The Change of Powers in Europe 1871

An interesting political cartoon showing the eclipse of France (Napoleon siting dejected in the shadow of Bismark)and the Rise of Germany after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Home of the Rich

Just a few photos of how the rich and powerful have lived over the last centuries in the UK. The size of Kensington Palace, the Queens Buckingham Palace, fancy chimneys and stain glass windows at Hampton Court Palace, the "Circle" in Bath,a bed fit for a king-William III, Tudor Coat of Arms, and private gardens at Powis Castle.

Where we went

Double click on the map. Started in London on Sunday, drove to Bath. From Bath on Monday, drove through the Cotswolds (West of Oxford) to Ludlow. From Ludlow on Wednesday, drove to Wroexter (a little South East of Shrewsbury), then on Thursday went to Powis Wales (West of Shrewsbury). Finally on Friday we went from Ludlow to London. This was about 750 miles of traveling on everything from three lane Motorways to country tractor lanes, through very beautiful land and quaint villages.

Home

Well we're back, left Heathrow at 4:30 pm on Friday the 9th and arrived in LA at 7:00 pm on Friday the 9th. You have to love East to West travel. If you need a great airline to travel use Air New Zealand. Great service, food (two full meals), wine, mixed drinks dozens of movies, tv shows, video games, books on tape ect. all included in the price of the tickets. The food was top quality and the wines were excellent!

Parting Shots of the UK

Getting set to leave so here is the last post from Ludlow. Some pics from nine days in the UK. So many historic markers. Now you know how it felt to attack a castle. Does aone else notice he building is sagging? Ok I know the castle is up there somewhere. A path way worthy of Dickens. How many Ricks can you fit in one lift. 35 pounds for room service dinner. Our first sun in England, lasted 35 minutes.

Last Call Ludlow

Our last aftenoon in Ludlow found us checking out a cannon captured from the Russians in the the 1850's. Looking at a bridge that is more than three times older than the USA,next to a mill pond that has been in use since the 14th Century. Walking along small sidewalks on the way to a Ludlow Ale in a pub that was in a building from the 1350's. The small chapel was built in 1190. History is so common here and makes the human endeavors of so many generations so tangible.

Driving Signs

Driving in Wales was just like England except for this; the only Stop Sign we have seen in all our driving. I'm sure they are out there but where I don't know. We did see some interesting signs here,the "!" is very popular as are crossing signs. Crossing signs have a black sillouete of the item named, we have seen- Sheep Crossing, Cow Crossing, Horse Crossing, Tractor Crossing, Airplane Crossing (that was an eye opener) and our favorite showing a little old man and woman with canes, the Elderly Crossing.

Powis Castle and Gardens, Wales

Castle Powis is the home of the Earl of Powis who owns Ludlow Castle. He is also the decendent of Clive of India. The castle was built in the 1200's but totally "modernized" several time since. Its gardens are huge and very famous. The yew trees alone are over 350 years old and molded into these beautiful and massive designs. The dragon is one of th symbols of Powis and the door knocker is a dragon.

Another Wall in Ludlow

We found another resident of Ludlow with the name of Wall. John H. Wall, he is in the list of those that died in World War II. Interesting, John H. is a common name among our ancestors going back to the Colonial Era.

Wroxeter-the Roman City of Viroconium Cornoviorum

This was the fourth largest Roman City in Britian. Only te baths have been exposed as the rest of the land is high quality farm land. It was so awe inspiring to touch work that the Romans built almost 2000 years ago. All power is fleating and this is the perfect example. As you can from the pics of Therri & Me it was just above freezing due to the wind chill, but at least the morning rain had stopped.

Life in the Late Middle Ages

Living History is alive and well in England. Here are commoners, weapons, armour, the latest in shoe fashions and Royality in all their glory. I do think that the knight in full armour is bragging a bit much (the suit is a copy from the Royal armoury).

Ludlow Castle Fine Points

The castle has many details that survived the years of neglect and distruction. Carved faces on corbels held upper floors in one of the few round chapels of the period. Many Norman carvings almost a 1000 years old survive on pillars. We had a period dress guided tour, she was very good and ignored the cold and on and off rain. The circular stairs were designed to hinder attackers by their narrow steps and lack of area to swing a sword. Fireplaces were a sign of wealth and almost every room in the lords and quests living quarters had at least one.