6/6:  So today I start my sojourns on what the guide books called local transportation and recommended you rent a car or something instead….

But Let’s return to London for the 25th of May first

The morning found us at Waverly Station in Edinburgh and back on the train for our return to London

And then we’re there:  London

and another taxi ride

Even saw the Queen’s Car—no queen, but—notice no license plates…interesting….

Checked in and back on the streets

Dinner at a very traditional pub

And an early evening after a long train ride…..

Now back to my bus adventures 6/5

on to Boscastle only a few miles away but about 15 min on the bus.

Welcome to Boscastle–the bus stop is actually on the bridge:

The River Valecy runs down the middle of the main street to the fishing harbor which is sheltered by the high slate cliffs.

Just in case you’re not impressed by the river check this out…it caused terrible flooding and destruction a few years ago…so don’t be deceived.

Checking out the shops

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The main village occupies a steep site on the side of a small valley which runs down to join the larger Valency Valley on the north coast.

The harbor nestles back from the sea within a rocky cleft.

The old watermill houses craft workshops and several tourist orientated venues.

Lunch at the CobWeb Pub, the ancient building has been many things over the years.  It got its name from the massive layer of cobwebs that the landlord use to allow to accumulate so that the spiders would control the fly population.  Modern health inspectors thought have discouraged this and the practice has been discouraged….lovely Ploughman’s lunch and some lovely local brew.

This town was once a coal and other supplies port

It is a pleasant town with stone houses and various shaped cottages some with wavy roofs and crooked chimneys stacks whre bounry walls are often built of diagonally set slate.  The way is steep but the view worth it.

in the 14th century the village was granted a right to hold a fair at the castle.

and then there’s the Museum of Witchcraft and Black Magic–it’s one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Then winding down for the bus ride back

Then the bus trip home:

Cause for 29 days the Cornishman Inn is my home

and then the walk home from the bus station

an back home at the Inn

A day dedicated to getting my laundry done and my hair washed.

But first 5/24:

We started the day out across the street from this former church—now restaurant on the Royal Mile at Ensign Ewort Pub.  Now is you are like me you have no idea who this was…seems Ewart was born in Scotland in 1769 and left life at age 77…in between he was a hero at Waterloo and in 1958 when it was discovered that he had been buried in a builder’s lodge his body was reinterred at the castle just up the hill here.

This is our tour company but we were in one of those smaller 16 people buses….met our group outside the pub an were on our way to the Holy Isle

Welcome to Lindsafare Island

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The castle is complete with a castle of the same name and it sets very dramatically on the highest point on the island.  It is small and built in 1550, it has been almost enteriorly rebuilt in 1903 by Sir Edwin Leityen.

and then they turned us loose on the island where Christianity spread from to impact the Anglo-Saxons when in 635 AD the king summoned Aidan from Ionia to convert his subjects.

Aidan made his base here and went forth to spread the Christian message.

King Oswald was slain by pagans in 642 but the kingom remained an St. Cuthbert came here in 665 an preached for 12 years before he became a hermit on another island for 9 more.  He did return to the Holy Isle when he was made a bishop and remained here until he died 2 years later.

Lindisafarme Priory here with its fragmental remains and Saxon tombstones.

in 739 AD there were terrible portents and omens followed closely by a Viking raid which destroyed the priory.

The priory here has been famed as one of the greatest centers of art & learning an their Linesfarme gospels are a legendary work of art.

The monks returned but so did the Vikings in 875 AD causing the Monks to flee taking their riches which include the body of St. Cuthbert and St. Oswald’s head.

We didn’t find any stray bodies, not even a head, but I did buy some of the Island’s famous mead, brewed up by the current Monks on the island who were granted lands here by the Normans a few centuries after the Anglo Saxon ones had fled.

Then it was back on the bus and headed south along the coast to Bamburg ‘Ancient Capital of Northumbia.

Then inland to the amazing Alnwick Castle.  This castle is still home to the Percy family an has been for over 700 years.

A bit of Tudor triva.   Anne Boelyn (who lost her head over Henry VIII) was either betrothed or was planning on being,, to Henry Percy, the heir to this castle when Henry VIII first set his will to have her.

This castle was also used to film some of the Harry Potter films matains it massive medieval fortress look.  But the interiors are 19th c restoration in Italian Renissance style with paintings by Titan, Canaletto, Van Dyke and Turner.

This is the second largest keep after Windsor castle and has been called the Windsor of the north.

The landscaping is by Capability Brown and there is a Regemental museum, a Roman archeological museum, the state coach, dungeons and much more.

We explored the fortress and even took a tour of the Poison Garden

We stopped at Flodden Field scene of the battle which marked the invasion of England by James IV of Scotland due to his perception that Henry VIII had invalidated his treaty with James by invading France,  James miscalculated the smaller English army raised by Catherine of Argon to defend the country from Henry’s brother-in-law (he was married to Margaret Tudor).  It was one of James few mistakes–but his worse as he and 10,000 Scots died here on the fateful day of 9/9/1513.  The English lost less than 2,000.

Back to 6/5:  Cornwall

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Not exactly an exciting day, but on that was needed to keep me clean an comfortable.  After doing my morning blog I gathered my laundry and took off to the laundry mat.  I had company–a lady who only comes to Cornwall on the weekens and who’s husband and her operate some rental cottages.

I did go out once on Sunday to go to the Camelot Hotel and its reportedly dazzling view of the castle…again with a lot of walking up and down….and the view was wonderful

as was the hotel.

Just some apple pie for dinner–was gonna eat just that and go to room to wash hair—in didn”t work that way as I ended up talking and having a few with the Proprietor and a few of his friends and we ended up talking and swapping stories into the wee hours–I finally got to sleep at 1:30 am or so.

 Today I promised myself that I would visit the solitary church setting  on the hill for over a thousand years or so now.

but first let’s go back to 5/23 and Edinburgh

We started our morning at Starbucks

with a great view of the Royal Mile.

Then a stop by a former church that is now a:

THEN catch a cab to Dean Village

The first authorization to run a mill in the area was given by King David in 1115 to Holyrood Abbey.  The conversions of these old industrial buildings to modern apartments, restaurants and stores is to use a British phrase:  Brilliant

 

These converted mill dwellings are interwoven with rows of mew houses and Victorian changes makes an area a unique community that was meant for the wanderer and explorer.

 

The path meanders and so did we as we enjoyed the lovely park like places intermingled along the waterway.

 

Walking beneath the Dean Bridge which is 447′ feet long 39′ wide with 4 arches and rises 106′ above the river. 

 

 

It is called the “bridge of sighs” and was featured in STRIP JACK by Jan Rankins as the place where a woman was found dead beneath it. Also was in The Lewis Triology II:  THE LEWIS MAN

 

One of the arches was raised several feet to keep people from using it to commit suicide.

 

After 800 years of processing grain the village was made obsolete by newer mills in other parts of the city and by the 1960’s had become slums.

 

The present area was redeveloped in the 1970’s and the walk way developed in 1983.

 

We moved along enjoying the crisp morning (are there any other kind in Scotland) and the lovely sunship (not nearly as common in Scotland).

 

When next we came to The Bernard Well.  The actually inspired by the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, Italy .

 

The well was here in 1760,, but the temple was built in 1788 with a new pump room for the well.

 

The Well is basically unchanged for 200 years, but the well has seldom been opened since 1949.

 

The statue is of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.

 

Once a major draw of visitors to the area, the waters were reputed to cure arthritis, back aches, even total blindness.

 

Water supposedly and taste metallic and was described as “the washings out of a foul gun barrel

 

Then we wander into Stockbridge. Continue reading 6/4: Days of Pub Food and Long Walks and Peaceful Days in Cornwall. →

6/3  Colder today but sunny.  Finally got on the internet and my blog back and going.

First I’ll finish with 5/22 Tour:

From the head of Loch Fyne we climbed up to the highest point on the pass and then descended to Loch Long (that is the bus did…I’m setting comfortably and letting it do all the work.

Next stop Rest and Be Thankful…these are the words inscribed on a stone near the junction of two “A” roads and it was placed here by soldiers who built the original military road in 1763,  now referred to as the Drovers road.  The stone is a replacement as the orginal wore away.  We wandered about this rest area and took some pictures.  This is a stark land with frequent landslides and scenery that thrills the soul.

We then skirted Loch Long which is 20 miles long and 1-2 miles wide as well as 30 meter deep.  This is what is called a fjord type sea loch and extends from the Firth of Clyde and is surrounded by mountains.  It has lots of fish for the catching including salmon.  It was also the site of a Torpedo Range from 1912-1986 (which was finally demolished in 2007).

Then on to the Queen of Scottish lakes–Loch Lomond, the largest stretch of inland water in Britain.  This lovely lake is bordered by everything from gentle  pasture to steep, forbidding mountains  and it contains many (30) islands.  23 miles long with widths that range between 5 and 3/4 mile.

And remember that song  “You take the high road and I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in Scotland afore you.”  This is a song of the Jacobian periods when a prisoner is telling his friend prior to his execution that his spirit will take the “low road” after it is released by death—to return to his native Highlands.

A few shots of our way home

A stop to get another look at Stirling Castle—can you imagion having to attack this place?

return to reality in Cornwall….6/3:

Slept like that log everyone is always talking about and then laid abed watching morning news on BBC1.   This was a getting aquainted with the town day….. (that’s my Inn at Breakfast time)

Spent the day checking out the shops and restaurants meeting a lot of locals and tourists alike

Finally got on internet long enough to email my roomie and Susi who was convinced I’d gone back in time and was trying to find Jamie Fraser.

The weather remains beautiful and I continue to work on my relaxation and getting ready to write.  Will work on that tomorrow after I visit a couple of local sites.

6/3

Spent another day out and about the village.

First stop after my breakfast at the Cornishman Inn was

Arthur’s Hall:  This was an existing building when a millionaire decided to buy it and add a hall dedicated to King Arthur–the results being breath taking.

First you set in a small hall listening Merlin give an account of the legend using painting in the hall to illustrate the story.

Then into the longer OMG hall with brilliant stained glass windows.

Magnificent.

Lunch with Pasties and a salad and cole slaw too.

Out to the Old Post Office a 600 year old house that has evolved over the years

and actually was a long house, more formal dwelling and actually the post office for awhile.

Then back to the hotel for a bit of down time and watching the Drama Channel on BBC which I’m getting addicted to.

Dinner (Chicago Chicken) at the hotel as well.

 

My first full day in Cornwall–a bit chilly and gray this morning….I love this Inn While the Cornishman has its faults it’s lovely people and rambling building…not to mention great food make up for what the locals tell me is a change in management and personnel and the view of the church from the hall reminds me of my efforts to return to my book which I feel does need writing.

REMEMBERANCE OF 5/22/16

RABBIE’S WEST HIGHLAND LOCHS AND CASTLE DAY TOUR

We hopped  a cab for Waterloo Place/Robbie’s lovely office and café in New Town….and new since we were here 4 years ago.

Departure at 8:30 am and heading west and north past Sterling to the Scottish Highlands.

First was a drive by (at a bit of a distance) Stirling Castle which is midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow.  The castle figured prominently in the Scottish war of sucession in the Middle Ages and like Edinburgh passed bck and forth between the English and the Scots until the Scots took and held it in 1342.  It was once known as “the Key to Scotland”,

Then on to Doune–which was built for Robert Stewart, where we had a short visit.  The castle is quite the media location and has been featured in  films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and more recently in Outlander TV series based on Diana Galbaldon’s novels….which was renewed for two more years….HURRAY.

It remained a Stewart stronghold until it fell to ruins in the 18th century.  It is now fully and beautifully restored and well worth a visit.

It was here that Albany’s son put to death James I in 1420.

We enjoyed the castle a lot and wander about and even bought a couple of things in the gift shop—nothing Outlander I’m trying to control my addiction.

The central court yard and great hall are very enlightening as to how these castles really functioned and the narrow passages show how they used the architecture in the violent times of the castle’s existence to ensure the inhabitant’s safety.

Then through Collander, the self proclaimed gateway to the Highlands with its pleasant houses built in Regency Style.

Rob Roy and Trossach’s Visitor’s center makes this a popular town to explore the park’s craggy hills and locks.

Then under the guidance of our lovely Lady Tour Guide & Driver we went on our thru Lock Lomond and Troach’s National park…the lake allows no powerboats or jet skis.

On to Kilchum Castle which is situated on the 27 mile long Lock Awe, which is Scotland’s longest in-land lake.

We walked through marshy landscape to reach this former Campbell stronghold that was abandoned after it was struck by lightening in the 18th century.

Built in the mid 1400s by Sir Colin Campbell–the first Laird of Glenorchy–the lonliness of the spot, the long stretches of almost marsh on one side and lake on the other and the stark stone ruins is both beautiful and yet forbidding.

This branch of the Campbell family (later the earls of Breadolbane) became very powerful and at one time almost rivaled the clan chiefs–the Earls of Argyle.

Susi decided to settle down and let me transverse the castle, which was the Campbell’s of Glenorchy’s power base for 15 years–on my own.

The 2nd Laird (Duncan) added the lower hall before he died at Flodden in 1556.  The 3rd (1523) and 4th (1556) also died in battle.  Collin the 6th laird added the turrents but later relocated to Baloch before 1583.

By the 1600’s the castle was an outpost for the government troops and was in use for the Jacobite uprising in 1715 and 1745.

Then it was back through Campbell Country to the town of Inveraray

The white washed town is the traditional town of the Campbell Clan Chiefs.  It was relocated when the laird decided to built his new castle 1/2 mile from its original location.

We dropped some of the group in the castle–built in 1743 by the Duke of Argyll.  It contain a wealth of historical relics, including portraits, tapestries, paintings and even a few ghosts.

 Allied troops trained here during WWII

after visiting some shops Susi and I opted for lunch

 then walking out into town again

The Artic Penguin is a former lightship converted to look like a schooner.  Built in 1910 by Dublin Drylock Co. Ltd of Dublin.  It was used to house a maritime museum until recently

Ok power is going so  I am too…I will finish the tour for you tomorrow and update you on Cornwall and more……

London is dreary today, but at least the rain has stopped.  Forecast is for scattered showers all day, but clear tomorrow.  Bundled up for temps 16-18 C.

Today is the beginning of my new adventure and I have a 10 am train (you lot are probably still in bed) to Cornwall.

I will catch up the heavier part of my trip as I go along as we were so consistently getting in late and having busy next days scheduled as well.  Susi went home on the 31st and I haven’t heard yet if she made it but figure if a Virgin Airline went down they’d have mentioned it on the BBC Breakfast (think Good Morning America with an accent) by now.

I’m currently checked out and waiting in the lobby for a cab.  It’s morning and London like all the cities you’re use to is frantically rushing about so it my take him up to 35 min. to reach me….got plenty of time so……

The lobby is small here but cute—and I can see and hear Belgrave as it moves past my waiting place.

REMEMBERING 5/21 (York to Edinburgh)

5/21 Departure to Edinburgh at 9:53 on yet another Virgin Train…to a city of castles — in fact the city is named after a fortress built by Edwin King of Northumbia in the 6th century:  Edwin’s Burgh.

Some scenes from the journey:

We arrived and caught a cab (they’re actually lined up here so capture is much easier) who first went to the wrong hotel and then finally to the right (I don’t always speak Scottish well despite my ancestors).

we checked into the IBIS just off the Royal Mile where the lobby is a bar (an restaurant too) and the bar hardly ever closes.

Then out onto the Royal Mile–there was live entertainment going on in the square our Hotel was on.

Edinburgh has a long history of warfare–King Edward I (think the king in Braveheart) conquered the castle here and fortified it.  Then it was Robert the Bruce’s turn in 1313 and he destroyed much of it in the effort but he did leave St. Margaret’s Chapel.  Then Edward had a successful go at it again and finally the Scots had it back in 1341.

A close by the way is what the alleyways that run off the Royal Mile are referred to as.

We checked out shops and went about the closes.  The old town is a particular love of mine with its narrow winding streets clinging to the huge volcanic outcropping beneath it.

Because the city grew up within the King’s Wall (built by James II in 1450) which was very much restricted by the stone outcropping it was on, it grew up in tenements, with some going up to 14 stories high and which were probably the first skyscrapers.  The restrictions to the city were continued due to the unrest between England and Scotland until the 18th century when things became more settled and then New Town was born.

BACK TO TODAY 6/1

OMG what a difference a place makes…I left London at 10:06 this morning on Great Western, which was a great relief as they have been having issues with some service delays and strikes and I was worried that it might affect my getting from there to here, but all went well and I left a cold dreary city to wander into a similar country side.

On the train I had one of the table cars where I set with a young couple who spoke English as a second language and a very interesting English man traveling a bit on family business and bereavement.  We talked and took pictures of the scenery going by—the above being one of them.

On arrival at Bodmin Parkway station there was a cab in the line (there’s usually 3 so I got lucky) and we were off for a 46 pounds plus tip to Tintagel where it was much warmer and very sunny.  The hotel—again check in at bar–is old an rambling and wonderful….though very kirky.  I was checked in and ordered a drink in just a few.  I met a wonderful lady who was ordering coffee and we sat in the outside area with a great playground for the kids and talked about everything and anything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day started lovely and after a great full Breakfast at the B&B we were off to downtown York to meet our tour group….only problem is or was—that we had difficulty finding the location of the tour…

Now you have to understand that places in their old town can have multi-level names…like the area, the square and the streets not to mention major churches and abbeys and the like in the area…..we finally established we were in the right area, hooked up with some people who were going too and then set down……the driver was a bit late due to traffic into York…but we finally got it all together and were ON THE ROAD AGAIN.

As you might have noticed the English Countryside is full of churches—many older than even me….it makes for interesting viewing.

and then there are the sheep–white, white with black face, black all over…long horn, short horn, no horn….they’re everywhere and more and they make up a lot of the view and even more of the economy

and the yellow stuff—we call it canola—you know the oil . Again it makes up a lot of countryside and economy…not to mention being a major part of my allergy make it—as a 2nd cousin of ragweed it makes me sneeze and snuffle and grumble rude words under my breath.

and we transgressed off the beaten path were everything is made of stone—and if I was really smart (which as you know I’m not) I could tell you what part of the country I was in by just viewing some of those hard escapees from the earth.

and one can’t forget that placed strategically about the country are little gems of existence PUBS—most with interesting names….even more with a great sign with the name on it and that’s not going into the food (most) and DRINK (all) seem to have available until about 11 pm.

Our first stop—a place on the road below in Kilburn–home of the famous White Horse  which overlooks the village and the Vale of York.

The huge horse was built by local school children–we only viewed it from below—but there is a an escarpment foot path that allows you to see it lose up and personal.

dogs while they may not register high on the economy side they do register high on the many of them in Britain and then some….they’re everywhere.

AND Ireland isn’t the only place that’s green…

Next stop:  the lovely little town of Helmsy

This is a market town with lots of those Greystone houses.

It lies in a hollow of the River Rey at the edge of the York moors

IT HAS A quant ruins of a castle (12-13th c) nearby as well

And this hot Italian will Pour your coffee.

Then it was into the North York Moors with its attractive steep sided valleys that break up the mass.

The land is full of moorland villages, early Christian Crosses and the ruins of abbeys are scattered about.

While the Cleveland Way circles the northern edges of the park.

there’s a bench where I’m taking the picture from and our guide explained to us that he often comes here on his days off and reads.

then it was Whitby where we had 3 hours of free time, with options to climb the 199 steps to view Whitby Abbey (inspiration for Dracula by Bram Stoker.

or we could visit the Captain Cook Museum, enjoy the beach, the waterfront and fishing port

Lots of places to shop for everything from souvenirs to Whitby jets…and don’t forget the Gothic fashion .

Whitby is also noted for it’s locally caught fish & chips at the Magpie Café.

The resort and harbor are picturesque and stand in the mouth of the River Esk and the North Moors National Park.

It has been (and still is) a fishing village for hundreds of years…it was also at one point a whaling port

There are terraces for the fishermen’s cottages beneath the East Cliff and there is still a fishing fleet

It was here at the Synod of Whitby in 663AD, that the divided Church of England accepted the authority of the Catholic Church.

We didn’t make it up to the remains of the Abbey on the East Cliff.  You can see the 13th c building (first abbey was 657 built by St. Hilda and it was at this first Abbey that a monk–Caedmon wrote the song which is considered to mark the beginning of English Lit.  and a cross commemorates him at St. Mary’s.  All this is reached by 199 steps…with large landings for when the coffins were carried up here for funerals…they needed a big space to put them down every so often.)

There is also the home of Captain John Smith (who lived here as a young man and a museum of local history.

But our time at Whitby came to a close….unfortunately I forgot where we were suppose to meet the bus and so held everybody up–unusual for me and very embarrassing.

Next stop Grosmont to drop off passengers to take a ride on the NY Moors Railway.  Susi and I opted out of that we would be spending lots more time on a train.  Grosmont is a village.  There was a priory established here in the 12th c.  It continued on until Henry VIII started with his divorces an dissolved the monasteries in the 16th c.  The village was established in 1830 when the Whitby Pickering Railway was buit.  by the 1860s it was involved in iron ore extraction.

We picked them up in Goathland Railway Station

This station might be more familiar to you if I tolk you that it was the location for Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter movies.

Goathland was also the fictional village of Aidensfield in the BBC TV series HEARTBEAT.

So saying goodbye to our furry friends we headed back to York.

and our wonderful B&B with large rooms, great breakfasts and fun people….York B+B.

That morning with the help of a cab we left out hotel and made our last stand in Nottingham at the train depot….we loved the beautiful midland city and hope to return again soon….hint to the City—your citizens are not happy with the job you’ve done publicizing your city…and we agree…I stumble on (and loved) this city quite by accident and the number of Brits I’ve spoken with since who have never been there is sad.

But anyway we went to the station and headed out again–

England is a small but ancient and beautiful country and I enjoyed my train trips as well as my tours and other events.

Their trains are clean and comfortable and while this one didn’t have a lunch service or WIFI they did have a pass through cart with all manner of goodies many not so good for you.

There are all manner to see—in case some things we would just as well not remember wee have dependence on.

But then you can always read or like some crazy people you know take picture after endless picture of anything and/or everything that fittered past your window.

A couple of hours later and we were in York….the secret (don’t ask) Capital of the north.  York is an ancient has proved very important in the long history of its existence.  Constantine (an emperior)—proclaimed himself ruler here on learning of his father’s death and would eventually go on to rule the Roman world—which included Britian, excluding the Scots whom the Romans put a wall up keep away….which gives you some idea of how much they liked the barbarians from the north.

York is also a city of enjoyable activities…many wonderful historical sites including about 3 miles of the original Medieval wall (the lower half being a bit Roman as well.

We caught a cab—they actually had a que (line) here so it was easy….and it was off to the B+B York.

As we moved along we tried to establish the B&B as our cab driver had no idea who they were.  Once we arrived we were able to establish that the York B&B name has been awhile for a bit of time but that some of the locals knew it as the Grove.  It’s even situated on St. Peter’s Grove.

The city is full of ruins, huge churches an all manner of old and new to delight the mind and stun the eye.

The place turned out to be lovely—and as I set in the last one Susi and I are sharing this trip it is hands down the best…..and I just got a big Amen from Susi as well.

We couldn’t check in yet, but they put our luggage in a safe place so se could wander the city to our heart’s content.

The houses on our walk….take a left on St. Peter’s Grove and continue until it ends (right across from the School by the same name)…turn left under the cross walk and continue on till you reach one of the city gates (there are several usually connected to the old wall) which are called Bars.

St Peter’s School is the fourth oldest School in the world.  Founded in the Dark Ages of Britain 627 AD, after the Romans had retreated from our shores and when England was carved up into several kingdoms, much of its early history is sketchily drawn. However, some facts are clear.  https://www.stpetersyork.org.uk/st_peters/about/history_of_st_peters

The name ‘bar’ has its origins in the bars – barriers or simple gates – that were used to block the gateways to keep people out. Originally the bars were relatively simple structures. Over the years they became increasingly elaborate and complex.  http://richardiiiexperience.com/discover-medieval-york/about-the-city-walls/the-walls-1250-to-1600/

continuing on the street past hotels and much more in this popular town for visitors–particularly fellow Brits.

Including one dedicated to a former PM

and then we finally made the gate.

up to the most famous building in town–York Minster–a Cathedral which to the Church of England is the 2nd in the land–only outranked by Cantebury…it’s beautiful and amazing and possesses the largest amount of medieval glass in England and it ranks high in the rest of Europe as well.

building is a patchwork quilt of many periods. A Roman well hides beneath the stage, 12th century remains of what was once a hospital mingles with the Georgian interior, while the Victorian façade is fused with award winning 1960s poured concrete design. The amalgam of architecture is a fine example of how builders of the past would reuse sound walls and encompass them within their development.

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster …The title “minster” is attributed to churches established in the Anglo-Saxon period as missionary teaching churches, and serves now as an honorific title.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_Minster

Lunch found us in this lovely Italian Restaurant in safe care of this handsome gentleman.

after some great food we were off again,

Then there was a return to a more typical weather pattern and luck for me the pound store (like dollar store) had umbrellas out for those  of us who forget it’s a necessity.

We continued to walk on despite being rained on…enjoying the history all about us.

We passed over the River Ouse:  The York district was settled by Norwegian and Danish people, so parts of the place names could be old Norse. Refeering to the etymological dictionary “Etymologisk ordbog”, ISBN 82-905-2016-6 dealing with the common Danish and Norwegian languages – roots of words and the original meaning: Os – the mouth of a river. The old norse wording oss, gradation form ouso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Ouse,_Yorkshire

This old church is a site that teaches adults and children about archeological digs and searches, which I think is a great idea. ….but after long walks we finally decided on turning our feet toward home…

Where we checked in and got cozy for an early evening after a long day of walking through history.

.

Susi makes a new friend at Edinburgh Castle

 Hey there we’re on the London bound train 1 hr from Edinburgh and 3 plus to London…but back to Nottingham.

 First let me tell you that this was my first visit and totally fell in love with the place…it’s an active, vibrant center and yet it’s friend and attractive not to mention full of well preserved historic areas.

 

and me trying out a whole new style

 

These actually are the only pictures we got in the museum as there are no pictures allowed.  The museum however has a long gallery of it’s permanent collection as well as special short terms exhibits. 

 

Other exhibits includes a gallery on the 1831 riot–when the rioters actually burned the castle.  interactive exhibits which includes objects from the period and animations along with first hand witness accounts.

 

There’s also exhibits on the city’s long history and some features on its best known resident Robin Hood.

 

And now some odds and ends on the way.

 

I’m not sure this one is very friendly Susi

 

YEP THAT’S THE FAMOUS statue of Robin Hood

 By the way another legendary resident of Nottingham was Wm. Booth who founded the Salvation Army was born in an outlying district of the town.  The poet Lord Bryan went to school here and inherited an estate (formerly a religious house) but due to lack of funds he spent little time there and eventuly sold the property.

 

and what would Robin be w/o his Merrie Men

 Nottingham was one of Britain’s first industrial towns and was the center of the riots that shook industry in the early 19th century aimed at the new  industrial machinery.

 

 and then there’s more–you know how those outlaws are—lurking about everywhere

 Nottingham Castle by the way is one of those places setting on the caves.  In fact the castle covers a sheer labyrinth of man made caves and tunnels as well as the mandatory secret passage.  Included amoung this gaggle of holes in the ground are King David’s legendary dungeon and the person I’d rather han g with, the Duke of New Castle’s wine cellar.  Some of the caves date back to Medieval Times.

 

If you look at this picture you can see an entry way into one of the multiple entrances to the caves beneath the old castle walls.

One of the areas that is very famous is Mortimer’s Hole–the site of where the border lord and lover of Isabella (She’wolf, French origins and English Queen) who assisted her in killing her husband Edward II (the gay prince in Brave Heart—she the princess who met with Mel/Wallace)..  But I’ll tell you more about that later—He was held here awaiting transfer to London where he was eventually drawn and quartered (just like Wallace)

 

But we have arrived at our next destination and lunch as well

 

Ye Old Trip to Jeresulem

A pub and dining place.

Crusaders, caverns and ale casks. 

Serving flagons of ale since 1189.  You can stand outside and imagine when men were recruited to accompany a king of Merry Old UK to the Holy Lands and a little thing called the crusades—even my historically deprived Yank friends might have heard of this one Richard the Lion Heart.

 Nottingham continued to grow rapidly, especially after 1845 when a great deal of land around it was released for building.

  

Inside we found customers of an appropriate time frame (just not ours)

 Nottingham got its first gas street lighting in 1819.  However like all towns in the early 19th century Nottingham was a dirty, unsanitary place.  There was a cholera epidemic in 1833, which killed 330 people.

The back rooms here are actually caves as the back of the building is built into the Stone.  Things scattered about the place are an old wooden model of a galleon that is said to be cursed and promises that anyone who cleans it will die a mysterious death.  It’s now very grimy and enclosed in a glass case.   

There’s a chair that is suppose to increase your hope of pregnancy (a bit too much of the ale and a walk home with someone seems more likely to accomplish that)

 

Susi Making MORE friends

 In the early 18th Century Daniel Defoe described Nottingham as one of the most pleasant and most beautiful towns in England.

  

 From the late 17th century salt glaze stoneware was made in Nottingham.  In the 18th c. the hosiery industry boomed.  There was also a lace industry although it was quite small.

 Ben and friends (sorry I’m bad with names–my dad’s name was Ben….so) that I met while exploring the old Trip–trip means a place to rest or sleep and was a resting place for men on their way to the Crusades…I think these guest haven’t any plans for the holy lands—but I may be wrong.

Georgian Nottingham grew rapidly.  By the middle of the century the population had passe 10,000.  By 1801 it exceeded 28,ooo.  By the standrads of the time nottingham was a large and important town;

 

Then for the cavements–I had arranged a visit ahead of time (they collect a few bob for charity) and we went down into the area where they keep their kegs and where history was made.  This area use to be where ale was brewed for the castle and there were passageways from here up to the earlier castle on the hill. 

 In the early 12th century Isabella had, with the assistance of her lover Mortimer—whom I have mentioned before–killed her husbband King Edward II amd proclaimed her son (Edward III) king with her regient.  This situation went on until in 1330.  Isabela and Mortimer were in Nottingham and her son Edward with several followers entered the castle by entering the passageway in this basement–now walled off and arrested Roger Mortimer and though his mother cried for his life Mortimer was later transported to London and executed.  By doing this Edward successfully ended the regency and began his reign.

 

 

The walled up entrance to the castle passages.

 

Then on to our next stop a much newer place…

 

THE GALLERY OF JUSTICE

where we discovered Nottingham’s horrible history.

As we walked on a journey through time to explore

original prison cells. caves, dungeons and courtrooms.

THEN ON THE ROAD (OR RATHER SIDEWALKS) AGAIN;

and our last planned visit:

The Salutation:  A rambling old place  (1240) which got its name from the Archangel Gabriel salutating the Virgin Mary–an ancient sign used for drinking places.

Nottingham for the well-to-do it was elegant and genteel (althought always, there were poor people)  In the 18th century there was a piped water supply although it was expensive and not many people could afford it.  From the 1760’s oil lamps lit the streets.  The first theater in Nottingham was built in 1760 and a general hospital in 1782.

Our intrepid bar tender

and her re-enforcement

and this fish monger about the pub selling prawns and the like

and a gentleman from the past just  passing through on his way to a meet up with some spirits

Lyndsey From Nottingham Pub

We met her when we first entered and before the evening was over we were at a table talking and laughing and drinking a few….whatevers.  Susi did her palm reading and me I just babbled as usual.  Lyndsey and the two of us plus a third lady who was alone but whom I kidnapped and added to the party had a great evening, discussing blogs, life and what ever else came into our lives—it was a bit of fun and friendship in a place far away from our original sites and yet finding friends and common ground which just made our trip.

Lyndsey’s also has a blog—and I’m adding it to this one as it’s  on Nottingham (warning it has a picture of me)–

“Lyndsey Davies”

http://wadnderlynz.com/2016/05/23/when-in-nottingham/

check it out it’s a great chronicle of the lives and loves, the down and gritty living from destination to destinations–the things you forgot and the things you wish you had.

LOVE TO LYNZ…..FROM THE DIVA

See you all tomorrow

Onward to another Day:  Tuesday 5/17:  and away we go again in Nottingham.

Nottingham began in the 6th Century as a small Saxon settlement called Snotta Inga ham.  the Saxon word ham meant village, Inga meant Belonging to and Snotta meant A man.  So it was the village owned by Snotta.  Gradually the name changed to Snottingham and then just Nottingham.

First stop was the Catholic Church across the street.  Where we wandered about observing and photographing.

The Cathedral Church of St. Barnabas was opened in 1844. Prior to that, the Church of St. John the Evangelist, on George Street, had been the home to Nottingham’s band of Catholics.

A Beautiful church which our hotel manager highly recommended we visit.  We met a beautiful Irish Lady cleaning about the church (sorry no picture)

Nottingham, the first point where the Trent can be forded inevitably grew into a town.

More pictures of the lovely church:

then walking to our first destination

In the late 9th centuries the Vikings conquered the part of north east England and turned the city into a fortified settlement (burgh) complete with ditch around it and an earth rampart with a wooden palisade on top.

Two great officers we met along the way, who welcomed us to the city and helped us find our way—which if you know us is easier said than done.

Finally recaptured by the English and with a new bridge across the Trent in 920 AD, Nottingham was a busy little town of several hundred persons which even had its own mint.

Next stop  Nottingham Castle

We climbed up the hill and the rock to visit the museum which includes an art gallery, history of Nottingham and much more

The building really a 17th c. mansion on the site of the original castle set in impressive grounds.

Where we met Friar Tuck guarding the entry.

The original castle was destroyed in 1651 by Parliamentary forces and latter replaced in 1831 by an Italian style palace which belonged to the Duke of Newcastle which was burned down by unhappily citizens in 1831–and the current building was eventually built.

Oh yeah and this guy.

on 10/10/1831 rioters attached and burned down Nottingham Castle.

That concludes the Museum grounds and great view….Part II will have inside the museum as well as an ancient (think Crusaders to the Holy Land use to stop there) pub as well as a Jail with lots of Nottingham Crime and punishment and we’ll end at another ancient pub and introduce you to some new friends as well as a new blog I want you to check out.

Pictures around town just cause I can