We had been combining Sarah’s work trip down in the south-west of England with visiting opportunities. We had spent time in Winchester with my brother, and when Sarah had been working I had cycled to Exeter. Once Sarah had finished working, we began our journey back home by stopping off at Killerton.

Killerton is a National Trust property in Broadclyst, near Exeter. It includes a house, garden and grounds, as well as a few other smaller nearby properties.

We began by walking over to the house. This was formerly the home of the Acland family.

The Georgian house was completed in 1779, and while parts of the house have changed, the original entrance remains.

When we visited, the house had been turned over to a major display charting change through history resulting from the rise and influence of the suffragette movement. This was done through the eyes of two family members, one an anti-suffragist, the other a suffragist.

The display included a Protest project sections where Exeter College Art and Design students displayed their work influenced by the slogans of the suffragist movement.

The purple, green and white were a strong combination of colours which The Women’s Social Political Union (WSPU) and other groups used as branding to raise awareness of their cause.

Killerton is home to a large fashion collection and many of these were on display supporting the exhibit.

After leaving the house we went for a walk around the garden.

Even at this time of year, there are flowers in bloom.

We came across the bear’s hut. It is a hermit’s hut built in the early nineteenth century and used as a summerhouse by the family.

A little further round is the ice house. Built around about the same time, it was able to keep ice frozen for up to three years.

The estate itself is a large one, and many people visit the ancient parkland just for the country walks available.

Finally, we visited the Acland chapel.

Finally, after an enjoyable time at Killerton, it was time to move on. This is certainly a place worth visiting.