Rebecca and Ryan’s big day at the Beautiful Bassmead Manor! What a stunning venue too! If you want farmyard rustic, with all the pros of a modern venue, you’ve got it here.
Becca and her besties started their morning off in the spacious and beautiful prep room where the Prosecco corks popped and the music and laughter started the vibe of the day off perfectly. Equally matched by Ryan and his friends who, once ready, took in the sunshine outside their rooms with a few drinks here and there.
The ceremony, as always, is held in the stunning old barn and was a delight. Light-hearted and fun, just the way you’d want! That lead to the confetti which, if you scroll down to those photos, really was amazing!!
The rest of the day was spent in high spirits, especially when the singing waiters got everyone off their feet, dancing, singing and conga’ing – if that’s a word. The night was capped off by the brilliant Fully Functional band ripping up the dance floor and getting everyone involved.
This was one to remember!
Suppliers:
Venue: Bassmead Manor Barns
Dress: Icon Bridal UK
Hair: Courts Hair Design
MUA: Sophie Duffy Makeup
Singing Waiters: Best Singing Waiters
Acoustic set: Cara Beard
Stylists: White Emporium
Band: Fully Funktional
Bassmead Manor is a Grade II listed farmhouse with barns dating back to the 1200’s. The pool of water that can be seen today was once a medieval moat, protecting the buildings and area from any unwanted intruders. In 2012, English Heritage, Bedford Conservation officers and County Archaeologists helped support the current owners in an archeological excavation and uncovered the cobbled medieval courtyard which has now been fully exposed and has been incorporated into the venue.
The venue has been in the Squire family since it was purchased in 1845 by Sir Peter Squire, who was the Royal Chemist to Queen Victoria and wanted somewhere to grow herbs! It’s still, in part, a working farm, but some of the barns have been converted into the gorgeous wedding venue you see today.
The surrounding countryside is rich in history, as is the nearest local town, St Neots, which dates back over 1000 years to a time when a Priory, close to the River Great Ouse, was rebuilt in honour of St Neot himself, whose bones could even be viewed once inside the Priory. During the 12th century, East Socon Castle was built in the town, offering protection for its people.
The area now known as Cambridgeshire was settled around the 6th century by groups of Angles who moved up the Ouse and Cam rivers. They established themselves in the fenlands, where they became known as the Gyrwas. The modern counties of Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire were then distinguished as the lands of the North Gyrwas and South Gyrwas, respectively. At that time, the fenlands extended as far south as Cambridge, maintaining a distinct unity, later reflected in their governance under a single sheriff, alternating between Cambridgeshire and the Liberty of the Isle of Ely.
In 656, large tracts of land near Wisbech were granted to the abbey of Peterborough, and religious establishments were founded at Ely and Thorney later in the century. However, both were destroyed during the Danish invasions of the 9th century. Following the Treaty of Wedmore, the region became part of the Danelaw. When Edward the Elder expelled the Danes in the 10th century, it was incorporated into East Anglia, though it was invaded again in the 11th century, during which Cambridge was burned. The first reference to the shire in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle highlights its determined resistance to the Danish invasion in 1010, even as the rest of East Anglia fled. The shire system of East Anglia was likely not fully established until after the Norman Conquest, but during the Danish occupation of the 9th century, the area had already developed a degree of military and political organization centered around Cambridge, which likely influenced the later structure and boundaries of the shire.
From the time of Hereward’s legendary resistance against William the Conqueror, the Isle of Ely played a significant role in England’s political struggles.
During the 12th century, Bishop Nigellus of Ely fortified both Ely and Aldreth in defense against King Stephen. In 1144, Geoffrey de Mandeville held Ely for Empress Matilda. Later, during King John’s conflict with his barons, Faukes de Breauté was appointed governor of Cambridge Castle, though it quickly fell to the barons.
In 1266, supporters of Simon de Montfort seized the Isle of Ely, but Prince Edward reclaimed it the following year. During the Reformation, Cambridgeshire showed strong support for reformist ideals, and in 1642, local knights, gentry, and commoners petitioned for the removal of unjust orders and dignities, as well as the expulsion of Catholic clergy.
Coming into the modern era, Cambridgeshire offers plenty of things for the eager tourist. World famous Cambridge University is open to visitors but if that’s not your thing then the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, Ely Cathedral, King’s College Chapel, Oliver Cromwells House and Shepreth Wildlife Park offer great days out for the family.
