from ill health and didn't manage the tea gardens.

Sadly the Tea Gardens shut down in 1950 following a burglary in 1948 whilst my parents were at the theatre in Bristol and again in 1992 after another burglary at The Mead whilst I was on holiday in Tenerife in February 1991. Both were "inside jobs" and had a bad effect, and both my Mother and myself returned to the County Wexford seashore and the farming country of our BUTTLE ancestry in South East Ireland.

This is why the Tea Gardens "disappeared" on both occasions when "in full flow" — we had our all time record day on a glorious 10 May 1990 with a total of 425 customers! 300 was a regular occurence both in the War Years and the 1980s - hectic & happy & terrific teamwork in idyllic St. Catherine's Valley!

Do get in touch and leave a message and if you have any photographs or memories please post them on this site!

Jonathan Metcalfe

Pension Birthday in The Tea Gardens Car Park on 1970 seat

Pension Birthday in the Tea Gardens car park on 1970 seat.
"Official" photograph by photographer and friend James Davies of Weymouth, Bath and Chippenham.

Jonathan's Corner

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

"Mrs. Tea Gardens" 1937-50, "Mr. Tea Gardens" 1970-92.

Astride CLEO the St. Bernard at Cahore 1949.

Mum and me at Cahore. I'm just over from Dad's Hanham, Bristol with those short pants tied up with string..."impoverished"!

With Hanham Dad on entrance steps at Cahore.

On Cahore Point with the lion.

At the Grand Canyon Nov. 1980 and wearing Greek island jacket from May 1980 trip!

Somerset & Bath squash teams for many years...

Mead sittingroom Christmas 1982... "just who gave me these slippers!"

Moustaches & beards notwithstanding...!

50th. birthday January 14 1994 at Tomsallagh, Co. Wexford...

Cahore Castle with Digby jun. earlier same day.

Wearing the famous hand knitted 'Feed the World' charity sweater...

Proud godfather with baby JACK Sherborne Abbey christening 1985...

Susan with son Andrew, ex Cahore neighbour 1950s, Dublin un. then Bristol to California.

With the Staffordshire Holmes in courtyard. Young Richard took pic, now with BBC Gardeners World.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Please contact JONATHAN at jbuttlefmetcalfe(at)googlemail.com or leave a message on the Guestbook please!

THE MEAD

Baldwin 1950-3. Donevein 1954-6. Widdecombe 1957-9. Eedle 1960-63. Roger Perks. Ravi Rao. Alan Pearce. Stuart Galloway. Jan Newman (Westinghouse 5). Charles (Westinghouse). John & Jane Puttock. Roger James. Mary Snell. Mike Fryer. Lance Free. Brian Watson. Dick Rode. Dentist & Solicitor. Robin Wynne Lloyd. Judith Pilsworth. Denis Fry. Mike Rosser(Bath rugby). John & Judy Hanlon. Stuart Bowie. John Humphries.

WAYSIDE COTTAGE

Andrea Cutler. Aberdeen Couple. Paul & Mary Toynton. Nick Cooper & Liz. Mike & Pam Twohig & Apple. Pembrokeshire lass from Spittal. Iris Irving & David. Brian Watson & Mary Fay. Jane Devlin. Jane(horses). David & Julia. Matt & Kate. Ernie Everest. Gilly & Iain Davidson. Lucy. Captain Jason Small R.N.

GARDEN COTTAGE

Terry & Celia Emery & Sue. Mr. Haig. Antell. Daryle & Ann. Sam Williams. Jim & Jenny Pryce. Iris Irving, David & Sambo 1970-1994. Steve Cox. Jenny Gibson. Stuart. Natasha & Jack. Kate & Matt. Cheryl Martin. Stuart Bowditch. Ernie Everest. Sam Williams & Anne.

THE CHALET

Daryle & Anne. Colin & Olive Britton.

WEDDINGS

Honey. Richardson. Kate & Damon Moore (Oxfordshire). Scylde Berry(cricket) Angela Gillies. Kate & Frank Roach(Scotland). ROBERT & HILARY EYLEY 1984. and also RICHARD & ROSIE LISTER.......and many many more.....

HELPERS

Valerie. Tony Stukes. Budge Brothers who named "chocolate gunge". Lynne Palmer. Mrs. Nicholson. Emma, Melanie & Tamsin Eedle. Little Babs Flynn. & Son. Annie. Nutgeons Family. June, Michael & Tim Coffey. Mary Earle. Mavis, Sally, Suzanne Newman. Robin Wynne-Lloyd. Gladys Hardy. Elsie Hollindale. Pam Lane. Alan Street. Angela Godwin-Brown. Jane Anderson. Nick Love (printed 'The Meadia' - menus). Kay Bishop. Jane Devlin. Zoe. Shane. "Beefburger Nick".......

and hundreds of Guests at the house and thousands of customers for teas including........'Marko'. 'Mrs. Marshfield' Fishponds Cyclists. Richard Williams. Richard Seccombe. Richard Griffiths.

AND THE SAME APPLIES to YOU! OUR HUNDREDS of guests and THOUSANDS of tea customers 1970 - 1992!

which led to a) THE MEAD TEA GARDENS and b) BUTTLE Family research!

Neither The Mead Tea Gardens or BUTTLE Family history would have come into being but for ST. CATHERINE'S COURT 5 miles to the north east of Bath on the one hand and CAHORE CASTLE on its headland Cahore Point on the County Wexford east facing coast, on the other.

St. Catherine's Court became the property of the Benedictine monks of Bath Abbey through Lady Matilda giving the northern portion of her manor of Batheaston to them around 1238. There was possibly earlier a Roman villa on this fine site, as this is a spring line settlement coming out of the Cotswold limestone along the little road of the idyllic valley. The monks gave it its name St. Catherine, very much in vogue at the time, and lasted for 300 years until disollution in 1538. Sir John Harrington, the Blanchards and others owned the Court which had fallen into decay when in 1840 the hon. Richard Strutt son of Lord Rayleigh bought the property.

By 1920 gardens and house had been restored to Elizabethan beauty and were open to the public, huge numbers visiting. On hot summer days there were strong complaints that people were gasping for tea and so when the industrious WILSONS from Stirling area of Scotland bought the Mead, cottages and 5 acre market garden in 1922... they seized on the idea of teas in their garden.

A large marquee was used in the front of the house before, in 1923, the tea pavilion was erected by Edgells of Radstock. The rest is history. Hence The Mead Tea Gardens was BECAUSE of ST. CATHERINE'S COURT.

Likewise... my BUTTLE/BUTTOLPH/BOWTELL etc Family research which started in 1966 at The Mead was based on my mother returning to S. Ireland in 1948 and buying the Victorian mansion, built 1861, on Co. Wexford seashore as a hotel. Stories abounded of her Co. Wexford BUTTLE family, Victorian Grandfather who with his brother built a huge business empire, even having their own ships to London from their successful bacon company in Enniscorthy and other ventures. This lasted from 1870 until 1920. We were also handed down that the southern Irish Buttles were farmers around Co. Wexford, had come from Germany and had been Jewish a long way back. All this has transpired with a history of the Palatines of late and of the 13,000 who left the Rhineland Pfalz, only 200 families of that exodus in 1709 went to S. Ireland, all the rest went to the new American colonies by invitation of the U.K. Govt. The Rhinelanders celebrated 300 years in Autumn 2009 with Church services and television programmes.

And in 1994 on my 60th. birthday visit back to S. Ireland, and absolutely by chance, I discovered a colony of BEETLES living in the south Co. Tipperary hills for at least 220 years who are the Wexford Buttles 8th. cousins and all descend from Hans(John) Wilhelm(William) BITTEL in the emigrant parties of summer 1709.

Therefore my huge interest in this subject and then all English Buttles was BECAUSE of finding ourselves in this wonderful property, as a small boy straight from The Mead from age 4 onwards, surrounded by our Buttle farming ancestry. Hence Buttle Family History was BECAUSE of Cahore Castle.

Castle by the sea

Article about St. Catherine's Court

Cahore Castle

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

The 88 acres headland of Cahore, which we owned 1948-70...

Cahore Castle with Evelyn & croquet lawn 1951.

Cahore Castle.

Jonathan on Cahore Point with the lion.

Cahore Point (without lions!) on my 50th. birthday, January 14 1994.

St. Catherine's Court

Please click on a photo to enlarge it!

On steps of St. Catherine's Court & Church...

A series of photos by Ernie Everest of Garden Cottage of St. Catherine's Court and nearby in the idylic Cotswold valley.

A series of photos of St. Catherine's Court and the nearby valley by Ernie Everest.

Click on the link to the right to leave your nostalgic message and any photographs!

THE MEAD TEA GARDENS Guestbook!	Sign the Guestbook
Sunday, 20 May 2012 06:26 PM Thanks for visiting my website. Please leave your comments...

Total Entries: 59 Entries Viewed Per Page: 75

Name

Comments

59)	LeraVera
Location: Россия

Sunday, 13 May 2012 06:32 AM

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58)	Robbie Polley
Location: Hackney, London

Friday, 13 April 2012 11:31 PM

What a delight to find this site. I was beginning to think I had made up the many hours I spent in the early 80's. I would drive there from Corsham and sit peacefully with fellow art students in the gardens sipping tea. It was dreamy and perfect, even in the rain. The summer pudding was especially memorable, great to see it on the menu again, a vivid flashback moment.
I had often wished I'd had a few photos to prove how idyllic it was to my friends who never had the chance to enjoy this wonderful place, and now I do, thanks. If you do open again, please let me know.

57)	Annabelle
Location: London

Saturday, 7 April 2012 09:11 AM

I am so hoping that you will again be having your charity tea this year (2012). I love the site - it is so nostalgic.

56)	Cliff Pink
Location: Buttle's Mead/Les Rosiers

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:47 PM

Had a amazing time doing charity teas this August once again, it was great fun
meeting up with your old customers and friends. I know what a huge effort this is to organise. Well done Jonathan!!!

55)	Helen Harwood
Location: Cambridgeshire

Sunday, 21 August 2011 03:10 PM

Thank you for putting up this site. The Mead has a fond place in my memory.
In 1981 we lived in Larkhall, and all summer we would cross the horribly busy A46, go up Bailbrook Lane, climb up Solsbury Hill, and on, over the top and down to St Catherine’s and the Mead. It was a glorious vivid summer, with the occasional sight of a green woodpecker or a red fox stopping to stare as we passed. And the absolute highlight, of course, was the impossible choice between strawberries and cream and raspberries and cream with our pot of tea when we arrived. I remember sitting in a shaggy orchard in glorious sunshine, and a greenhouse full of enormous cabbage roses. Well the Mead has gone, and the walk to Little Solsbury has been spoilt by the bypass. But at least the memories are there.

54)	Sue Bean nee Cooper
Location: Box, Wiltshire

Sunday, 14 August 2011 08:07 PM

Hullo - what a great piece of work forwarded on to me by my brother NICK COOPER. Harriot Beazley's 19th birthday party comes to mind, April 1984? Inside the house, Bill Bailey played the piano in a 'Les Dawson' style. The photos of the cherry trees... I remember I remember! Confirms my long held opinion that the St Catherine's Valley is one of the finest spots in the world. Do you remember spoiling my 16th birthday party with a spoof phone call? Best wishes to you. Sue

53)	Richard McTaggart
Location: Rowde/Wilts

Friday, 12 August 2011 12:03 PM

Johnathan! remember me? your site bought back some lovely memories* what happened to the Anderson's? Orchard -farm! please e/mail!
kind regards*
and thanks*
Richard*

52)	John Pritchett
Location: Keynsham

Sunday, 10 July 2011 06:29 PM

The car that you asked me to identify is not an Austin. It is a Morris 8hp Saloon of about 1935/5

51)	liz rodrigo
Location: leicester

Saturday, 28 May 2011 06:53 PM

I read your site with both sadness and happy memories . WE used to live in Bristol when we had 2 small children and remember outings to the gardens in summer and winter as a treat . Somehwere wher we didn't worry about the children had great food and felt like being at my mothers (who is Irish !) Have since lived all over the UL and in New Zealnd and still spoke about those teas and cakes everywhere we went . I am visiting Bristol and basth this year and was planning a visit so am sad that the tea gardens will not be there . Hope that life is treating you well and that the sun rises on you each morning ,

50)	Emily LeQuesne
Location: bristol

Monday, 2 May 2011 01:29 PM

I remember my 6th birthday breakfast party at the mead tea in 1978. Down by the brook,toast, cake and laughing children. Or walking from Marshfield a year or 2 later,it felt like such a long way for me but the cream tea and egg and soldiers was reward enough.How lovely to be reminded of some of my happiest childhood memories.

49)	Chris Kausman
Location: Chiang Mai ,Thailand

Monday, 2 May 2011 12:35 PM

This is a photo of me, and an unknown dog taken at 'THE MEAD' quite a few years ago!(the dog is the one on the right!)
If anyone remembers me,or the dogs owner, or who owned me (actually it was a very pretty lady called Jo Fletcher at the time!)
Going to 'THE MEAD' was like going back in time ,--to a place of peace and tranquility--an unrepeatable experience.

48)	Annie McGann
Location: Bristol

Monday, 2 May 2011 12:12 PM

So many beautiful days spent at The Mead. We have a lovely video of the babies playing on a blanket in the garden in Spring 89. Unique place and lovely people. X

47)	Mal Sainsbury
Location: Bristol

Sunday, 1 May 2011 05:55 PM

Many happy memories of teas enjoyed in this idyllic place where it always seemed to be summer. It was a word-of-mouth secret to share with only good friends... seeing this lovely site has brought back happy, sunny days of being young again - thanks!

46)	Austin Guest
Location: St Albans

Friday, 25 February 2011 10:18 PM

Had some very happy stays at the Mead in the mid 1980s. There have been times in my life since then when I have pined for a Mead Tea! Very pleased to have found this site and will look out for future events at The Mead. Wish you well.

45)	Marion Crawford
Location: New Zealand

Friday, 11 February 2011 04:30 AM

Greetings
A friend of mine (James) was interested in finding out more of his family and I said that I would get him started. While searching the Internet I found your website that included the Devereux and Buttle families. James was delighted to receive reference to your Website which included some of his family.
This record that you have of your families is wonderful.
Regards Marion

44)	Lizzy Gayton
Location: Back in Batheaston

Monday, 7 February 2011 10:39 PM

I remember family walks up the valley and teas in the Mead as a child in the 1970's and have vague memories of a drunken party there which must have been in the 80's.
I just chanced upon the website but it brought back memories especially chair legs disappearing between floorboards!
I still walk past every now and then and wish you were still open. If you have a charity day again do let me know and I'll bring all those friends who've heard me say "there used to be a wonderful tea garden there, but it's gone now" and then had to walk home to get a cup of tea.
Great site - thanks
Lizzy

43)	Yvonne & Barry Parfett
Location: Sidcup, Kent

Sunday, 2 January 2011 12:57 AM

We first went to The Mead for our honeymoon in 1983 and returned (with a succession of guide dogs and our children) most years after that until it closed. Have also been back for several of the charity teas. Have very many happy memories of our times there and will sort out some photos - expecially ones of the boys, dogs and Digby Jr xx

42)	Michael Devereux
Location: Christchurch New Zealand

Wednesday, 29 December 2010 06:21 AM

Ive just had a look at your web sight Jonathan its fantastic. I visited you at the mead in 1984 my god that was so long ago. I had a fantastic time i will definitely be back.
From Cousin Michael

Marina Sunday, 27 February 2011 10:32 AM
Hi Michael - are you the Michael Devereux that had a friend Marina in the Blue Mountains? if so could you give her a call to let her know you're ok? thanks, Marina

41)	Brian Jones
Location: Abingdon, Oxon

Thursday, 16 December 2010 06:17 PM

Intrigued by the messages from Granny Parrish. I'm trying to find a link between the Parrish family (eg Robert Parrish who ran a market garden in Keynsham, died 1929, and Lizzie Parrish, died 1975) and the Corston Harrills. Lizzie was v close to the Harrills but nobody is alive now.

Perhaps Granny Parrish could help?

40)	xx kayleigh xx

Wednesday, 15 December 2010 12:21 PM

i used to work here in my school holidays with my dad cliff!!! me and my sister used to take peoples orders! loved playing in the woods there would be good to go back and do it again one year xx

39)	Paul Buttle
Location: Keswick, Cumbria

Monday, 29 November 2010 04:37 PM

Ba ceart duit cupla focal as Gaeilge ar an suíomh seo.

I'm sure I don't have to translate!

Paul

38)	Stuart Galloway
Location: Sandy, Bedfordshire

Tuesday, 14 September 2010 03:04 PM

Hi Jonathan
Have great memories of being at the Mead with Ravi, Roger, Charles etc. when we worked at Westinghouse. You and I used to do quite a bit of running together on Sunday mornings and meeting up for music sessions. You introduced me to the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. We left The Mead in about 1969 to go to Corsham from where I moved to Trowbridge and got married. Lyn and I moved to Sandy in Bedfordshire in 1974 and we have lived here ever since. I worked at British Aerospace until early retirement in 2000.
Hope you are well and plan to pop in to see you when we are next in the area
best regards
Stuart Galloway
PS - will send you some pictures if you give me your e-mail address

37)	Stuart Bowie
Location: Cumbria

Friday, 10 September 2010 07:40 PM

I remember the Mead with great affection and spent a very happy year in the flat in 1971/72, sharing with Yan and Lance. I think Brian with his open topped Triumph Herald lived in one of the cottages.
I move to Bath for a year to work between university courses and borrowed a flat in Snow Hill for the first couple of weeks. Taking a Sunday walk with then girl friend Alison we came down into St Catherine’s valley and I remember saying that it would be a wonderful place to live. On Monday I answered a flat share ad which turned out to be at the Mead. It was meant to be!
I had one of the top floor rooms overlooking the cherry trees. Lots of great memories; strawberries from the small holding opposite; Minty the cat; John’s dogs; collecting cider in old bottles which proved undrinkable as they had held liquid soap!; leaving the chip pan on and very nearly burning the Mead down, saved by old towels over the top; having to repaint the kitchen, hall and a bedroom to repair the damage; dinner parties; roses in the old greenhouses, the apple store, strawberry breakfasts; most of all the peace and tranquillity of St Catherine’s valley after a very stressful post grad year in Bristol.
Latterly lived in Bristol for thirty years and came back a couple of times but the tea garden no longer seemed to operate. Glad to hear that it is remembered so affectionately by so many.

36)	Ben
Location: Herefordshire

Monday, 2 August 2010 06:08 PM

I have the fondest memory of the Mead, though it was just one visit, in the summer of 1990. My girlfriend told me there was a place we must go, and so we went. And it was magical. I remember long grass, old tables and boiled eggs. I wish I could go there again.

35)	Robert Blanchard
Location: Abergavenny

Monday, 26 July 2010 09:38 PM

John.. for many years we trained in the gym together at the Bath leisure centre..197!!!s,was looking for a local cream tea experiance for my Fathers Wake,strange request i know, we were very local years ago and all my family are still live in Batheaston and Bathford...

34)	Susan Kean
Location: Redlands, Southern Califormia

Saturday, 17 July 2010 07:44 PM

Jonathan: The web page s fabulous. I have lots of pictures but they are pre-computer and I will have to scan them. The picture of Nicola, Marty and I is fun. I sent it to her...just a little point Nicola was born in 1972 so that picture have been 1972
I will go through my pictures and scan some
Susan

33)	Annabelle
Location: London

Saturday, 17 July 2010 06:03 AM

I have fallen in love with The Mead and so want to go there! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this site together. It has given me so much pleasure.

32)	Roger Perks
Location: Napier New Zealand

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 09:31 AM

I will always remember my time at The Mead.
The great times at the local, "The Northend Inn". The time I took my Morry Thou gear box apart-ball bearings everywhere! Then a long walk to the scrappies for a new one. Then the seemingly much longer walk back with a replacement gearbox on my shoulder. It was the nicest rental that I have ever lived in with greatest people. I am still in touch with several of them.
I discovered this website by accident...WOW!

31)	Jo Hanlon-Moores
Location: Great Chalfield, Wiltshire

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 06:27 PM

Hi, I\'m Jo (Joanne)Hanlon-Moores, daughter of John and Judi Hanlon. I lived at The Mead with them and my brother Tim in 1967-68. And Bonnie the Labrador of course.
Looking at this site has been wonderful; my heart pounding and my breath held until I got to the end. Sally and Sheila! The rose garden! All of it so evocative. Even now it is a place I dream of - magical. I now have a daughter who is the age I was while we lived at The Mead. We live in a very beautiful place, a handful of miles from St Catherines and I hope she has memories of her home that match those I have of The Mead.
Very best wishes to you Jonathan.
Jo
x

30)	Rob Laver
Location: Corsham

Sunday, 11 April 2010 06:07 PM

Quite by chance we got to experience one of Mead Gardens famous afternoon teas today.
It brought back lovely childhood memories of my times spent in St Catherine's valley. Hardly anything has changed.
Lovely to meet you again Jonathan after so long.
Best wishes
Rob Laver

29)	steve
Location: Bristol

Sunday, 11 April 2010 09:57 AM

Is there ever likely to be another tea shop in St Catherine valley? Wish i had discovered this place years ago!

28)	Nasher
Location: Saquarema, RJ, Brazil

Friday, 9 April 2010 03:45 PM

Just got here via a link on Facebook, saw the '91 menu, and the immortal words "Two large eggs boiled to your liking" and have been grinning like a goon for the last half hour. Great memories of chair legs disappearing between floor boards and into the mud, and of mad Walrus and Carpenter related parties, and lovely afternoons with the kids, throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's. Still grinning. Thanks!

27)	Nick Buttle
Location: Bearsted, Kent

Monday, 1 February 2010 04:26 PM

Found the site by accident. Wishing all members of The Buttle Family the very best for 2010
Nick

26)	leslie john gibson buttle
Location: bideford

Saturday, 23 January 2010 02:02 PM

HI just a quick note
Hope all is well with you
We are still at the same place in good old Bideford
Dad is still working he is looking after the tiny church in Saunton he is now 78 and on his own
Hope to hear from you
John and family

25)	Davao Cars

Monday, 4 January 2010 01:11 AM

amazing site interesting

24)	Daryle
Location: Gunnislake,Cornwall.

Thursday, 8 October 2009 12:30 AM

Jonathan remember our dog "Sheena" used to play with sheila and sally and I remember when I fed your dogs whilst you were away I had to wear boots because sheila attacked your legs after you put her food down.

Here is Sheena in the garden at the Mead
1966/7.
We loved the place and I started writing in the chalet and when we moved to Plymouth I broadcast on Radio Devon and became know as the "Plymouth Poet" and a lot of that came from the mead and all the beauty in the valley.
All the best
Daryle.

23)	Daryle Arkwell-Gay
Location: Gunnislake,Cornwall

Thursday, 8 October 2009 12:15 AM

The Chalet covered in snow in "APRIL"
1966 I think. I know I had to leave my Motorbike at Batheaston Village and walk the lanes to the Mead because it was so bad.

22)	Daryle
Location: Gunnislake,Cornwall

Thursday, 8 October 2009 12:03 AM

We lived at the Mead in the Tea rooms and then in the Cottage in the mid 1960's
Our daughter Avril was Christened in St Catherine Court.
It was great to see the old photo's and Jonathan with his dog "Sally"
I will look up some old photo's and send them on.
All the best
Ann & Daryle

Photo shows Ann Arkwell-Gay 1966 at the home.

21)	Nanny Parrish
Location: Seaford, Sussex

Thursday, 3 September 2009 10:08 PM

Enjoyed looking at the photos and reading about The Mead. Hope to see you soon. Love and best wishes.
from
Nanny and Nicholas

20)	Margaret Donahue
Location: Michigan USA

Sunday, 19 July 2009 10:26 PM

My mother's maiden name was Buttolph, they were a beautiful, loving, and very honorable family! My grandfather, Thomas Buttolph, born 1603, 10 generations back in 1635, arrived in Boston aboard the "Abigail" with his bride, Ann Harding, daughter of John Harding of Little Baddow, Essex.
I would so much like to know my "cousins" in England! Although I have found a great deal on the ancient Buttolph family in England, I do not have the record of Thomas Buttolph's immediate family in England.
Thomas was connected to Boston by the Puritans as well as St. Botolph, but he had at least one business in London, perhaps a tavern called the Swan, as he had this in Boston, MA in the 1640's, he later sold it and became a glover for fine gentlemen's wear.
Th history of the Buttolph's I have searched is most remarkable and honorable.
I have heard of the Buttal and Gainsborough connection, but wasn't sure how closely related the lad would be, although I have heard of a Samuel Buttal who had 1500 acres in Connecticut.
The family has spelled the name Buttalph, Butolf, Buttal, Buttles, Boston. It can be a little confusing when searching for family!
I would be most delighted with any bit of information you could share. I would be so grateful as I am assembling a family history album! And would very much like to find my grandparents!
Thank you,
Margaret Donahue

19)	Phil Buttle
Location: Surrey

Saturday, 11 July 2009 09:31 PM

My daughter came across this site and I spotted my cousin John and family in one of the pictures! I seem to be missing out on a lot of relations! A very interesting site - thank you. Does the 'Buttle clan' still meet? Can I buy a copy of the book?

18)	David Burrows
Location: Derbyshire

Friday, 26 June 2009 07:27 PM

I spent 18 months at The Mead in 1985/86 as "the phantom lodger", so called because Jonathan hardly ever saw me! I have some lovely memories of that time. The teas were legendary and in a beautiful setting.

17)	Francis Buttle
Location: Sydney, Australia

Friday, 26 June 2009 06:03 PM

I remember finding my way to the Tea Gardens one summer's day in 1990 when I was on a trip home from the USA where my family was then living. Quite by chance Thomas Buttle from the Wexford Clan was there with his wife and children. I recall being amazed at seeing wall after wall papered with pages of the Buttle family tree. Jonathan enthusiastically explained that my family was part of the Somerset Clan. This may have been before the Buttle Book was published. Sadly I didn't get to experience one of the famous cream teas. What a missed opportunity!

16)	Misha and Peggy Carder
Location: Bath, Somerset

Tuesday, 9 June 2009 03:45 PM

...'those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end we'd sing and laugh forever and a day,,,'

Especially loved the grand-piano, the cherry trees and the £3 cream teas!
We even forgive the wasps

Thanks Jonathan
love Misha, Peggy, Richard and family.

15)	Niall O'Reilly
Location: Brittany, France

Sunday, 24 May 2009 12:22 PM

Summer evenings at The Mead were always memorable. Lots of like minded people working together for the benefit of others and having a wonderful fun time into the bargain! What a shame it closed. I think Jonathan should have got a knighthood for being the most hospitable host in England!

14)	Shane Coleman
Location: gold coast australia

Sunday, 17 May 2009 12:29 PM

Shane Coleman I worked for Jonathan 1 summer and had a great time helping out. It was a magical place to be. Thanks Jonathan

13)	Elizabeth Robinson
Location: Cambridge

Thursday, 7 May 2009 09:14 AM

I used to live in Bristol and worked as a young Doctor in Bath - in the 1980s frequently visited the tea rooms for respite and peace and a bit of magic - and lovely cake!
Now my own daughter is to be married and I was so hoping that we could return there for a marriage celebration.
Am I correct in thinking it is no longer is use? Such a pity if true.

12)	Valerie
Location: Cornwall

Wednesday, 1 April 2009 10:04 PM

I have such happy memories of the Mead tea gardens, tucked away in that lovely valley, once found it drew you back. Wandering down the twisty path to the beautiful glade surrounded by trees and flowers; then the gorgeous teas! It was a unique and magical atmosphere. People relaxed completely - I loved working with Jonathan and everyone. Happy birthday, love Valerie

11)	Eileen Parish
Location: Sussex Coast

Saturday, 14 March 2009 02:44 PM

Bath born Nanny Parrish was sad to leave the Mead in 1947 but once Jonathan attended full time kindergarten there was nothing for her to do. The Mead is a lovely country property and his mother was such a very vivacious, generous and hard-working woman.
I went on to live a very full and interesting life and worked for many important families and lived in Africa and Switzerland. I can "drop" names like Rothschild, Schroder, Cavendish and King Hussein of Jordan, and, more recently, Lord Bath.
I have crossed the Bemese Oberland by hot air balloon, driven alone from Zimbabwe to Cape Town in a 21 year old Mini 850, was taken to the cinema by King Hussein, and have experienced other exciting times.
I now live near Eastbourne where I make the most beautiful traditional, smocked dresses for beautiful little girls, to sell at East Dean Market.

10)	Ernie Everest
Location: Garden Cottage

Thursday, 22 January 2009 04:31 PM

A delightful and interesting website,
fascinating photos and history.
I feel privileged to have lived in each
of the two cottages in such a lovely spot.
Well done Jonathan for it all.
Yours,
Ernie.

9)	Bill
Location: Dorset

Thursday, 15 January 2009 08:26 AM

I've heard so much about the tea gardens, but never had a chance to visit. This has really brought the place to life for me. Well done Jonathan.

8)	Tamsin McGrath (nee Eedle)
Location: Ealing, London

Sunday, 11 January 2009 03:10 PM

This website has captured the essence of the best of The Mead.Born at The Mead in 1963, I am forever grateful to have spent my childhood with The Mead as a backdrop. Working in the Tea Gardens and B&B, strawberry breakfasts, Harvest suppers, Christmases, picking huge blackberries for jam-making, hearing rooks in the morning and babbling brook in the quite evenings, smelling tomatoes and sweet peas in the old greenhouses, scones fresh-baked from the oven and warm chocolate coating the crispy gunge; the nature trail and the spookiness of the old wooden chalet at dusk....

7)	Gerald
Location: South Gloucestershire

Wednesday, 7 January 2009 01:46 PM

Good to get a look at the, long awaited, web site.
Well done to all for getting it off the ground.

Good memories of teas in the summer heat and two Christmases spent with friends at the Mead in the mid 80s.

6)	Jeff Buttle
Location: Toronto, Canada

Tuesday, 16 December 2008 09:30 PM

A shout out, from another Buttle.

I never made it to The Mead, but it's a lovely, evocative website.

cheers,

5)	Maureen Buttle Possidonio
Location: Portugal

Saturday, 13 December 2008 01:31 PM

What wonderful memories. A delight to read the history of Evelyn´s tea garden and those wonderful cherry trees.
Time passes but memories linger.
The second Buttle to sign the guest book. Congratulations Jonathan.

4)	Ann Groves
Location: Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Friday, 12 December 2008 03:13 PM

Jonathan, congratulations on getting your site up and running. With mouth-watering menus like this, I am sorry I didn't know you then!
Ann

3)	Paul Buttle
Location: Cumbria

Thursday, 11 December 2008 03:53 PM

An excellent website - very nicely designed,

And I'm the first Buttle to sign the 'guestbook!!

2)	Gill Bailey
Location: Dorset

Tuesday, 9 December 2008 01:37 PM

Well done Jonathan, recording a bit of British history, never did I think when I drove into Batheaston that day where I was heading.

1)	Cliff Pink
Location: Normandie, France

Friday, 5 December 2008 11:54 AM

I have the fondest memories working along side you Jonathan doing charity teas over several summers.

Nice to see you finally up there on the web. Well done on reaching the 21st Century. I'm sure this will remind people of a slower pace of life.

Maybe I can help to do some charity teas again and rekindle the unique spirit of the Mead.

Administration
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Reminisce and share your memories!

Table of contents:

Introduction

Idyllic place, hard work, wonderful times & much loved.

An estimated 84,000 customers 1923 - 1937

Over 100,000 customers 1937 - 1950

156,000 more came 1970 - 1992

Record Day: Glorious Sunday May l0th. l990, 425 customers!

And over £23,000 made for charity 1970 - 2010

1923 - 1950

ORIGINAL BROCHURE

Come to the Mead for Tea!

The Delights of St. Catherine's Valley.

Dainty Teas In the Garden

The Wishing Well

How to Get There.

The Round Trip From Bristol

Over Bannerdown To Hunter's Hall

NOTES OF INTEREST

TO ST. CATHERINE'S FOR TEA.

1923 - 1950 Photos

Feature from the Bath Chronicle,Friday May 10 2002

Original Article by old tea customer, Christopher Hansford

1964 - 1969

1970 - 1992

The 1970 - 1992 Brochure

ST CATHERINE'S VALLEY BATHEASTON, Nr. BATH, SOMERSET

HISTORICAL NOTE

* NOTABLE VISITORS *

1990/91 Menu!

Excerpt from 'Country Walks Around Bath'

Up at the House

Autumn Corners

Down by the Brook

St Catherines Valley Parochial

1998 - 2008

Charity Teas at The Buttles

Buttle Family History

Clans

Buttle Clans Gatherings at The Mead and The Buttles, St. Catherine's Valley, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998 and at various other venues.

St. Botolph's & Buttles' Day, 17th June 1990

Epilogues

Jonathan's Corner

Where Are You Now?

"A Tale of Two Cities Big Houses"

Cahore Castle

St. Catherine's Court

Sign the Guestbook!

Click on the link to the right to leave your nostalgic message and any photographs!

Feature from the Bath Chronicle,
Friday May 10 2002

ST CATHERINE'S VALLEY
BATHEASTON, Nr. BATH, SOMERSET