In a very interesting compilation by David Green, A Warwickshire Christmas', (Alan Sutton 1990), Charles Lines recounts 'Christmas at Coughton Court'

A hundred years ago the Throckmortons gave annual Christmas parties for estate workers and indoor staff, as well as those for family, friends and neighbours. They did not forget the old people of Coughton village, to whom they sent Christmas pudding and poultry. The large Christmas tree in the Saloon was loaded with presents and the estate children could expect oranges, sweets and toys. 'One year, I am told, the younger members of the household staff all had hot water bottles, which sound a bit dull, but Coughton Court is not the warmest of houses

As well as parties and dinners, there were charades with elaborate costumes. Mr. Lines reproduces a photo-graph of Leonard Parkes, the village postmaster, dressed as Henry Vlll in a Court pantomime; members of the Throckmorton family are there as the royal wives. These parties continued right through the Great War (except in 1916, when the Throckmorton heir was killed in Mesopotamia)

Mr. Lines recounts the 'happy family spirit' at Coughton, which was probably typical of the great houses of Warwickshire.

Winter 1993 Index