The English pub is such a well-loved institution. I know when I lived in Australia for four years, this wonderful institution was much prized for its almost legendary status amongst the Australians, even if they did think we British are a bit weird to go around drinking warm beer all the time. And at theContinue reading “The Museum of London, Docklands: a Beguiling Talk About the Social History of the English Pub”
Category Archives: buildings
London Stories, a Rich and Complex Tapestry
I’ve just spent a week in London, near the Tower, and my mind is full of London stories… stories of many different aspects of life in the city. First of all, I think of the tales we were told on the walk from Whitechapel tube station, the Hidden East End walk, led by one of LondonContinue reading “London Stories, a Rich and Complex Tapestry”
A Special Place in Warwickshire to Reflect Upon Our Wills and Fates: St Peter’s Church Wootton Wawen – Saxon Sanctuary
Our wills and fates do so contrary run That our devices still are overthrown; Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own. Shakespeare: Hamlet, III, 2, 602 Surely the best places to reflect upon the universal truths that lie behind Shakespeare’s words above, are the many historical sites to be found in hisContinue reading “A Special Place in Warwickshire to Reflect Upon Our Wills and Fates: St Peter’s Church Wootton Wawen – Saxon Sanctuary”
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon: Strong Discipline, Repetition and Learning by Rote That Nurtured a Great Poet
A thousand times the worse, to want thy light. Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books, But love from love, toward school with heavy looks. Romeo and Juliet Whether or not this is a true reflection of how Shakespeare felt about his own schooldays, it’s difficult not to feel a sense ofContinue reading “Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon: Strong Discipline, Repetition and Learning by Rote That Nurtured a Great Poet”
Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick
Rising up before you as you approach Warwick from the south, along the Banbury road, you will see a spectacular sight: that of Warwick Castle, perfectly preserved ancient fortress, later transformed into a stately residence. The south-east side of the castle commands a cliff on the opposite bank of the River Avon, as you enterContinue reading “Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick”
The Throckmortons of Coughton Court, Warwickshire: A Family Forever Linked to those Who Conspired to Murder their King
Approaching Coughton Court, the ancestral seat of the Throckmortons, near Alcester in Warwickshire, we may admire the mellow sandstone sixteenth century house with its dramatic battlemented gatehouse tower and lovely timbered north and south wings. In front is the most exquisitely laid-out garden packed with abundant lavenders. Everything about this house and its surrounding groundsContinue reading “The Throckmortons of Coughton Court, Warwickshire: A Family Forever Linked to those Who Conspired to Murder their King”
Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford
My recent visit to Oxford to see the exhibition of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth was a revelation to me and full of inspiration. You may find the exhibition in the ST Lee Gallery, Weston Library, next to Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street. It’s packed with fascinating objects and letters, and drawings: Tolkien’s own exquisite illustrations forContinue reading “Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford”
Oxfordshire Place of Inspiration: Castle Inn, Edgehill
A place of inspiration is any place which arouses strong emotions, or perhaps memories, dreams, or reflections. The Castle Inn at Edgehill Oxfordshire is one such place. A tavern was first built in this high location in 1742 – one hundred years after the date of the Battle of Edgehill which took place in the valleyContinue reading “Oxfordshire Place of Inspiration: Castle Inn, Edgehill”
Spring is Starting to Win… at Baddesley Clinton
A few photos from Baddesley Clinton, one of my favourite National Trust properties, a short drive from my home in Warwick.
Mountains, Castles and Inspiration in Bavaria
We are just back from Bavaria where we were inspired by King Ludwig II’s castles, delighted by glorious mountain views, enjoyed delicious apple strudels and slipped into Austria where we had a lot of fun on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg. But the most outstanding feature of our holiday was our discovery ofContinue reading “Mountains, Castles and Inspiration in Bavaria”
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