My first visit was probably in 1969 - yes I am that old! It was a student trip, from Writtle College, organized by John Sales (we called him Freddy for some unknown reason!) John eventually became Gardens Advisor for the National Trust for many years. On this particular day we had visited somewhere in the morning and then stopped at a pub for lunch. In those days I was very naive and rather puritanical and I, along with a few other like-minded students decided we wouldn't waste time in the pub but would walk to the gardens and get started. As you can imagine, it caused chaos when it was discovered that we were missing! Freddy was not pleased!
And finally I was fascinated to see Vita's writing room in the tower and this amazing old printing press. As a kid at school I was taught how to set type the traditional way and then had to print school programs on a press just like this. All powered by me on the treadle - slave labor when I think back now!