LEEDS Castle - home to English queens and nobility and with a history dating back to 1050 - owes its emblem to a pair of black swans imported from Australia.
Lady Baillie, who bought the castle in 1926 and, on her death in 1974, left it and 500 acres (202.5 ha) of parkland to the nation through a charitable trust, is credited with the castle's modern renaissance and understated elegance.
She brought the swans over after a trip Down Under and had the black swan symbol embroidered on all her towels and bed linen.
This is just one of the interesting facts uncovered on a wander through the castle, south-west of London in Maidstone.
Even a three-hour visit isn't enough to take in all the splendour and history which includes the bedroom of notorious King Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon and his banquet room.
But unmistakably, much of the elegance belongs to Lady Baillie and the French stylist she commissioned.
Stroll through the impressive relaxing parklands and cottage gardens with their myriad water birds, be fascinated by the medieval falconry demonstrations, lose yourself in history then get lost in the hedge maze, take a punt around the moat and finish with a bite in the former stables.
Today's lesson: Study the road map thoroughly to avoid roads with the "C" symbol signifying London Congestion traffic charges. We had to skirt around the city area to get out but it's better than paying the charge each time we enter the zone daily or copping a fine later.
Squirrel count: 5
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