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Britain
Update #37 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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******************** Just to give you a taste of what's online at British Battles, here's part of our profile on The Battle of Flodden: "James IV of Scotland, though initially on good terms with Henry VIII (and married to his sister Margaret), held firmly to the "Auld Alliance" with France. Henry, on the other hand, joined The Holy League against France. Even so, James and Henry remained on fair terms until 1513, when Henry invaded France at the head of a large force. Holding true to his alliance, James led an army into England. His intent was not conquest, but merely to cause a diversion which would bring Henry back from France. He was met at Flodden by an army of the north under the Earl of Surrey, a veteran of Bosworth Field. Flodden marks a watershed in military history, for it was the last major battle in which the longbow played a part, and one of the first in which artillery played a major role. " ....more at www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/flodden.htm We welcome suggestions for additions to British Battles, so let us know if we've missed a battle that you'd like to see included. About Bristol ( http://www.about-bristol.co.uk/ ) is a series of fascinating illustrated tours of the historic port of Bristol. The themed tours include: the Old city, statues, sculpture, churches, landmarks, architecture, famous people, and more. My favourite tour is "Eye for Detail" which highlights some of the interesting things that are above eye level, beneath one's feet, or easily overlooked, like parish boundary markers and grotesque gargoyle carvings. This Tour brings a few of these oddments to your notice, explains their significance or history, and expands on their background. About Bristol is a valuable, enjoyable resource. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The roots of the history of Hereford are Saxon, and indeed fragments of the original Saxon city walls can still be seen. The city recieved its first charter from King Richard I in 1189, but the city has had a troubled history since then, due to its strategic location on the English border with Wales. For over a millenium, Hereford has been the subject of raids, seiges, and counter-raids, culminating in the turbulent years of the English Civil War, when Hereford changed hands no less than 4 times in 3 years. Herefordshire is a primarily rural county, blessed with broad, open pastures and green hills. Apart from the cattle and cider industres, Herefordshire is home to some of the lovliest examples of half-timbered Tudor and Jacobean buildings anywhere in Britain. Nowhere is this more evident than in Hereford itself. The Old House in Hereford is a delightful Jacobean half-timbered house built in 1621. The house is furnished in 17th century style on 3 floors, including the kitchen and children's rooms. Moving back in time from Old House, the St. John Medieval Museum on Widemarsh Street is a 13th century chapel and museum highlighting the history of the chivalric knightly Order of St. John. In the garden is the only surviving open air preaching cross in the country. Though these attractions are interesting, it is the Cathedral that draws most visitors to Hereford. The Cathedral was begun in the 11th century, and it contains superb Gothic architectural detail. The prize possession of the Cathedral is the Mappa Mundi, dating from the 13th century - one of the very earliest maps still in existence. The Mappa Mundi is contained in Hereford Cathedral's world famous Chained Library, which houses over 1500 volumes dating all the way back to the 8th century. During the medieval period, books were so valuable that they were chained and locked to prevent them from "disappearing". Hereford's Chained Library is the largest in the world to survive completely intact. For a break from architecture and books, why not sample a little cider? The Cider Museum and King Offa Distillery on Whitecross Road traces the history of traditional cider in Herefordshire in a fascinating display that features a huge 17th century beam press and a recreation of a Farm Cider House. You can watch cider being made, and sample the end product, including cider brandy (it is stong stuff - be warned!). For an introduction to Hereford you can take in a guided city walk. These walks depart daily between May and September from the Shirehall forecourt and last from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Obtain tickets for the tours from the Tourist Information Centre on King Street ( Tel: +44 (0) 1432 - 268430 Fax: +44 (0) 1432 - 342662 ) Web Resources
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to National Cycle Network You can also order from Amazon.co.uk, although this title is proving so popular they are now on backorder. Use this link NEW SCOTTISH
TRAIL The trail has been divided into five sections, making use of existing paths, minor roads and recognised walks straddling the border between Perthshire and Angus. There are refreshment and accommodation stops available every 12-13 miles. A central accommodation booking service for walkers has also been established. One phone call to the company will secure rooms in hotels and B&B's along the route, and luggage transportation if required. Further information and reservations from the Cateran Trail Company Ltd. Boatbrae, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PL10 7BH, Scotland. Tel. 01250 87 21 95 Fax: 01250 87 24 87. ****************************** David
Ross
Contents © 2001 David Ross and Britain Express |
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