THE highlight of this year’s Rural Ride by the William Cobbett Society and friends from the Farnham Society was a private visit to Rotherfield Park, the home, near Tisted, of Sir James and Lady Scott.

Sir James explained how Rotherfield Park has been looked after by six generations of Scotts – and their wives. William Cobbett rode by the house in August 1823 and had only complimentary words about Squire Scott at the time.

Cobbett wrote: “Squire Scott...has quite metamorphosed the village of Tisted...[and] has, indeed, really and truly improved the whole country just round about here.”

There was time to look around the magnificent gardens before moving across country to Petworth House.

Readings from Cobbett’s Rural Rides gave a clear impression of what the magnificent Sussex countryside was like in Cobbett’s time.

There was ample time to look around this magnificent 18th-century house and gardens designed by Capability Brown. Then, following a fine cream tea, the group embarked for Farnham, again following the footsteps of Cobbett, and returned in good time to watch a World Cup game.

For anyone interested in the countryside, history, or the fight for democracy, then the William Cobbett Society (www.williamcobbett.org.uk) is a good place to expand your interest.