Britain Update #27

Welcome friends, its time to put the kettle on, settle into a comfortable armchair, and enjoy the best of Britain with Britain Update. But before you do, please take the time to forward this newsletter to someone who loves Britain as much as you do.

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Contents
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1. Great British Sites
2. Destinations
3. Books on Britain
4. Travel news from Britain
5. English Culture at Britain Express

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Great British Sites
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Tewkesbury Web
Very often the best web sites are those for large centres or tourist attractions.That's understandable, as they can afford to spend the money to create a great site. But just to prove that there's no shortage of great sites for small towns, Tewkesbury Web comes along. There is history, a pub guide, events calendar, eating out guide, even information for birdwatching in the area.

It gets even better. You can check the local weather, send a virtual postcard of Tewkesbury, and post messages to ask questions of local people. Take a virtual walk, look for accommodation, and view the historic architecture of this lovely town. If you haven't visited Tewkesbury, you're missing a real treat. If you're planning a visit to the northern Cotswolds, use this site to plan your trip. Its not flashy, but I wish more sites had the depth of information that Tewkesbury Web does!

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Destinations: Wensleydale
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Wensleydale is world renown for its delicious cheeses, but there are many more interesting reasons to visit this peaceful area of Yorkshire beyond satisfying your taste buds. There is the imposing bulk of 14th century Castle Bolton, perched above the valley. The castle was built by Richard Scrope, Lord Chancellor during the reign of Richard II, and though the walls are romantically crumbling, the interior houses an excellent folk museum.

Just a few miles away from Castle Bolton lies Middleham Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. This massive creation was once known as the "Windsor of the North". It was owned by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick (called "Warwick the Kingmaker"), and later, Richard III grew up here. Middleham is now under the care of English Heritage.

Two miles down the road from Middleham are the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, slumbering in parkland beside the River Ure. The abbey church is mostly destroyed, but the monastery is in good condition. Jervaulx was founded in 1168 by Cistercian monks who claimed to have been led to the site by a vision of the Virgin Mary.

The largest town in Wensleydale is Bedale, scene of a weekly market since 1251. St. Gregory's church, just off the market square, was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and contains remnants of even earlier construction. Opposite the church is Bedale Hall, a Georgian mansion that doubles as a local museum. Bedale is a serene place, blessed with cobbled streets and neatly whitewashed houses.

If Bedale is the largest town in Wensleydale, Hawes is the most aromatic, for it is the centre of the Wensleydale cheese industry. Here at the local market over 100,000 sheep change hands annually. Just outside Hawes is Hardraw Force, a spectacular waterfall with a sheer drop of 98 feet, making it one of the highest in Britain.

Wensleydale is decidedly rural in character. You won't find the bright lights of the big city here, but if you enjoy walking there are excellent trails across the hills, and a feeling of timelessness that pervades the valley.

For more on Wensleydale visit these web sites: http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/visinfo/ydales/wensleyd.html (great guide!) http://www.wensleydale-creamery.co.uk/ (cheese maker) http://freespace.virgin.net/david.jones2/dales.htm (walks in the dales) http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/wensleyd.html (accommodation)

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Books on Britain
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"Eyewitness London" is a visual treat. OK, I admit I'm a sucker for a pretty picture. But these Eyewitness guides are works of art. This guide to London has over 1200 photographs, most in full colour. This makes for a guide that is so much more appealing than the run of the mill guidebooks printed on rough newsprint quality paper (Rough Guides come to mind). And don't think this is just a pocket-sized coffee-table book - the publishers have crammed a LOT of detail beside all those pictures. Everything from the history of the different areas of London to where to find the best restaurants or pub meals, current prices and opening times for all the major attractions, and a lot of lesser known places to go as well.

Every time I open an Eyewitness guide I have to marvel at the sheer scope and quality of the information. Without a doubt, this is my favourite guidebook series. If you are planning a trip to London, this would be my choice as the most enjoyable guide to bring along.
Eyewitness-london.htm

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Travel News from Britain
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The world famous horror actor, Boris Karloff, best known for his legendary performance as the monster in the film, Frankenstein, has had his birthplace honoured by English Heritage. An English Heritage Blue Plaque was unveiled by Karloff's close friend Bernie Coleman, above a Turkish restaurant at 36 Forest Hill Road, London SE22. The ceremony was attended by Boris Karloff's Hollywood based daughter Sara Jane. Karloff's friend and one-time neighbour, Christopher Lee attended.

Karloff's portrayal of the monster in James Whale's 1931 film Frankenstein is known all over the world. The monster who rises from the hands of his creator, induced terror in generations of filmgoers. The Blue Plaque will give locals and visitors to Peckam the chance to recognise the birthplace of one of Britain's renowned actors.

English Heritage has also erected a plaque to Bram Stoker, author of 'Dracula' at 18 St. Leonards Terrace, SW3. There are currently over 650 Blue Plaques in London. The first blue plaque was put up in 1867 by the Royal Society of Arts. English Heritage have been responsible for Blue Plaques since 1986.

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The Tower of London has announced a full program of events for the year 2000. We'll be passing on the details throughout the year. Here's what's on tap for the spring.

JANUARY 2000 Opening of Sir Thomas More's cell Imprisoned in the Bell Tower in 1534 for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as Head of the Church in England in place of the Pope, Sir Thomas More was later executed on Tower Hill. It is hoped that the cell where he was held will be open to the public in the year 2000. It will form part of a unique Thomas More trail linking the Tower with other sites along the Thames, such as Lambeth Palace, associated with the story of this extraordinary man's life.

6 FEBRUARY, 21 APRIL, 2, 10 & 12 JUNE, 4 AUGUST, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER (TBC) 2000
Gun Salutes Gun salutes at the Tower have marked important state and royal events since Tudor times and are fired 'in accordance with the regulations of that fortress'. For royal occasions, 62 gun salutes are fired: the traditional 21 gun salute, plus 20 as the Tower is a royal palace and fortress and an extra 21 as a mark of respect for the sovereign from the City of London. Since the end of the Second World War gun salutes have been fired from four 25-pound guns on Tower Wharf by the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest armed body in Britain. A few miles upriver from the Tower lies Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court has announced these events for spring 2000.

12, 13 and 14 FEBRUARY 2000
'Hampton Courtship' Valentine Tours Join our costumed guides for a romantic evening tour of Henry VIII's honeymoon palace. Discover how the six-times married monarch was a misunderstood romantic, as we explore the themes of love, chivalry and marriage at the Tudor court. Wine and canapés by firelight in the Great Kitchen set the mood, before an evocative tour of Henry's beautiful palace. For full details and booking telephone 0181 781 9540.

19 - 27 FEBRUARY 2000
All the King's Creatures From dormice to dragons, the world of the King's Creatures includes pests, pets, predators and mythical beasts. Join in our special presentations, dare to enter the Monster Maze, use your tracking skills on our Beastly Trail and make an animal of yourself in our mask and shield making workshops.

APRIL 2000
Florimania - The Queen's Flowers The scent of flowers is in the air as the Queen's Apartments are adorned with re-creations of 17th-century floral arrangements. 22- 30 APRIL 2000 Royal sport at Hampton Court Discover the sports and games enjoyed by the royal residents at Hampton Court Palace. Hunting, hawking, swordplay, Real Tennis and tilting are just a few of the pastimes explored by special trails, costumed tours and demonstrations.

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English Culture at Britain Express
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In case you missed it, Britain Express has launched a new "English Culture" addition to our popular British History section of the site. In "English Culture" you'll find information on parish churches, hedgerows, Wedgwood pottery, the history of tea in Britain, and all the things that help make England so .... English!

Check it out here

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That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that it takes more energy to frown than it does to smile - so keep on smiling - its contagious! David Ross
Editor
Britain Express
http://www.britainexpress.com
The UK travel and heritage guide

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Contents © 2001 David Ross and Britain Express