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Our European Adventure 2018

A 6 month trip on a shoestring Read more

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Day 90
Monday, July 30, 2018 at 11:02 AM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 259 ft
England Ironbridge 52.628385, -2.48132452°37’42” N 2°28’53” W
2
1900 Victorian Town
July 30, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Blists Hill was an actual working site with mines, blast furnaces, factories, and a canal, and some of those buildings are still there. There was never a town on the site, but the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust re-created one from buildings that were either transported here or built using traditional materials. It was fun to see people dressed in Victorian costumes and working as if it were really 1900.Read more
Traveler Bill would appreciate this place...Teeth "carefully" extracted!
8/8/18Reply
Traveler You noticed how carefully I took the picture!
8/8/18Reply
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Day 90
Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:02 AM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 259 ft
England Ironbridge 52.628385, -2.48132452°37’42” N 2°28’53” W
Ironbridge Gorge
July 30, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
It was here that Quaker Abraham Darby developed the technique of smelting iron using coke instead of charcoal, allowing a much cheaper production of iron. His grandson built the world's first cast-iron bridge as a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. It was completed in 1781, and is one of the few still standing.

There are 10 attractions in this area, and since we are here for two weeks, we bought "annual passports" so we could see them all. It is a huge savings of £26.50 per person, compared to paying separate admission fees.

Today we visited the Ironbridge Gorge Museum to learn about the history of the area. Ironbridge is on the River Severn, and is rich in all the materials needed for iron production. Materials were hauled in trows, powered by wind when possible, or pulled by horses. The river floods periodically, and in the museum, there is a high-water mark. You can see drains in the floors so the water can escape easily.

The bridge is being worked on so it is covered by plastic. So I took a picture of a painting.Read more
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Day 86
Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 230 ft
England Leighton 52.644929, -2.57375952°38’42” N 2°34’26” W
Housesitting in Leighton, Shropshire
July 26, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
This evening we met the couple we will be house sitting for over the next two weeks. Their little dog's name is Patrick, and he is really funny--he barks at the birds in the trees, and tries to catch flies! We had a nice getting-acquainted visit over dinner, and spent the night. Here is a picture of the River Severn near their town, and some of the narrow roads, taken through the windshield.Read more
TravelerWonderful
8/4/18Reply
Linda, I think you should be prepared to share some of your wonderful pictures and experiences at a Ladies’ Luncheon some of these times! Sherri 👍
8/5/18Reply
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Day 86
Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 81 °F
Altitude: 187 ft
England Atcham 52.688854, -2.66808352°41’20” N 2°40’5” W
Attingham Servants' Quarters
July 26, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
Here are the servants' quarters: dining area, kitchen, pastry kitchen, housekeeper's quarters, and part of the huge silver set.

Note: Each servant was provided an ale allowance, 1 pint for men, 1/2 pint for women. If they did not want ale, they could have tea, and their cup was put on the small wagon on the table. They were "on the wagon".Read more
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Day 86
Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 82 °F
Altitude: 187 ft
England Atcham 52.688854, -2.66808352°41’20” N 2°40’5” W
2
Attingham Park Becomes a College
July 26, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
From 1948-1976, Teresa lived on one side of the manor, and Shropshire Adult Education College used the other half for residential education courses. Since 1952, the Attingham Trust has operated courses for the study of historic houses and collections.Read more
Traveler You captured a beautiful angle of the railing
8/3/18Reply
Traveler Thanks, Donna!
8/4/18Reply
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Day 86
Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 81 °F
Altitude: 187 ft
England Atcham 52.688854, -2.66808352°41’20” N 2°40’5” W
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury
July 26, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
This country house was owned by the same family since it was built in 1785. Some of the earliest lords were not careful with their money and had to sell off much of the furniture and art. The 8th Lord and Lady Berwick (Thomas and Teresa), who lived there from 1920-70, had a strong interest in preserving its history. Teresa was Italian, and much of the manor reflects her heritage.

The Entrance Hall looks like it has Italian marble statues, but they are painted on the walls.Read more
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Day 85
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
England Lendal Bridge 53.959965, -1.08729853°57’36” N 1°5’14” W
Treasurer's House, York
July 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
This was the residence of the treasurer of York Minster cathedral until the Reformation of the English Church in 1547. It was owned by various people, then divided into three units. Finally the units were bought by a wealthy industrialist, Frank Green. He rehabilitated it into his vision of what it might have been, and it's not entirely accurate, but at least the building was saved.Read more
TravelerAll of the pictures you posted I just awesome! I'm learning so much that now Bill is going to have to take me there so I can see it first-hand.
8/1/18Reply
TravelerThank you so much, Jacquie!
8/1/18Reply
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Day 85
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
England Lendal Bridge 53.959965, -1.08729853°57’36” N 1°5’14” W
York: A Historic City
July 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
York is a very interesting city with lots to see. It was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, and the city is almost entirely encircled by walls from that period. After the Romans left in the 400s, it was occupied by Anglo-Saxons until it was taken by the Vikings in 866. The Yorvik Viking Museum was really well done, showing how the city would have looked, sounded, and smelled, as well as many archeological finds. It was surprising how advanced they were.

The oldest buildings left in town are Tudor, and they are really crooked! Many streets are narrow and cobblestoned including the Shambles, which has lots of fun shops to explore. York chocolates are made here.

York Minster is another huge cathedral--we didn't go inside as we had only one day and too much to see. It is being refurbished, and we saw the stonemasons' work area, where they are carving figures to replace some that have broken.Read more
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Day 84
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 197 ft
England Foulby 53.652706, -1.39004453°39’10” N 1°23’24” W
Nostel Priory
July 24, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
We are staying in Leeds between housesits, so we can visit Jacob in the nearby town of Ackworth. We visited for a couple of hours and then went together to Nostel Priory, another country manor. The manor wasn't open, which was too bad. But Jake and his Dad visited in the courtyard of the old stables complex while I walked around looking at the gardens. Then we went to a pub for lunch. It was great to see him.Read more
Hi - Sue Johnson here from Sun Valley MHP. I've just now taken the time to review photos of the UK, and they're quite lovely! Linda, you have a good eye for photography. Been busy getting my townhome in MN ready to sell so that's been an all-consuming effort this summer. Looking forward to seeing my AZ friends again!
7/31/18Reply
TravelerHi Sue--good luck with your sale!
8/1/18Reply
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Day 83
Monday, July 23, 2018 at 2:02 PM
⛅ 79 °F
Altitude: 266 ft
England Fountains Abbey 54.109512, -1.5818654°6’34” N 1°34’55” W
Fountains Hall and the Deer Park
July 23, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
Another part of Studley Royal Park is Fountains Hall another Elizabethan style country manor. Some of the stone from the abbey ruins was used in its construction. After this manor became part of Studley Royal Park, it was used for other purposes. In the 1930s, it was opened up as a Settler's Society. Boys aged 14-17 left their families to live in the camp, work the land and enjoy a better quality of life. The boys were trained in a range of skills, from gardening and forestry to general estate work and domestic service, to help them find jobs in the future. Then during WWII the manor and other estate buildings were used to house evacuees.

The Deer Park on the estate contains St Mary's Church from 1870.Read more
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Day 83
Monday, July 23, 2018 at 12:30 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 266 ft
England Fountains Abbey 54.109512, -1.5818654°6’34” N 1°34’55” W
Fountains Mill and more
July 23, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
The mill was used by the monks to make flour for their daily bread. Also on the grounds are some pretty bridges and other buildings. The last photo is a model of how the abbey looked in its entirety.
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Day 83
Monday, July 23, 2018 at 11:02 AM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 266 ft
England Fountains Abbey 54.109512, -1.5818654°6’34” N 1°34’55” W
Fountains Abbey
July 23, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
These ruins are of the largest Cistercian Abbey in England, founded in 1132. Cistercian monks were seeking a simpler existence. The abbey was wealthy due to the amount of land given them and the number of sheep they raised. The abbey was beautiful and hearing about the monks' lifestyle was interesting. Their life was composed of work, prayers 7 times a day, and only 1-2 meals a day, depending on the season. The abbey was whitewashed and undecorated. Also on the grounds were the abbot's house, guest houses, and an infirmary.

When King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, any materials of value were taken, including the slate roofs, partly to reuse them, and partly to prevent the monks from returning.Read more
We are certainly enjoying your vacation blog! Almost feel we are along. SC 😃
8/2/18Reply
TravelerI'm so glad!
8/2/18Reply
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Day 83
Monday, July 23, 2018 at 10:02 AM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 210 ft
England Studley Roger 54.114384, -1.57290354°6’52” N 1°34’22” W
Studley Royal Park
July 23, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
This 1700s park includes one of the best water gardens in England. The temple-like viewpoint on the hill is for admiring the abbey ruins nearby.
TravelerVery serine I think I’d like it there
7/30/18Reply
So green and peaceful! SC
8/2/18Reply
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Day 82
Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 548 ft
England Ault Hucknall 53.168791, -1.30872653°10’8” N 1°18’31” W
More Tapestries
July 22, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Penelope is one of a set of four large-scale embroidery tapestries entitled "Noble Women." These were designed by professional embroiderers hired by Bess. They are made of patchwork pieces cut out of medieval church vestments, obtained after King Henry VIII dissolved the Catholic Church in England.

Here is the best guest bedroom, with more tapestries, and a beautiful inlaid wood chest of drawers, displayed in the drawing room.Read more
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Day 82
Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 548 ft
England Ault Hucknall 53.168791, -1.30872653°10’8” N 1°18’31” W
The Tapestry Collection at Hardwick
July 22, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
The Countess collected tapestries and they cover most of the walls of this mansion, including the winding stairway and the High Great Chamber. She also collected portraits of famous people and had them displayed in the Long Gallery, where guests would stroll after dinner.Read more
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Day 82
Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 548 ft
England Ault Hucknall 53.168791, -1.30872653°10’8” N 1°18’31” W
Bess of Hardwick
July 22, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
Bess of Hardwick (Elizabeth Shrewsbury) was a very wealthy countess. She rose through Elizabethan society to become the most important woman in England after the queen.

She used her fortunes to indulge her passion for building. Her houses display her taste, wealth, and business sense. She was rebuilding the old hall, when her fourth husband died. She was then financially able to build her final house from the ground up. It was known by the saying "Hardwick Hall, more window than wall." All of the house’s towers are topped by her initials and countess’s coronet.Read more
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Day 81
Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 138 ft
England Montacute House 50.951743, -2.71399850°57’6” N 2°42’50” W
Montacute House Exhibits
July 21, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
Lord Curzon leased this house in 1915-25, and made some changes. Here is his bedroom with a bathing nook he added into it.

The clothing for the exhibit was hand-stitched by a volunteer. The outfit in the middle would be worn by a boy until about age 6-8, when he graduated to short pants. This signified that he was becoming a man, and would be cause for celebration.

The paintings showed how the queens dressed. These paintings are among the many displayed throughout the house, but especially in the "Long Gallery" on third floor. Another exhibit showed many intricate samplers from the 16th and 17th centuries.Read more
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Day 81
Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 141 ft
England Montacute 50.949438, -2.71314150°56’58” N 2°42’47” W
Montacute House interior
July 21, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
The rooms are designed to impress!
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Day 81
Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 141 ft
England Montacute 50.949438, -2.71314150°56’58” N 2°42’47” W
Montacute House
July 21, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Sir Edward Phelips, a member of Parliament and then Speaker of the Houses of Commons, had this house built in 1601 as a statement of his power and wealth. This is one of the best examples of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture in England,

The original front of the house was on the East side. In 1787, a later Edward Phelips took an ornamental facade from another local 16th century house, and added it to the West side. This made a new front with a corridor inside, so rooms could have their own doors. Before this family and visitors would have to go through each other’s rooms to get from one side of the house to the other.Read more
This would be another get location for a TV show! So interesting and beautiful! SC 😲
7/30/18Reply
TravelerI agree!
7/30/18Reply
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Day 80
Friday, July 20, 2018 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 105 ft
England Bristol 51.454941, -2.58310351°27’18” N 2°34’59” W
Wesley Museum
July 20, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
The second floor of the New Room (or Wesley Chapel) had a large central meeting room for John, Charles, and other circuit preachers to meet, as well as bedrooms and offices.

It is used now as a museum, to tell the story of John and Charles, and the Methodist movement around Britain, America, and the world.Read more
Thanks for sharing your travels. It is fun to look at your pictures and hear your stories. Glad you are having fun! Jeanette
7/26/18Reply
TravelerThanks, Jeanette--glad you're enjoying our blog!
7/27/18Reply
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Day 80
Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
England Bristol Castle 51.454513, -2.5879151°27’16” N 2°35’16” W
1
John Wesley Chapel, Bristol
July 20, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
The New Room, the oldest Methodist building in the world, was built in 1739. It was too small and not well-built, so it was rebuilt and enlarged in 1748. Except for the pews, it is the same as then. At that time, men and women sat separately on benches. There was no organ, but the congregation was taught the hymns in stanzas, and then they sang with enthusiasm. In other churches singing was only done by a choir or not at all. There are no windows on the ground floor, to protect against mobs.

Wesley promoted the idea of helping the less fortunate. The New Room was a multipurpose building with a food shelf, natural medicines, a school for children, and visits to a nearby prison were arranged. Services are still held there: we attended one that day, and thought, "This is where it all began!"

Note: The chapel was used in filming a courtroom scene for the BBC series, Poldark, season 2.Read more
Traveler Interesting way they have of showing the difference.
7/24/18Reply
TravelerI like how they took care of people.
7/24/18Reply
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Day 79
Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 2:09 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
England Cheddar Gorge 51.280164, -2.77670251°16’49” N 2°46’36” W
Cheese Making, continued
July 19, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Next the blocks are milled (chopped) and salted. Finally the molds are filled and put into the cheese press overnight. Then cheeses are wrapped in cheesecloth, pressed again, and finally put into storage (sometimes a cave is used like in the old days, to impart a different flavor). We got to taste the different ages of cheese, and some good flavors as well. We love to see how things are made!Read more
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Day 79
Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 11:09 AM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
England Cheddar Gorge 51.280164, -2.77670251°16’49” N 2°46’36” W
Cheddar, as in Cheese
July 19, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
We went to the town of Cheddar, to see the cheese-making process. Cheddar cheese is named for cheddaring, an extra step in the process which was developed there.

Unpasteurized milk is heated and rennet is added. Once curds are formed, they are cut into cubes, and when the pH is right, the whey is drained off. Then the curds are shoveled into a cooling bin, allowed to set, and then the cheddaring begins. The mats of curds are cut and stacked so more whey drains off, then they are cut and stacked some more, until the stacks are about 4 blocks high.

It takes about 7 hours to make milk into cheese, and then it is aged. We watched a while, had lunch, and went back again to watch some more steps.Read more
TravelerWow! Hope you ate some cheese curds! I really like them.
7/23/18Reply
TravelerThey didn't have them, but we tasted several different cheddar cheeses.
7/24/18Reply
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Day 77
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 3:50 PM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
England Taunton Railway Station 51.0211, -3.104751°1’16” N 3°6’17” W
1
Dunster Village
July 17, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
The old village is bordering Dunster Castle, and was charming to walk around.

The last picture is of some of the 250+ cottages at Dunster Beach. They look small on the outside, maybe one third of our Arizona home, but they actually have a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living/dining room, and patios front and back. This little seaside village of cottages had its start when Lady Lutrell of Dunster Castle had one built for herself in the 1920s, plus a few more to rent out,Read more
Traveler Beautiful
7/22/18Reply
TravelerWhat gardens! Absolutely beautiful!
7/23/18Reply
TravelerDefinitely!
7/24/18Reply
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Day 77
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 2:33 PM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 92 ft
England Castle Hil 51.179402, -3.44975851°10’46” N 3°26’59” W
More of the Interior
July 17, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
The library with pictures of the family, the hallway, some interesting furniture, and the conservatory with a great view.
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