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Showing posts from July, 2020

Trip to Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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View of east coast village with North Sea This morning, I undertook a rail trip from Glasgow, Scotland to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England for purpose of commencing (tomorrow) my six day hike along the line of the 1900 year old, Hadrian's Wall. The journey down worked fine with covid compliant rail cars near empty. Weather was a complete reversal of the wet and windy weather of late with brilliant sunshine and blue skies.These conditions made for good photography. Estuary of River Tweed Information on the city of Newcastle can be found here . The following images relate to Newcastle and/or Gatsehead both of which sit on opposite banks of the River Tyne. River Tyne looking east with Newcastle on left and Gateshead on right. This is the 'new castle' after which Newcastle is named.It has origins dating back to 1080 and was built on the site of a 2nd century AD fort built by the Romans. The former Baltic Flour Mill at Gateshead, now a centre for contemporary art. Riverside view fro

Site of the Battle of Hastings: A landmark event which transformed England

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Battle of Hastings Site This evening, I am posting information on the famous Battle of Hastings which took place in southern England on October 14th 1066. Hastings is located on the south coast of England,about 72 miles S.E. of London. Today, the ruins of Battle Abbey occupy the hilltop ridge where King Harold’s English army were marshalled on a east-west line at commencement of the battle facing Duke William’s Norman (French) army across the valley to the south. Information on the actual battle is obtained from two contemporary sources, the Bayeux Tapestry and William of Poitiers ( 1020-90). Having lost the element of surprise, the English held their shield wall position along the ridge but over nine hours the ebb and flow of fighting progressively weakened the English and after Harold had been shot in the eye and killed it was evident the Normans had prevailed. After the battle, William was crowned King in Westminster Abbey, London and a new royal line established. Th

Found a flint arrowhead

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This afternoon I am 'over the moon'. This is because, about 20 years ago, I found a flint arrowhead when digging in our garden. I showed it to an archaeologist then put it away somewhere so safe I could not find it again-until today! Bingo. Image of arrowhead For reasons explained in the Archaeology Scotland information sheet below, flint was an important resource to prehistoric peoples. How the artefact came to be in our garden is a mystery. As explained below, this type of quartz is very rare in Scotland with the nearest deposit being about 181 miles away in the N.E. Alternatively, the raw material could have: Been found as a nodule on the coast. Been brought over from Northern Ireland (closer than Peterhead, as the crow flies) Been traded from what is now England where there are extensive flint resources. There is always the possibility that a previous occupant of the property obtained the item and discarded it. The quality of the arrowhead is poor. It has

Durham Cathedral: Stunning Romanesque architecture in northern England

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Landscape view of Durham Cathedral Entrance Arch. This evening, I am focusing on Durham Cathedral in northern England, part of the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church. The city of Durham has a population of  65,500  and is about twenty miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne. The cathedral represents a stunning piece of architecture, in the top rank of church architecture in Europe. Unfortunately, photography of the interior is heavily restricted. Founded by Bishop Carileph (1081-1096). Constructed over a period of just 40 years. Apart from matters spiritual it was probably intended as a statement of Norman power and prestige following the 1066 invasion. Most of the Cathedral is built in the Norman or Romanesque style. The Chapel of the  Nine Altars was completed in the Gothic style between 1242 and 1280. The Nave, Quire and transepts were built between 1093 and 1133. To this structure was added: The Galilee Chapel in 1175 The two western towers between 1217 and 1226.

Lincoln Cathedral: A stunning piece of architecture with a 1000 year history

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Lincoln Cathedral, England This evening, I am focusing on Lincoln Cathedral, a stunning building with a history dating back nearly 1000 years.  Lincoln is city (pop 756,000 ) which lies about 150 miles directly north of London. The Cathedral interior is a wonder to behold, featuring medieval stained glass, a vast nave, medieval stone carvings, tombs and chapels for remembering the dead, peaceful crypt and a Chapter House with special acoustics. As mentioned below, this building has experienced many structural issues and fire damage over the years. Nave Here is a summary history of the Cathedral: Construction commenced 1072 on orders of William the Conqueror. Bishop Remigus supervised the work which took twenty years. Norman cathedral opens for worship in 1092. In 1141 a fire  destroys the roof. In 1185 an earthquake caused severe damage resulting in demolition of the old Norman Cathedral. A new, Gothic style Cathedral was commenced 1192 under Bishop Hu

Chester: A prosperous city with Roman heritage in N.W. England

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Tour Boat on River Dee Chester is a fascinating city which is located about twenty-five miles south of Liverpool in N.W.England. Population is 77,000. The city was established circa AD 150 by the Romans with the name Deoua from its location in the River Dee, which in turn points to the antiquity of the river name. Subsequently, the city was named Legacaestir (city of the legions) by AD 735 and Cestre (Roman town) by AD 1086. The curent name has evolved from 'Cestre'. Refer this blog pos t for more information on the city's Roman heritage. Chester has much to offer, including: Roman heritage and amphitheatre. River Dee, on which tour boats ply their trade. Cathedral dating back to the 11th century. Interesting architecture. Impressive Town Hall. Canal dating from 1772. Racecourse. This area was a harbour in Roman times but has subsequently silted up. Various bridges over the River Dee including a suspension bridge for pedestrians. Seven hundred year

Bamburgh Castle: A restored fortress with a long history

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Bamburgh Castle Today, I am posting information on Bamburgh   Castle, a structure which was lavishly restored by shipping magnate, Lord Armstrong in the late 19th century on a site with a long history of occupation stretching back into pre-history. Location is about 51 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in N.E. England. As a fortification, elements, principally St. Oswald’s Gate, date back to the 8th century but the current   castle has evolved from a Norman template with the Keep dating from the 12th century. Inside the castle, the King’s Hall is a 19th   century masterpiece built on a medieval floor plan. This is shown in the video clip at foot of this post. Note the impressive ceiling made from Siamese teak with a false hammer-beam ceiling held together with over 1300 oak pins. Other rooms include: The Great Kitchen Medieval Store Rooms Buttery Cross Hall Captains’ Lodgings Faire Chamber Armoury Court Room Scullery Kitchen Archaeology Room Larder and

Raby Castle: A huge English fortress from the 14th century

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Raby Castle, County Durham, England This evening, I am focusing on Raby Castle in N.E.England, about 20 miles (32 km) S.W. of the city of Durham. The castle was commenced in the 11th century but the substance of the current building dates from the late 14th century under ownership of John Neville of the powerful Neville family. However, the Neville’s were forced to surrender Raby due their participation in a failed rebellion in 1569. From 1626 onwards the castle has been in the Vane family. Entrance gate Raby Castle stands in a 200 acre deer park. As is evident from the images accompanying this post, the castle comprises a powerful combination of towers and fortifications. Inside is a magnificent Barons’  Hall plus Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. Here can be found art, textiles and furniture from England and Europe. Outside, visitors can admire the 18th century ornamental walled gardens. Deer at Raby Castle Video clip of castle an

Newcastle-upon-Tyne: An example of dynamic regeneration in N.E. England

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Millennium Bridge, Newcastle, England This evening, I am focusing on a what I find to be a stunning piece of post-industrial city architecture as manifested in the waterfront at Newcastle on Tyne (pop 268,000 ) and Gateshead (pop 202,000) in North East England. Newcastle has a history dating back 1800 years as it is on the line of Hadrian's Wall which was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. To an extent the regeneration of Newcastle/Gateshead is similar to developments at my home base of Glasgow, a city which shares a similar, traditional heavy engineering and shipbuilding heritage dating back to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. The waterfront at Newcastle/Gateshead has been transformed into a dynamic, visitor friendly environment helped by some very innovative architecture and design illustrations of which are provided above and below. Above is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, designed for pedestrians and cyclists by architects, Wilkin