I am Baroness Rachell Baker. My home is Aocyn Wyngraf Manor located in the great weald of Kent, southeast of London. My fore-bearers have lived in the Weald since Saxon's ruled in Wessex and Mercia. I, however, live in this modern age of the sixteenth century as Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth rules our Isle in peace and prosperity
Allow me leave to share a bit about myself so that you may know me better I was the third child but first daughter of Lord James and Lady Maribel Prudholm, born on Michaelmass Day 1543 My parents provided me with a proper education for a noble lady But I also benefited from my brother's tutor, learning more than my parents suspected
As is customary my parents wanted a good husband for me They insured that by arranging a marriage match with a kind, intelligent and handsome young Lord (how fortunate can a girl be)! I became the bride of Lord Charles Baker in May 1562 Our union has been happy and loving from the beginning We are blessed with a son and a daughter
My Lord is often absent from the Manor, having duties at Her Majesty's Court and with his new involvement in a trading company During these, sometimes extended, absences I take on the responsibility of maintaining the smooth functioning of the Manor with the help of its overseers Our lands are extensive, rich and fertile providing a multitude of varied uses There are woodlands of oak and beech; pasture lands supporting milch cows, sheep and horses; cultivated land producing wheat, barley, oats and vegetables; and orchards of apples, pears, plums and cherries I would like to think that Aocyn Wyngraf will never go hungry!
At all times I am responsible for managing the household servants and cooks After all happy workers mean the household operates in peace I keep a close eye on the children and their tutor to ensure all the lessons are being taught and mastered When the time is right our son will attend university and he must be ready He will further his education there, but more importantly he will meet and forge friendships and fellowship with other young Lords of the land which will be vital to his future life I am an indulgent mother to be sure, I am giving my daughter more book learning than most girls, in addition to her lessons in domestic management, sewing, art and music The idea of a well rounded education for a Lady is a new and growing idea
I do take time for the those things I especially enjoy doing During the growing season I take great delight in working in the herb gardens, which frustrates my husband as he thinks that is work for the gardeners. But I do so enjoy it! He is less agitated that I enjoy working in the flower gardens Embroidery is the expressive art form that I most enjoy! There are so many new design and pattern books now, it is difficult to choose each new project Projects a-plenty there are as it is fashionable to embroider almost every garment! The silk and gold threads are so bright and easy to use! I learned to play the virginals as a girl and dearly love to play them still An evening of music fills my soul!
My greatest pleasure of the year to traveling to London with My Lord to celebrate Christmastide at Her Majesty's court This year the children are old enough to go with us and they are very excited to see London for the first time! I do pray I have time to finish all the embroidery on the new clothes!