|
Britain Update archives | |||
|
||||
|
|
Britain
Update #38 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. *******************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
******************** In the Oxford Guide you'll find information on attractions, museums, Oxford Colleges, history, tourism, river boating (try your hand at punting - its harder than it looks!), and a host of other details to help you get the most out of your stay in this loveliest of cities. For a taste of the Oxford Guide, here's part of our profile of one of Oxford's oldest colleges, Balliol. "John Balliol was one of Henry III's most powerful supporters during the Baron's War of 1258-1265. Balliol married Devorguilla, a Scottish princess, and their son, also named John, briefly became King of Scotland in 1296. Sometime around 1260 Balliol, under the guidance of the Bishop of Durham, decided on an act of charity. He established a building in outer Oxford for housing needy students. When Balliol died in 1269 his widow Devorguilla formally established Balliol as a college, providing official statutes and giving the college its official seal, which it still maintains. Only 16 students inhabited Balliol College, and each received an allowance of eightpence per week. Although Balliol remained small for several centuries, it lays proud claim to several prominent members during the medieval period, including church reformer John Wycliffe, who was Master in 1360. A century later William Gray, later Bishop of Ely, was a member. It was Gray who donated his extensive collection of European manuscripts to the college. The collection is now the single largest medieval collection in England " .... more at www.britainexpress.com/cities/oxford/balliol.htm ******************************
I've recently had the pleasure of reading two new guidebooks which should prove useful if you are planning a European vacation of the more active sort. "Walk Europe" and "National Parks Europe" are the first publications of the Activity Series, a Scottish publishing house. As the names indicate, both titles cover the whole of Europe, not just the British Isles. The books are profusely illustrated with colour photographs and clear, coloured maps. The "National Parks" book covers recognised parks in each country, with engaging descriptions of the scenery, history, geology, and what to see and do in each park. Contact information is given for each park, including email and web site URL. The "Walk Europe" book is similar in format, covering both waymarked walking trails (such as the National Trails in England) and popular walking regions, such as La Vanoise in the French Alps. Not every National Trail is covered, unfortunately, but the selected trails are given thorough treatment with interesting commentary. The Activity Series Guides are intended as planning tools, not as on-the-ground guides. They won't tell you which pub to turn left at, or which bed and breakfast to stay in. But the combination of colour photos and interesting details make these books useful tools, and a good buy, in my opinion. [Here's my official disclaimer: Britain Express has no business interest in selling these books - I just liked them.] You can find out more about the Activity Series at http://www.activityseries.com ******************************
****************************** Scottish
National Park Stately home pioneer saluted in SussexParham Park, a beautiful Elizabethan house in West Sussex, has a new exhibition devoted to Clive Pearson, younger son of Lord Cowdray, who bought the house in 1922 and, with his family, renovated it and filled it with fine furniture, paintings and textiles. Mr. and Mrs Pearson were also responsible for the present form of the superb gardens, and in 1948 opened the house to the public - one of the first stately homes to do so on a regular basis. During World War Two, Parham became a home for Canadian soldiers. Near Pulborough, 49 miles south of London, Parham is open until October 29 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, admission to house and gardens £5.25 adults, £4.50 senior citizens, £1 children, family tickets £11. Events this year include an outdoor performance of Sheridan's "The Rivals" (Aug.12), Live Crafts in the Park (Aug.18-20), and a country show (Sept.18-20). Tel: 01903 742021. Web Site: http://www.parhaminsussex.co.uk Rum story
in Cumbria The exhibition starts in a Caribbean rain forest, and covers many aspects of the story, including the slave trade, American prohibition, rum and the Royal Navy, and the processing of the drink. It also explains how Cumberland Rum Butter became a famous local product, and how to create rum-based cocktails. The courtyards have a café and gift shop, and a five-metre high Kinetic Rum Clock depicting how the spirit is made. The Rum Story is open daily until the end of September, then on Wednesdays to Sundays until Easter, and admission is £4.50 adults, £3.50 concessions. The Rum Story, Lowther Street, Whitehaven CA28 7DN (tel. 01946 592933). Web site: http://www.rumstory.co.uk. Whitehaven is 330 miles north-west of London. ****************************** David
Ross
Contents © 2001 David Ross and Britain Express |
HISTORY CORNERName the Historic attractionBritish Heritage AwardsCelebrate the best of British Heritage in our annual British History QuizThis Day in British History09 February, 1846 Commons debate opens on repeal of Corn Laws The Corn Laws would eventually be repealed on 26 June Monarch Mayhem
|
