And here we are another day closer to what for may is a four day weekend…and for others both that and a lovely day to be thankful, to enjoy friends and family…hummmm use to be that for me too……For a fun Oreo Cook Ball Cutouts Recipe that if not for this holiday then the one that comes close behind check out www.snackworks.com
Pictures are from my inexhaustible supply of the Cotswolds….sorry.
and of course we always have the happy Outlander ending…..in between we’ll be looking at some lesser known towns in Britian with some interesting history and things to do.
“I have heard some complain…because they had been ill used at Gavesend, where the very English are rudely and ill served. Fynes Moryson, Itinerary
Shadow Box of Nautical Knots on an Old Chart Design
RICHMOND, SURREY
Technically Richmond is considered part of London—they kinda add a lot of these surrounding areas in the city, but since I’m a Yank and easily confused by these things I shall carry on anyway.
Richmond has many things but it’s most famous is probably
KEW GARDENS
This lush estate is home to thousands of rare and exotic species. It’s top attraction is probably the Victorian iron Palm House with it’s tropical palms and plants from Africa and Indian Ocean islands as well.
In addition the garden boasts the largest surviving Victorian glass house in the world (4,800 sq metres or about 16,010 sq feet) as well as an 18 metre (59′) tree canopy on which you can stroll along a tree top view.
Did you know that Richmond (Richmond Park) http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park is the site of Thatched House Lodge, which is the home of Princess Alexandra, a cousin of the present queen, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy. But during World War II it housed the American General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“No people in the world is so curious in new fangles as they of England be…it is very hard to know who is noble, who is worshipful, who is a gentleman and who is not.”
WOODSTOCK, OXFORDSHIRE
This town which has a namesake in New York State
boasts
BLEMHEIM PALACE
One of England’s largest houses in the rare English Baraque Style.
This palace was a gift by Queen Ann to John Churchill following his victory over the French and Bavarians at the Battle of Blenheim in the early 18th c. It is probably more famously known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill, who in case you missed history classes on a deserted island somewhere, was prime minister and one of the driving forces in keeping that country standing against Nazi aggression during WWII. Capability Brown did the landscaping. It has long served as a family home, mausoleum and national monument.
And staying in Woodstock offers other adventures as well—Seems the Bear Inn http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-bear-hotel/–a hotel that has been serving the needs of travelers for 900 year or more–has two ghosts: Christopher Downing a child who plays hide and seek with guests and his mother Elizabeth both of whom died in the 18th c. Now that’s a hotel I’d like to visit.
“I find…such heady ale and beer…as for the mightiness thereof among such as seek it out, is commonly called Huffcap, the Mad Dog, Father Whoreson and Dragon’s Milk” William Harrison A Description of England.
AUCHENDRAIN, SCOTLAND
Original name: Achadh an Droigninn (Achan-Dryan) “the blackthorn field”
This Highland village does not have one particular point of interest…it is in fact the entire point: Founded some time in the 15th c the town began to loose its inhabitants survived the clearances (when the landowners decided the land was better served for sheep and their money making wool than for human inhabitants which required more upkeep) of the 18th and 19th c because of its remote location, but it did gradually loose inhabitants with the with the last family leaving sometime in 1967. The last farm “township” in Sccotland to be inhabited and worked it is now a museum testifying to a vanished lifestyle. The 22 acre cite with its original buildings–farm tools–dry-stone dykes, midens, hens, sheep and highland castle.
This was under settlement was originally the Duke of Argyll (think Campells Clan) and included members of the MacCallum, Munro, McNichol, McGougan, Stewarts and other famiies.
God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed it is the purest of human pleasures. It is the greatest refreshment to the spirit of man; without which buildings and palaces are but gross handiworks.” Francis Bacon “Of Gardens”
DORNIE (BY KYLE)
Is a small village with (if the picture can be believed many wandering coes…better known as hairy cows this side of the pond.
But Dornie is near
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE
This castle has seen everything from Viking and Jacobites to James Bond and the Higlander https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_(film) and contains everything from Bonnie Price Charlie’s hair to fine Chppendale furniture. But the stunning views and the whisper in the wind seems more inviting to me than all those historical and/or famous visitors all in one. Restored and with visitor center, coffee and gift shop it’s got a bit of everything
Long held by the Mackenzies and a shelter for Robert the Bruce in the 14th century, and a place of execution (50 men’s head spiked on the castle walls in the same century.). By the 18th century it houses another uprising–Jacobite and as actually garrisoned by Spanish troops until the government sent frigates to batter it to submission and it is close by to the site of the Battle of Glenshieel–another strike against the rebellion. Oh it too claims two ghosts–one of the Spanish troops killed in the castle siege or the nearby battle walks about carry his head and a Lady Mary who prefer a particular bedroom
“Give ear to the clock,
Beware your lock
Your fire and your light,
And God give you goodnight,
Ten o’clock!”
Watchman’s call
New England Collectors “The Little Shepherd” Minature Porcelain Plate 1983
Things to do awaiting the return of this hot Scot and his crew in the spring:
Plan you next vacation: https://www.buzzfeed.com/hilarywardle/scout-aboutlander?utm_term=.ocx8o4DRn#.rrb5PWoZ9
Learn more about Scotland: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/outlander/
The rose is the national flower of England..Rosewater is essential for washing, cooking, perfumes and many medicines. The Temple is faous for its roses, where the quarrel that began the War of the Roses is held to have been the House of York, snatching a white rose for its badge, the House of Lancaster a red. SHAKESPEARE’S LONDON ON FIVE GROATS A DAY/ Thames & Hudson
DUN HUANG Beijing China Embroidered Vintage (50s) Small Wall Hanging.
$15.00
“The lords and ladies now abroad, for their disport and play.
Do kiss sometimes upon the grass,
and sometimes in the hay.”
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
The Knight of the Burning Pestle
PRECIOUS MOMENTS “This is Your Day to Shine” FIgurine
$9.76
“Built with so great sumptuousness and rare workmanship, that it aspireth to the very top of ostentation for show; so as a man may think, that all the skill of Architecture is in this piece of work bestowed, and heaped up together. So many statues and lively images, so many wonders…and works seeming to contend with Roman antiquities, that most worthily it may have and maintain still this name that it hadith of Nonsuch.”
William Camden, BRITANNI 1586
Rhinestones Pin with a Tear Drop Faux Pearl Drop 1 1/2″ BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE “V” Shape
