ENGLAND:
BERKSHIRE:
NEWBURY'S TWO CIVIL WAR BATTLES
Newbury was the site of two major battles in the English Civil War.
The first Battle of Newbury, was at Wash Common, in 1643, the second in 1644 at Speen, north-west of Newbury.
The first battle was considered a draw, whist the second saw both sides exhausted by nightfall, with King Charles I retreating to Oxford, and Cromwell not having the support of his commanders to attack the retreating Royalist forces.
Newbury was the site of two major battles in the English Civil War.
The first Battle of Newbury, was at Wash Common, in 1643, the second in 1644 at Speen, north-west of Newbury.
The first battle was considered a draw, whist the second saw both sides exhausted by nightfall, with King Charles I retreating to Oxford, and Cromwell not having the support of his commanders to attack the retreating Royalist forces.
BRISTOL:
THE 'FAIREST AND GOODLIEST' PARISH CHURCH IN ENGLAND - ST. MARY REDCLIFFE, BRISTOL
St. Mary Redcliffe church in Bristol was described by Queen Elizabeth I as the 'Fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England' when she visited in 1574.
Admiral Sir William Penn is buried in the church and it is his name that is borne by Pennsylvania, in the USA. Penn's son was granted a licence to form a colony in North America by King Charles II after he was unable to repay a loan to the late Admiral.
Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was also married in the church, author of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.
St. Mary Redcliffe church in Bristol was described by Queen Elizabeth I as the 'Fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England' when she visited in 1574.
Admiral Sir William Penn is buried in the church and it is his name that is borne by Pennsylvania, in the USA. Penn's son was granted a licence to form a colony in North America by King Charles II after he was unable to repay a loan to the late Admiral.
Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was also married in the church, author of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE:
CATHERINE OF ARAGON, PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL
Peterborough Cathedral is the resting place of Tudor Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon.
The Spanish Princess was daughter to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II. Betrothed to Henry VII's first son Arthur at three years old. She married Arthur when she was fifteen, though Arthur died months later. She became the first female ambassador in Europe, representing Spain's Kingdom of Aragon to England.
Eight years later she married Arthur's younger brother King Henry VIII. Catherine was mother of Henry's daughter Queen Mary I, but by not producing a son and due to Henry falling for Anne Boleyn, the subsequent divorce led to England's split from the Roman Catholic Church and the Reformation, with the King head of the Church of England.
In 1513 she was made Regent when King Henry VIII carried out a military campaign in France, the forces under her command in England defeated a Scottish invasion under James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden. She rode north in full armour and heavily pregnant to address the English troops.
She commissioned a book by Juan Luis Vives, which was dedicated to her, that argued for the education of women.
Visitors keep her grave at the Cathedral decorated with flowers and her symbol the pomegranate.
Peterborough Cathedral is the resting place of Tudor Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon.
The Spanish Princess was daughter to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II. Betrothed to Henry VII's first son Arthur at three years old. She married Arthur when she was fifteen, though Arthur died months later. She became the first female ambassador in Europe, representing Spain's Kingdom of Aragon to England.
Eight years later she married Arthur's younger brother King Henry VIII. Catherine was mother of Henry's daughter Queen Mary I, but by not producing a son and due to Henry falling for Anne Boleyn, the subsequent divorce led to England's split from the Roman Catholic Church and the Reformation, with the King head of the Church of England.
In 1513 she was made Regent when King Henry VIII carried out a military campaign in France, the forces under her command in England defeated a Scottish invasion under James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden. She rode north in full armour and heavily pregnant to address the English troops.
She commissioned a book by Juan Luis Vives, which was dedicated to her, that argued for the education of women.
Visitors keep her grave at the Cathedral decorated with flowers and her symbol the pomegranate.
COUNTY DURHAM:
THE FOSSIL TREE OF STANHOPE
In front of St Thomas C of E Church in Stanhope stands a 320 million year old fossilised tree.
The fossil tree was found in 1915 in the Edmundbyers Quarry north of Stanhope, and is one of a number of these very early trees from the Caboniferous period to be discovered.
In the Carboniferous Period the Earth's crust that would later become Britain lay on the Equator, and the tree was part of an ancient tropical rainforest.
In front of St Thomas C of E Church in Stanhope stands a 320 million year old fossilised tree.
The fossil tree was found in 1915 in the Edmundbyers Quarry north of Stanhope, and is one of a number of these very early trees from the Caboniferous period to be discovered.
In the Carboniferous Period the Earth's crust that would later become Britain lay on the Equator, and the tree was part of an ancient tropical rainforest.
DERBYSHIRE:
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, LEA HURST, DERBYSHIRE
Childhood home of Florence Nightingale.
Though born in Florence, her family returned to England, and Lea Hurst was the family home and later on their summer home, in the area from which the family made its fortune in lead-mining.
After the Crimean War, Florence returned again to Lea Hurst.
Childhood home of Florence Nightingale.
Though born in Florence, her family returned to England, and Lea Hurst was the family home and later on their summer home, in the area from which the family made its fortune in lead-mining.
After the Crimean War, Florence returned again to Lea Hurst.
DEVON:
THE MAYFLOWER - PLYMOUTH
The Mayflower Steps memorial, flanked by the flags of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, commemorate that in 1620 the passengers of the Mayflower, many of them now referred to as the Pilgrims, embarked upon the Mayflower leaving an English, 'Old World' shore for the last time before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to begin a new life in the 'New World' of what was.to become the United States.
By December they had arrived at what John Smith had already called Plymouth Rock in North America, and in tribute to the last shore they had departed from the Pilgrims kept the name, and called their new colony the Plymouth Colony.
Aboard the Mayflower, the settlers had already agreed how the new settlement would be governed, writing the 'Mayflower Compact' that would give the settlement democratic rule, similar to English towns.
The Plymouth Colony was the second permanent English settlement in America, after Virginia's Jamestown and the first permanent English settlement in what was to become New England.
The events of the Mayflower journey, the Pilgrim Fathers, their Mayflower Compact, the Plymouth Colony and their friendship with the American Indian nation and Thanksgiving have become key aspects of the heritage of the United States of America.
ST. NICHOLAS CHAPEL, ILFRACOMBE, THE OLDEST WORKING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE UK
St. Nicholas Chapel on Ilfracombe's Lantern Hill is the oldest working lighouse in the UK.
The Chapel dedicated to the patron saint of sailors built in 1321, has housed a light over the Bristol Channel since the Middle Ages, and its light continues to shine - despite a direct hit by lightning in 2013.
The Chapel lost its religious role with Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, in 1540, but its light could not be dimmed and it served specifically as a lighthouse.
In 1800s the lighthouse keeper, John Davey, raised a family of 14 there. Since then it has served as a reading room, and a laundry, but today it has been restored by the Rotary Club and is preserved and run by the volunteer Rotarians for charity. It's light continues to shine!
The Mayflower Steps memorial, flanked by the flags of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, commemorate that in 1620 the passengers of the Mayflower, many of them now referred to as the Pilgrims, embarked upon the Mayflower leaving an English, 'Old World' shore for the last time before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to begin a new life in the 'New World' of what was.to become the United States.
By December they had arrived at what John Smith had already called Plymouth Rock in North America, and in tribute to the last shore they had departed from the Pilgrims kept the name, and called their new colony the Plymouth Colony.
Aboard the Mayflower, the settlers had already agreed how the new settlement would be governed, writing the 'Mayflower Compact' that would give the settlement democratic rule, similar to English towns.
The Plymouth Colony was the second permanent English settlement in America, after Virginia's Jamestown and the first permanent English settlement in what was to become New England.
The events of the Mayflower journey, the Pilgrim Fathers, their Mayflower Compact, the Plymouth Colony and their friendship with the American Indian nation and Thanksgiving have become key aspects of the heritage of the United States of America.
ST. NICHOLAS CHAPEL, ILFRACOMBE, THE OLDEST WORKING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE UK
St. Nicholas Chapel on Ilfracombe's Lantern Hill is the oldest working lighouse in the UK.
The Chapel dedicated to the patron saint of sailors built in 1321, has housed a light over the Bristol Channel since the Middle Ages, and its light continues to shine - despite a direct hit by lightning in 2013.
The Chapel lost its religious role with Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, in 1540, but its light could not be dimmed and it served specifically as a lighthouse.
In 1800s the lighthouse keeper, John Davey, raised a family of 14 there. Since then it has served as a reading room, and a laundry, but today it has been restored by the Rotary Club and is preserved and run by the volunteer Rotarians for charity. It's light continues to shine!
DORSET:
MARY ANNING - FOSSIL HUNTER - LYME REGIS
Lyme Regis is famous for its Fossils, and Mary Anning was the pioneering female fossil hunter - the 'Princess of Paleontology', 1799 - 1847.
She discovered the first ichthyosaur (aged 12), first plesiosaur and first British pterosaur.
Her range of scientific discoveries did not gain her the credit they deserved, in the male dominated scientific community at the time.
She took on the family fossil business, selling samples to the King of Saxony, and for display at the forerunner to the New York Academy of Sciences, the Lyceum of Natural History.
She is buried in St. Michael's church, where there is a window dedicated to her.
In 2010 the Royal Society placed her in a list of the ten British women who had most influenced science.
THE FIRST SCOUT CAMP, BROWNSEA ISLAND, POOLE
Brownsea Island is regarded as the place where the worldwide Scout movement began.
It was here in 1907 that Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp, trialling his ideas to be found in his book 'Scouting for Boys' and led to the creation of the Scouts.
The camp included boys from a range of social backgrounds, with the boys participating in camping, observation, woodcraft, chivalry, lifesaving and patriotic activities.
Robert Baden-Powell had visited the island as a child with his brothers, and 20 boys took part in the original camp with Baden-Powell's nephew.
The original campsite is still marked. Scouting - 'Be Prepared' - this is where it began.
Lyme Regis is famous for its Fossils, and Mary Anning was the pioneering female fossil hunter - the 'Princess of Paleontology', 1799 - 1847.
She discovered the first ichthyosaur (aged 12), first plesiosaur and first British pterosaur.
Her range of scientific discoveries did not gain her the credit they deserved, in the male dominated scientific community at the time.
She took on the family fossil business, selling samples to the King of Saxony, and for display at the forerunner to the New York Academy of Sciences, the Lyceum of Natural History.
She is buried in St. Michael's church, where there is a window dedicated to her.
In 2010 the Royal Society placed her in a list of the ten British women who had most influenced science.
THE FIRST SCOUT CAMP, BROWNSEA ISLAND, POOLE
Brownsea Island is regarded as the place where the worldwide Scout movement began.
It was here in 1907 that Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp, trialling his ideas to be found in his book 'Scouting for Boys' and led to the creation of the Scouts.
The camp included boys from a range of social backgrounds, with the boys participating in camping, observation, woodcraft, chivalry, lifesaving and patriotic activities.
Robert Baden-Powell had visited the island as a child with his brothers, and 20 boys took part in the original camp with Baden-Powell's nephew.
The original campsite is still marked. Scouting - 'Be Prepared' - this is where it began.
EAST SUSSEX:
1066 - THE LANDING OF THE NORMAN INVASION - PEVENSEY BAY.
Site of the landing of William Duke of Normandy's fleet of Norman forces prior to the Battle of Hastings, where the Anglo- Saxon Harold II was defeated and William became William I of England and thus William the Conqueror.
The events are shown in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Site of the landing of William Duke of Normandy's fleet of Norman forces prior to the Battle of Hastings, where the Anglo- Saxon Harold II was defeated and William became William I of England and thus William the Conqueror.
The events are shown in the Bayeux Tapestry.
BRIGHTON'S ROYAL PAVILION
Brighton's Royal Pavilion featuring domes and minarets in a style reminiscent of India and the Islamic Middle east, was created for the Prince of Wales, who later became George IV, by John Nash in 1815.
Brighton had been made fashionable by George's uncle Prince Henry, the Duke of Cumberland, whom George visited in 1783. Brighton's seawater was also suggested to be beneficial for George's gout by his physician, and the town would allow him to conduct liaisons with Maria Fitzherbert, who he secretly married in an illegal marriage as royals were forbidden from marrying Roman Catholics.
Queen Victoria sold the Pavilion to Brighton, favouring the Isle of Wight as a seaside summer residence.
During World War One the Pavilion was converted into a military hospital, between 1914 and 1916 treating soldiers of the Indian Army injured on the Western Front. After which it was reopened as a military hospital to treat those who had lost limbs until 1920.
In 1921 the Indian Gate was presented to the people of Brighton by 'the princes and people of India' to commemorate the care given by Brighton to the soldiers of the Indian Army. Which still stands alongside the Royal Pavilion.
Brighton's Royal Pavilion featuring domes and minarets in a style reminiscent of India and the Islamic Middle east, was created for the Prince of Wales, who later became George IV, by John Nash in 1815.
Brighton had been made fashionable by George's uncle Prince Henry, the Duke of Cumberland, whom George visited in 1783. Brighton's seawater was also suggested to be beneficial for George's gout by his physician, and the town would allow him to conduct liaisons with Maria Fitzherbert, who he secretly married in an illegal marriage as royals were forbidden from marrying Roman Catholics.
Queen Victoria sold the Pavilion to Brighton, favouring the Isle of Wight as a seaside summer residence.
During World War One the Pavilion was converted into a military hospital, between 1914 and 1916 treating soldiers of the Indian Army injured on the Western Front. After which it was reopened as a military hospital to treat those who had lost limbs until 1920.
In 1921 the Indian Gate was presented to the people of Brighton by 'the princes and people of India' to commemorate the care given by Brighton to the soldiers of the Indian Army. Which still stands alongside the Royal Pavilion.
EAST YORKSHIRE:
ST. JOHN OF BEVERLEY - SAINT OF VICTORY
John of Beverley, founded a monastery at Beverley and so created the town, having been Bishop of Hexham, and of York previously.
His friend Bede tells of how he was a member of the Whitby community under St. Hilda.
Following his death he was made a Saint, with numerous miracles attributed to his intervention. He attracted considerable devotees with a cult celebrating his virtues and education.
He was also believed to grant victory, numerous kings visited his shrine at Beverley Minster, and also took his banner on military campaigns.
Henry V attributed his victory at Agincourt to the intervention of St John, with blood and oil being seen running from St, John's tomb on the day of the battle.
A Dutch book also links St. John to a legend of hermit who lives had lived a sinful life but enjoys God's grace.
John of Beverley, founded a monastery at Beverley and so created the town, having been Bishop of Hexham, and of York previously.
His friend Bede tells of how he was a member of the Whitby community under St. Hilda.
Following his death he was made a Saint, with numerous miracles attributed to his intervention. He attracted considerable devotees with a cult celebrating his virtues and education.
He was also believed to grant victory, numerous kings visited his shrine at Beverley Minster, and also took his banner on military campaigns.
Henry V attributed his victory at Agincourt to the intervention of St John, with blood and oil being seen running from St, John's tomb on the day of the battle.
A Dutch book also links St. John to a legend of hermit who lives had lived a sinful life but enjoys God's grace.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE:
THE BIRTHPLACE OF EDWARD JENNER & MODERN VACCINATION, BERKELEY
Edward Jenner demonstrated that contact with cowpox could prevent people getting smallpox.
Napoleon having had his troops vaccinated called Jenner one of the greatest benefactors of mankind'.
The legend of the discovery is that Jenner recalled a rhyme telling of how milkmaids had the fairest faces, that they were immune to smallpox. Jenner tested the hypothesis and showed how and why it worked enabling an effective vaccine to be given to populations.
This may have built on similar observations of others, and the practice brought over from the Turkish court by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu of a form of innoculation that included the disease itself - which Jenner had been treated with himself at a young age.
Edward Jenner demonstrated that contact with cowpox could prevent people getting smallpox.
Napoleon having had his troops vaccinated called Jenner one of the greatest benefactors of mankind'.
The legend of the discovery is that Jenner recalled a rhyme telling of how milkmaids had the fairest faces, that they were immune to smallpox. Jenner tested the hypothesis and showed how and why it worked enabling an effective vaccine to be given to populations.
This may have built on similar observations of others, and the practice brought over from the Turkish court by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu of a form of innoculation that included the disease itself - which Jenner had been treated with himself at a young age.
HAMPSHIRE:
HMS VICTORY - NELSON'S FLAGSHIP, PORTSMOUTH
The flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelson, HMS Victory, at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).
The oldest warship still in service.
The flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelson, HMS Victory, at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).
The oldest warship still in service.
KENT:
AMERICAN INDIAN PRINCESS - POCAHONTAS' FINAL RESTING PLACE, GRAVESEND
Pocahontas, the legendary Native American daughter to a Chief was buried in St. George's Church in Gravesend.
Captain John Smith leader of the Jamestown English settlement in Virginia, told how Pocahontas prevented his death from beating by throwing herself across his body.
She was also known for visiting Jamestown and providing food for the settlers.
Pocahontas was later captured by the English, and taught Christianity, being baptised as Rebecca.
She married English settler John Rolfe, leading to peace between her tribe and the settlers, with whom she had a son Thomas Rolfe.
They visited England travelling to Plymouth and being feted as a Princess in London and meeting the King.
On the return voyage to America they only made it down the Thames to Gravesend where gravely ill Pocahontas died.
Today a statue to Pocahontas stands in the graveyard of St. George's, though the exact location of her grave is unknown.
Pocahontas, the legendary Native American daughter to a Chief was buried in St. George's Church in Gravesend.
Captain John Smith leader of the Jamestown English settlement in Virginia, told how Pocahontas prevented his death from beating by throwing herself across his body.
She was also known for visiting Jamestown and providing food for the settlers.
Pocahontas was later captured by the English, and taught Christianity, being baptised as Rebecca.
She married English settler John Rolfe, leading to peace between her tribe and the settlers, with whom she had a son Thomas Rolfe.
They visited England travelling to Plymouth and being feted as a Princess in London and meeting the King.
On the return voyage to America they only made it down the Thames to Gravesend where gravely ill Pocahontas died.
Today a statue to Pocahontas stands in the graveyard of St. George's, though the exact location of her grave is unknown.
LANCASHIRE:
RIBCHESTER ROMAN FORT
The Bremetennacum Roman cavalry fort, built by Spanish cavalry units who were later replaced in the 1st Century by a Sarmatian cavalry unit from Eastern Europe.
The site is famous for the Ribchester Horde, with its golden cavalry helmet, found by a clogmaker's son in 1796, possibly hidden by a soldier around 120AD.
The Sarmatians were a people whose culture centred around the horse, and whose identification with the dragon brought the dragon symbol to Britain.
The traditions of the Sarmatians and the fact that their Roman leader was Lucius Artorius Castus, links them to the legends of King Arthur and the Knights or the Round Table and from thence the Knights Templar. So this site is rich in both History and Legend!
ROBIN HOOD'S STONE, ALLERTON, LIVERPOOL
Robin Hood's Stone, in Allerton, Liverpool is a single standing stone, that once stood in a nearby field where Tudor Liverpudlians practised their archery.
Henry VIII had made it law that all men under sixty practise archery, and so fields were set aside with mounds to support targets, and where the archers stood to fire their arrows would also be placed a stone to allow the sharpening of arrows.
The Robin Hood Stone is one of these stones, which has deep groves cut into its surface where the arrows were sharpened, though these may have begun with natural abrasions to the stone.
It is likely that the stone had had an earlier human use, possibly as part of tumulus burial chamber, and has been moved from the location of the Calder Stones several times.
The grooves on the stone do not go below the surface, where hollow cup marks were found on the stone. The Robin Hood link is uncertain, other than the link with archery.
This is the Archers' stone of Archerfield Road.
The Bremetennacum Roman cavalry fort, built by Spanish cavalry units who were later replaced in the 1st Century by a Sarmatian cavalry unit from Eastern Europe.
The site is famous for the Ribchester Horde, with its golden cavalry helmet, found by a clogmaker's son in 1796, possibly hidden by a soldier around 120AD.
The Sarmatians were a people whose culture centred around the horse, and whose identification with the dragon brought the dragon symbol to Britain.
The traditions of the Sarmatians and the fact that their Roman leader was Lucius Artorius Castus, links them to the legends of King Arthur and the Knights or the Round Table and from thence the Knights Templar. So this site is rich in both History and Legend!
ROBIN HOOD'S STONE, ALLERTON, LIVERPOOL
Robin Hood's Stone, in Allerton, Liverpool is a single standing stone, that once stood in a nearby field where Tudor Liverpudlians practised their archery.
Henry VIII had made it law that all men under sixty practise archery, and so fields were set aside with mounds to support targets, and where the archers stood to fire their arrows would also be placed a stone to allow the sharpening of arrows.
The Robin Hood Stone is one of these stones, which has deep groves cut into its surface where the arrows were sharpened, though these may have begun with natural abrasions to the stone.
It is likely that the stone had had an earlier human use, possibly as part of tumulus burial chamber, and has been moved from the location of the Calder Stones several times.
The grooves on the stone do not go below the surface, where hollow cup marks were found on the stone. The Robin Hood link is uncertain, other than the link with archery.
This is the Archers' stone of Archerfield Road.
LINCOLNSHIRE:
BIRTHPLACE OF THE TANK - LINCOLN
During the First World War, the William Foster & Co. Ltd. showed officials from the British government their mock-up of a tank in September 1915, by January 1916 a prototype 'Little Willie' had been built and was ready for testing, which led to a larger version called 'Mother', the world's first fighting tank being created.
Production of 'Mothers' led to Lincoln being called 'Tank Town', and a year after the mock-up in September 2016 they were involved in the first tank battle.
An early tank can be seen at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life and the Lincoln Tank Memorial is on the Tritton Road roundabout.
During the First World War, the William Foster & Co. Ltd. showed officials from the British government their mock-up of a tank in September 1915, by January 1916 a prototype 'Little Willie' had been built and was ready for testing, which led to a larger version called 'Mother', the world's first fighting tank being created.
Production of 'Mothers' led to Lincoln being called 'Tank Town', and a year after the mock-up in September 2016 they were involved in the first tank battle.
An early tank can be seen at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life and the Lincoln Tank Memorial is on the Tritton Road roundabout.
LONDON:
THE FOUNDING OF MODERN FOOTBALL (SOCCER)_-_THE FREEMASONS' TAVERN
The modern version of the sport of football, or soccer, was founded at the first meeting in the Freemasons' Tavern of the Football Association (FA) on 26th October 1863.
At this, and subsequent meetings, the rules of football were unified from the variety in operation at a range of public schools, universities and regions, to create the association football that is now played around the world, from national leagues such as the Premier League and FA; continental championships such as UEFA and the Champions League , and FIFA and the World Cup. The Freemasons' Tavern has now been replaced by the Grand Connaught Rooms, where a Blue Plaque commemorates this event.
GOLDEN HIND - REPLICA OF SIR FRANCIS DRAKE'S SHIP THAT CIRCUMNAVIGATED THE GLOBE
Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580 in the Golden Hind.
Drake conducted a series of privateering expeditions in the Golden Hind against Spain, that included the circumnavigation with some support of Queen Elizabeth I.
The expedition captured so much treasure from the Spanish that the Queen's share paid off the national debt, with some to spare!
The Golden Hind went on public display for a time as a 'museum ship' on the orders of Queen Elizabeth at Deptford during her reign, and was moored there until 1680 nearly 50 years after her reign.
This replica is the only full-size one in existence, and is also now a museum ship, which has also completed a circumnavigation of the globe since its launch in 1973. It has visited the Caribbean, Vancouver, San Francisco, Washington State, Oregon, Texas on a voyage that included passing through the Panama Canal and onto Japan to appear in the film 'Shogun'.
She has also visited a range of ports around the British Isles and Europe.
If the title replica suggests something pretend, a working replica might be a better title, though it hasn't attacked Spanish interests, nor paid off the national debt yet!
The modern version of the sport of football, or soccer, was founded at the first meeting in the Freemasons' Tavern of the Football Association (FA) on 26th October 1863.
At this, and subsequent meetings, the rules of football were unified from the variety in operation at a range of public schools, universities and regions, to create the association football that is now played around the world, from national leagues such as the Premier League and FA; continental championships such as UEFA and the Champions League , and FIFA and the World Cup. The Freemasons' Tavern has now been replaced by the Grand Connaught Rooms, where a Blue Plaque commemorates this event.
GOLDEN HIND - REPLICA OF SIR FRANCIS DRAKE'S SHIP THAT CIRCUMNAVIGATED THE GLOBE
Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580 in the Golden Hind.
Drake conducted a series of privateering expeditions in the Golden Hind against Spain, that included the circumnavigation with some support of Queen Elizabeth I.
The expedition captured so much treasure from the Spanish that the Queen's share paid off the national debt, with some to spare!
The Golden Hind went on public display for a time as a 'museum ship' on the orders of Queen Elizabeth at Deptford during her reign, and was moored there until 1680 nearly 50 years after her reign.
This replica is the only full-size one in existence, and is also now a museum ship, which has also completed a circumnavigation of the globe since its launch in 1973. It has visited the Caribbean, Vancouver, San Francisco, Washington State, Oregon, Texas on a voyage that included passing through the Panama Canal and onto Japan to appear in the film 'Shogun'.
She has also visited a range of ports around the British Isles and Europe.
If the title replica suggests something pretend, a working replica might be a better title, though it hasn't attacked Spanish interests, nor paid off the national debt yet!
THE MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JAMES COOK, BARKING ABBEY, BARKING
Captain James Cook, Royal Navy Explorer of New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii, married Elizabeth Batts at St. Margaret's Church in the grounds of the ruins of Barking Abbey, on 21st December 1762.
Cook's naval career had taken him from Marton in Yorkshire, now Middlesbrough, to Whitby in Yorkshire, to the East End of London. Cook was 34 and Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Batts the keeper of the Bell Inn at Wapping and a mentor of Cook, was 20.
Together they had six children, although Elizabeth outlived both her husband and their children.
The church contains a wooden statuette of Captain James Cook in his Royal Navy uniform, carrying a map leaning against a capstan.
See on the Map-olah map:
https://www.zeemaps.com/view?group=2653234&item=Marriage_of_Captain_James_Cook
Captain James Cook, Royal Navy Explorer of New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii, married Elizabeth Batts at St. Margaret's Church in the grounds of the ruins of Barking Abbey, on 21st December 1762.
Cook's naval career had taken him from Marton in Yorkshire, now Middlesbrough, to Whitby in Yorkshire, to the East End of London. Cook was 34 and Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Batts the keeper of the Bell Inn at Wapping and a mentor of Cook, was 20.
Together they had six children, although Elizabeth outlived both her husband and their children.
The church contains a wooden statuette of Captain James Cook in his Royal Navy uniform, carrying a map leaning against a capstan.
See on the Map-olah map:
https://www.zeemaps.com/view?group=2653234&item=Marriage_of_Captain_James_Cook
NORFOLK:
SEA HENGE, HOLME-NEXT-THE-SEA
Site of Bronze Age timber rings, the most famous found in the late 1990s and named 'Sea Henge' by the media.
An earlier one was found nearby in the late 1970s, and one only a hundred metres away in the 2000s.
'Sea Henge' had a central focus of an upturned oak with its roots creating a possible 'altar' or place for laying out of the deceased. The later ring may have been the base of a burial mound. Possibly a regional centre for funeral rites at the end of Peddar's Way, similar to Stone Henge in Wiltshire, where the sun sets spectacularly over the sea.
Sadly, none of the timbers from the rings can be seen on the beach, 'Sea Henge' was relocated to a museum in King's Lynn and the later ring was allowed to be eroded by the sea. It is still possible to see the Bronze Age peat beds being exposed by the sea and the remains of preserved ancient trees.
Site of Bronze Age timber rings, the most famous found in the late 1990s and named 'Sea Henge' by the media.
An earlier one was found nearby in the late 1970s, and one only a hundred metres away in the 2000s.
'Sea Henge' had a central focus of an upturned oak with its roots creating a possible 'altar' or place for laying out of the deceased. The later ring may have been the base of a burial mound. Possibly a regional centre for funeral rites at the end of Peddar's Way, similar to Stone Henge in Wiltshire, where the sun sets spectacularly over the sea.
Sadly, none of the timbers from the rings can be seen on the beach, 'Sea Henge' was relocated to a museum in King's Lynn and the later ring was allowed to be eroded by the sea. It is still possible to see the Bronze Age peat beds being exposed by the sea and the remains of preserved ancient trees.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE:
THE ELEANOR CROSS, GEDDINGTON
The most complete and aesthetic of the three remaining Eleanor Crosses.
The crosses were erected by Edward I after the death of his wife Eleanor of Castille.
There were originally 12 crosses erected, one at each place where Eleanor's body was rested at night on the journey from Lincoln to London.
Eleanor was buried in Westminster Abbey, which was also from where the key sculptors of the crosses worked.
The other remaining crosses can be found at Hardinstone, also in Northamptonshire, and at Waltham Cross.
Remnants of others can be found elsewhere, for example, at the London Museum.
Outside of Charing Cross Station in London can be seen a Victorian re-make of the cross that stood in Charing Cross.
The most complete and aesthetic of the three remaining Eleanor Crosses.
The crosses were erected by Edward I after the death of his wife Eleanor of Castille.
There were originally 12 crosses erected, one at each place where Eleanor's body was rested at night on the journey from Lincoln to London.
Eleanor was buried in Westminster Abbey, which was also from where the key sculptors of the crosses worked.
The other remaining crosses can be found at Hardinstone, also in Northamptonshire, and at Waltham Cross.
Remnants of others can be found elsewhere, for example, at the London Museum.
Outside of Charing Cross Station in London can be seen a Victorian re-make of the cross that stood in Charing Cross.
NORTH YORKSHIRE:
WHITBY ABBEY, 'BRITAIN'S MOST ROMANTIC RUIN'
Ruins of the Norman Benedictine Abbey overlooking the Noth Yorksire coast.
Built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon abbey founded by Saint Hilda who had been a local royal princess turned nun in 657 AD.
It is also the site of the transformation of cattle-herder Caedmon becoming one of Anglo-Saxon England's earliest poets, following a dream that enabled him to translate religious prose into verse.
Ruins of the Norman Benedictine Abbey overlooking the Noth Yorksire coast.
Built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon abbey founded by Saint Hilda who had been a local royal princess turned nun in 657 AD.
It is also the site of the transformation of cattle-herder Caedmon becoming one of Anglo-Saxon England's earliest poets, following a dream that enabled him to translate religious prose into verse.
SHROPSHIRE:
IRONBRIDGE - BIRTHPLACE OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, following the iron smelting innovations of the Darby family in and around Coalbrookdale, leading to the creation of the iconic Ironbridge.
Coalport pottery also began in the Coalbrookdale gorge as industrialisation gathered pace.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES - MUCH WENLOCK
Much Wenlock inspired the birth of the Modern Olympic Games.
Dr William Penny Brookes set up the Wenlock Olympian Society in the Shropshire town in 1850, the society ran annual sporting competitions the Wenlock Olympian Games - open to all social classes.
Brookes admired Greece's Athenian democratic ideals and its Olympic sporting games and ideals.
In 1890 Brookes invited the French Baron, Pierre De Coubertin, to the Wenlock Olympian Games. De Coubertin went on to found the International Olympic Committee, and credited Dr William Penny Brookes with the rebirth of the Olympic Games.
The London 2012 Olympic Games featured two mascots, one named Wenlock in recognition of the town's role in the creation of the Modern Olympic Games.
Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, following the iron smelting innovations of the Darby family in and around Coalbrookdale, leading to the creation of the iconic Ironbridge.
Coalport pottery also began in the Coalbrookdale gorge as industrialisation gathered pace.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES - MUCH WENLOCK
Much Wenlock inspired the birth of the Modern Olympic Games.
Dr William Penny Brookes set up the Wenlock Olympian Society in the Shropshire town in 1850, the society ran annual sporting competitions the Wenlock Olympian Games - open to all social classes.
Brookes admired Greece's Athenian democratic ideals and its Olympic sporting games and ideals.
In 1890 Brookes invited the French Baron, Pierre De Coubertin, to the Wenlock Olympian Games. De Coubertin went on to found the International Olympic Committee, and credited Dr William Penny Brookes with the rebirth of the Olympic Games.
The London 2012 Olympic Games featured two mascots, one named Wenlock in recognition of the town's role in the creation of the Modern Olympic Games.
STAFFORDSHIRE:
HOME OF THE COMPLEAT ANGLER, IZAAK WALTON'S COTTAGE, MEECE, STAFFORD
Izaak Walton the 16th Century author of the 'Compleat Angler', on the sport of fishing, lived in this thatched cottage. Izaak was born in Stafford, and after running a business was able to buy property in his native Staffordshire.
The location on the Meece,a tributary of the River Sow, attracted him to the area, as the fishing was so good.
The 'Compleat Angler' was published in 1653, and for the last 40 years of his life Izaak visited those who enjoyed fishing, contiuing to add to his work with further publications.
Izaak Walton the 16th Century author of the 'Compleat Angler', on the sport of fishing, lived in this thatched cottage. Izaak was born in Stafford, and after running a business was able to buy property in his native Staffordshire.
The location on the Meece,a tributary of the River Sow, attracted him to the area, as the fishing was so good.
The 'Compleat Angler' was published in 1653, and for the last 40 years of his life Izaak visited those who enjoyed fishing, contiuing to add to his work with further publications.
SURREY:
RUNNYMEDE - BIRTHPLACE OF CONSTITUTIONS - THE MAGNA CARTA
Runnymede the meadow by the Thames between Windsor and Staines where King John, 1215, sealed the Magna Carta, the Great Charter.
As a document setting out rights and restricting the powers of rulers it is seen as the beginning of documented constitutional provisions.
Previously it had been a site where the Anglo Saxons held meetings, the Witan, under Alfred the Great.
Today it is capped by monuments erected by both British and American organisations that commemorate its importance to both the USA & UK.
The JFK memorial is a joint monument whilst the American Bar Association (ABA) established the Magna Carter Memorial.
Runnymede the meadow by the Thames between Windsor and Staines where King John, 1215, sealed the Magna Carta, the Great Charter.
As a document setting out rights and restricting the powers of rulers it is seen as the beginning of documented constitutional provisions.
Previously it had been a site where the Anglo Saxons held meetings, the Witan, under Alfred the Great.
Today it is capped by monuments erected by both British and American organisations that commemorate its importance to both the USA & UK.
The JFK memorial is a joint monument whilst the American Bar Association (ABA) established the Magna Carter Memorial.
TYNE AND WEAR:
ARBEIA ROMAN FORT, HADRIAN'S WALL, SOUTH SHIELDS
Site of the Arbeia Roman Fort built in 160 AD to supply the fortifications of Hadrian's Wall.
Sea access led to supplies and trade with the rest of the Roman Empire leading to a cosmopolitan mix of peoples entering Britain from lands such as Spain, Germany and North Africa.
Archaeological remains of the fort with a stunning reconstruction - see what Roman life was like in Roman Britain.
Site of the Arbeia Roman Fort built in 160 AD to supply the fortifications of Hadrian's Wall.
Sea access led to supplies and trade with the rest of the Roman Empire leading to a cosmopolitan mix of peoples entering Britain from lands such as Spain, Germany and North Africa.
Archaeological remains of the fort with a stunning reconstruction - see what Roman life was like in Roman Britain.
WARWICKSHIRE:
WARWICK CASTLE, WARWICK
Warwick Castle is the classic medieval castle in the heart of England.
Initially a motte and bailey castle built by Wiiliam the Conqueror in 1068,
Rebuilt as a stone castle in the 12th Century. Home of the Kingmaker, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, who was central to English politics in the 15th Century, and was key to removing and placing two Kings on the throne - Edward IV & Henry VI!
J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S CHILDHOOD HOME, SAREHOLE, BIRMINGHAM
Born in South Africa, J.R.R. Tolkien was brought up in the area which at that time surrounded the expanding city of Birmingham.
Tolkien said he spent his happiest childhood years at 264 Wake Green Road, in Sarehole, between 1896 and 1900.
Here in Sarehole are to be found the beginings of Middle Earth,
Sarehole Mill where Tolkien and his brother hid from the 'White Ogre' (the flour covered mill owner) to Moseley Bog an old quarry full of streams and trees. Was this the inspiration of Hobbiton?
Tolkien's own illustrations show a landscape featuring these aspects of Sarehole.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF RUGBY, RUGBY SCHOOL, RUGBY
William Webb Ellis created the modern sport of Rugby or Rugby Football in 1823, when during a game of football at the Rugby Public School he picked up the ball and ran with it.
The Rugby World Cup is named after William Webb Ellis.
This founding story of the game has been questioned, with the possibility that another Rugby schoolboy, Jem Mackie, created the running and handling game around 1838, and may have been expelled for his exploits, with the Webb Ellis who became a clergyman being inserted into the story as someone who could not be tarnished by the story of breaking the rules.
The running and handling style became popular in the 1850s and 1860s beyong Rugby School, and it evolved into Rugby Union and Rugby League, as well as Amercan Football in the USA and Canada.
Warwick Castle is the classic medieval castle in the heart of England.
Initially a motte and bailey castle built by Wiiliam the Conqueror in 1068,
Rebuilt as a stone castle in the 12th Century. Home of the Kingmaker, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, who was central to English politics in the 15th Century, and was key to removing and placing two Kings on the throne - Edward IV & Henry VI!
J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S CHILDHOOD HOME, SAREHOLE, BIRMINGHAM
Born in South Africa, J.R.R. Tolkien was brought up in the area which at that time surrounded the expanding city of Birmingham.
Tolkien said he spent his happiest childhood years at 264 Wake Green Road, in Sarehole, between 1896 and 1900.
Here in Sarehole are to be found the beginings of Middle Earth,
Sarehole Mill where Tolkien and his brother hid from the 'White Ogre' (the flour covered mill owner) to Moseley Bog an old quarry full of streams and trees. Was this the inspiration of Hobbiton?
Tolkien's own illustrations show a landscape featuring these aspects of Sarehole.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF RUGBY, RUGBY SCHOOL, RUGBY
William Webb Ellis created the modern sport of Rugby or Rugby Football in 1823, when during a game of football at the Rugby Public School he picked up the ball and ran with it.
The Rugby World Cup is named after William Webb Ellis.
This founding story of the game has been questioned, with the possibility that another Rugby schoolboy, Jem Mackie, created the running and handling game around 1838, and may have been expelled for his exploits, with the Webb Ellis who became a clergyman being inserted into the story as someone who could not be tarnished by the story of breaking the rules.
The running and handling style became popular in the 1850s and 1860s beyong Rugby School, and it evolved into Rugby Union and Rugby League, as well as Amercan Football in the USA and Canada.
WORCESTERSHIRE:
FORT ROYAL HILL, WORCESTER - ENGLISH CIVIL WAR
From Fort Royal Hill the English Civil War was effectively won.
A Royalist Fort defending the city of Worcester was overrun by the Essex Militia supporting the Parliamentarians, in the battle of Worcester 1651.
The Essex Militia were then able to use the fort's guns against the city. Worcester fell that night, Charles II was on the run with the remnants of the Royalist forces in flight.
Over two hundred years later, soon to be, US Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson visited this hill and were shocked to see that the local English citizenry had no idea of its importance - they declared it a holy site for Liberty which the English ought to make an annual pilgrimage to.
From Fort Royal Hill the English Civil War was effectively won.
A Royalist Fort defending the city of Worcester was overrun by the Essex Militia supporting the Parliamentarians, in the battle of Worcester 1651.
The Essex Militia were then able to use the fort's guns against the city. Worcester fell that night, Charles II was on the run with the remnants of the Royalist forces in flight.
Over two hundred years later, soon to be, US Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson visited this hill and were shocked to see that the local English citizenry had no idea of its importance - they declared it a holy site for Liberty which the English ought to make an annual pilgrimage to.
SCOTLAND:
ABERDEENSHIRE
THE OLDEST LUNAR CALENDAR IN THE WORLD AT CRATHES CASTLE
Crathes Castle has history dating back 10,000 years in a series of pits in one of its fields.
These pits spotted from the air in 2004 make up the world's first known lunar calendar, pre-dating such monuments in Mesopotamia.
Created in the Mesolithic era around 8,000 to 4,000 BC, they are 5,000 years older than Mesopotamia's lunar monuments!
STRICHEN STONE CIRCLE
A neolithic recumbent stone circle, visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson in the 1770s in the hope of seeing a 'Druidic Temple'.
The recumbent stone circle differs from the stones at other famous henges, due to its recumbent stone, that is laid flat between two flanking stones. This is usually placed at the Southern arc of the circle, and appears like an altar, which may have been what led Johnson and Boswell to perceive it as a 'Druid's Temple'.
The recumbent stone has a hollow in its top edge which may mean that it was intended to hold, or align with, the 'Stand Still Moon' that occurs every 18.6 years.
Excavation of the site also revealed the cremation of a woman, a cup-and-ring marked stone, hammer and rubbing stones, as well as white quartz chips across the area.
The stones have been removed several times, with a farmer being told to replace them in the 1830s, it appears only the recumbent stone with its flankers remained in their original position.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE HIGHLAND GAMES, BRAEMAR CASTLE
Braemar Castle that hosts an annual Highland Games attended by members of the Royal Family, has a claim to be the birthplace of these Games.
Malcolm III of Scotland held a gathering at Braemar in the 11th Century. Contestants were invited to a foot race, so as Malcolm could find the fastest runner to be his messenger.
he contestants had to run to the summit of Craig Coinnich overlooking Braemar.
Crathes Castle has history dating back 10,000 years in a series of pits in one of its fields.
These pits spotted from the air in 2004 make up the world's first known lunar calendar, pre-dating such monuments in Mesopotamia.
Created in the Mesolithic era around 8,000 to 4,000 BC, they are 5,000 years older than Mesopotamia's lunar monuments!
STRICHEN STONE CIRCLE
A neolithic recumbent stone circle, visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson in the 1770s in the hope of seeing a 'Druidic Temple'.
The recumbent stone circle differs from the stones at other famous henges, due to its recumbent stone, that is laid flat between two flanking stones. This is usually placed at the Southern arc of the circle, and appears like an altar, which may have been what led Johnson and Boswell to perceive it as a 'Druid's Temple'.
The recumbent stone has a hollow in its top edge which may mean that it was intended to hold, or align with, the 'Stand Still Moon' that occurs every 18.6 years.
Excavation of the site also revealed the cremation of a woman, a cup-and-ring marked stone, hammer and rubbing stones, as well as white quartz chips across the area.
The stones have been removed several times, with a farmer being told to replace them in the 1830s, it appears only the recumbent stone with its flankers remained in their original position.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE HIGHLAND GAMES, BRAEMAR CASTLE
Braemar Castle that hosts an annual Highland Games attended by members of the Royal Family, has a claim to be the birthplace of these Games.
Malcolm III of Scotland held a gathering at Braemar in the 11th Century. Contestants were invited to a foot race, so as Malcolm could find the fastest runner to be his messenger.
he contestants had to run to the summit of Craig Coinnich overlooking Braemar.
ARGYLL AND BUTE
IONA
Hub of Celtic Christianity founded by Saint Columba in 563 AD.
Columba had been exiled from Ireland for his part in disputes that led to battles and deaths, travelling across the sea to Iona with twelve companions in a corracle.
The Abbey he founded played a role in Christianising Scotland and Northern England, and the further development of Christianity in Ireland. Becoming a centre for religious devotion and learning, with one of the greatest libraries in Europe at the time.
It became a place of burial for kings from Scotland, Ireland, Norway and France. It is likely that the Book of Kells was written wholly, or begun, at Iona, before removal to Ireland as Viking raids began in 794 AD before the monastery was abandoned in 849 AD.
The remains of the wooden hut where St. Columba worked and prayed were found in 1957 on the rocky hillock called 'Torr an Aba' (the mound of the Abbot) where Columba was believed to have worked, though it was only in 2017 these were radiocarbon dated to the time of St. Columba.
ST. COLUMBA'S FOOTPRINT, SOUTHEND
Before founding Iona St. Columba (Colmcille) came ashore on the Mull of Kintyre, as he went into exile from Ireland in 563 AD. It is known St. Columba paid tribute to the Kings of the Dal Riata who ruled the Western Isles at the time, and may have gained permission from the Dal Riata to found his monastery at Iona in this meeting.
Above the town of Southend are two footprints in a stone slab, one is ancient, the other a Victorian addition. They are said to be the footprints of St. Columba where he came ashore in Scotland.
However, the ancient footprint may actually mark the first moves into the area that is now Scotland, by the Dal Riata from Ireland, as they established their new kingdom.
The stone footprint may mark the first inauguration ceremonies of the Dal Riata in Scotland, prior to continuing the practice at their capital at Dunadd. Did Kings place their foot in the footprint, to declare their kingship over the land, or was soil placed in the footprint for the King to place his foot upon when their lords pledged fealty to the King, submitting their land to the King? Was this a form of Old Norse / English 'Skot Tax' that may have led to the term Scotti.
Hub of Celtic Christianity founded by Saint Columba in 563 AD.
Columba had been exiled from Ireland for his part in disputes that led to battles and deaths, travelling across the sea to Iona with twelve companions in a corracle.
The Abbey he founded played a role in Christianising Scotland and Northern England, and the further development of Christianity in Ireland. Becoming a centre for religious devotion and learning, with one of the greatest libraries in Europe at the time.
It became a place of burial for kings from Scotland, Ireland, Norway and France. It is likely that the Book of Kells was written wholly, or begun, at Iona, before removal to Ireland as Viking raids began in 794 AD before the monastery was abandoned in 849 AD.
The remains of the wooden hut where St. Columba worked and prayed were found in 1957 on the rocky hillock called 'Torr an Aba' (the mound of the Abbot) where Columba was believed to have worked, though it was only in 2017 these were radiocarbon dated to the time of St. Columba.
ST. COLUMBA'S FOOTPRINT, SOUTHEND
Before founding Iona St. Columba (Colmcille) came ashore on the Mull of Kintyre, as he went into exile from Ireland in 563 AD. It is known St. Columba paid tribute to the Kings of the Dal Riata who ruled the Western Isles at the time, and may have gained permission from the Dal Riata to found his monastery at Iona in this meeting.
Above the town of Southend are two footprints in a stone slab, one is ancient, the other a Victorian addition. They are said to be the footprints of St. Columba where he came ashore in Scotland.
However, the ancient footprint may actually mark the first moves into the area that is now Scotland, by the Dal Riata from Ireland, as they established their new kingdom.
The stone footprint may mark the first inauguration ceremonies of the Dal Riata in Scotland, prior to continuing the practice at their capital at Dunadd. Did Kings place their foot in the footprint, to declare their kingship over the land, or was soil placed in the footprint for the King to place his foot upon when their lords pledged fealty to the King, submitting their land to the King? Was this a form of Old Norse / English 'Skot Tax' that may have led to the term Scotti.
AYRSHIRE
TURNBERRY CASTLE, BIRTHPLACE OF ROBERT THE BRUCE
The ruins of Turnberry Castle mark the birthplace or Robert the Bruce, or at the very least his childhood home.
It was here at the age of 12 Scottish barons met in secret to support his family's and his claim to the Scottish throne. Robert the Bruce had to recapture the castle from the English.
And it was Robert the Bruce that ordered the destruction of the castle to stop it falling into English hands again!
Following this it was never rebuilt, the ruins still cling to the Turnberry cliffs, watched over by the light of the Turnberry lighthouse as its shining sentinel.
The fortifications may have incorporated the caves in the cliffs below, with the possibility of a huge sea gate with a castle harbour behind.
The ruins of Turnberry Castle mark the birthplace or Robert the Bruce, or at the very least his childhood home.
It was here at the age of 12 Scottish barons met in secret to support his family's and his claim to the Scottish throne. Robert the Bruce had to recapture the castle from the English.
And it was Robert the Bruce that ordered the destruction of the castle to stop it falling into English hands again!
Following this it was never rebuilt, the ruins still cling to the Turnberry cliffs, watched over by the light of the Turnberry lighthouse as its shining sentinel.
The fortifications may have incorporated the caves in the cliffs below, with the possibility of a huge sea gate with a castle harbour behind.
BERWICKSHIRE
FORT POINT, EYEMOUTH FORT
Fort Point on the promontory at Eyemouth was the first Italian style castle in Britain.
Built under Henry VIII by the English the castle marked an advance in castle technology based on Italian designs in response to French cannon fire. T
he fort was built with low thick walls built at angles behind earthen banks, all designed to absorb the energy of cannon fire.
Built in 1547 it was demolished in 1550, due to a peace treaty, then rebuilt and garrisoned by French troops, only to also be demolished due to a peace treaty.
And yet here one headland away from an iron age fort stood Britain's first 'modern castle'
Fort Point on the promontory at Eyemouth was the first Italian style castle in Britain.
Built under Henry VIII by the English the castle marked an advance in castle technology based on Italian designs in response to French cannon fire. T
he fort was built with low thick walls built at angles behind earthen banks, all designed to absorb the energy of cannon fire.
Built in 1547 it was demolished in 1550, due to a peace treaty, then rebuilt and garrisoned by French troops, only to also be demolished due to a peace treaty.
And yet here one headland away from an iron age fort stood Britain's first 'modern castle'
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY:
SWEETHEART ABBEY - NEW ABBEY
The Abbey with the romantic name, that commemorates the romance that led to its founding.
When Lady Dervorgilla's husband, Lord John Baliol died in 1268, she had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket that she kept with her. In memory of her husband Lady Dervorgilla made numerous acts of charity, one was the founding of Dulce Cor Abbey - Sweet Heart - Abbey in Latin.
When Lady Dervorgilla died, she was buried below the high altar with her husband's heart.
ST. NINIAN'S CAVE, WHITHORN
South of Whithorn in Galloway can be found St. Ninian's cave, where the converter of the Picts to Christianity retreated to connect with his God in nature.
St. Ninnian was said to be a Briton who had studied in Rome, possibly even the son of a British King.
He established a stone church at Whithorn, 'Candida Casa' the 'White House', where he was buried near the altar.
The church and St. Ninian's shrine became a major pilgrimage destination for Scottish pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
THE OLDEST POST OFFICE IN THE WORLD, SANQUHAR
Sanquhar has the oldest working Post Office in the world, at over 300 years old!
It dates back to 1712, having originally been a staging post for mail carriages and has stables behind to rest the horses. So that's over 300 years of continuous service.
1712, that's the year the Duke of Montrose issued an arrest warrant for the arrest of legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy McGregor - was it posted?!
Whilst Peter the Great of Russia moved the Russian capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg that year, and political philosopher . Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born.
ESKDALEMUIR, BIRTHPLACE OF THOMAS TELFORD
Thomas Telford was born three miles to the east of Eskdalemuir in the parish of Westerkirk, at the Glendinning hill farm, in 1757.
Brought up in poverty, he became known as the 'Colossus of Roads'. Apprenticed as a stonemason, he worked in he area then moved to Edinburgh and then London, developing his skills and branching out into other engineering projects. He participated in additions to London's Somerset House, and also worked in Portsmouth's Dockyard.
He became the Shropshire County Surveyor, and is influenced by the work of Abraham Darby and his Ironbridge. Telford designs and oversees the building of the Ellesmere Canal with its Pontcysyllte Bridge.
His renown became international and the King of Sweden sought his advice on the canal between Gothenburg and Stockholm. On Anglesey in North Wales stands his Menai Suspension Bridge.
The number of projects around the UK he was involved in is quite incredible, whilst he also improved the making of macadam roads.
Telford is buried in Westminster Abbey.
The Abbey with the romantic name, that commemorates the romance that led to its founding.
When Lady Dervorgilla's husband, Lord John Baliol died in 1268, she had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket that she kept with her. In memory of her husband Lady Dervorgilla made numerous acts of charity, one was the founding of Dulce Cor Abbey - Sweet Heart - Abbey in Latin.
When Lady Dervorgilla died, she was buried below the high altar with her husband's heart.
ST. NINIAN'S CAVE, WHITHORN
South of Whithorn in Galloway can be found St. Ninian's cave, where the converter of the Picts to Christianity retreated to connect with his God in nature.
St. Ninnian was said to be a Briton who had studied in Rome, possibly even the son of a British King.
He established a stone church at Whithorn, 'Candida Casa' the 'White House', where he was buried near the altar.
The church and St. Ninian's shrine became a major pilgrimage destination for Scottish pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
THE OLDEST POST OFFICE IN THE WORLD, SANQUHAR
Sanquhar has the oldest working Post Office in the world, at over 300 years old!
It dates back to 1712, having originally been a staging post for mail carriages and has stables behind to rest the horses. So that's over 300 years of continuous service.
1712, that's the year the Duke of Montrose issued an arrest warrant for the arrest of legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy McGregor - was it posted?!
Whilst Peter the Great of Russia moved the Russian capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg that year, and political philosopher . Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born.
ESKDALEMUIR, BIRTHPLACE OF THOMAS TELFORD
Thomas Telford was born three miles to the east of Eskdalemuir in the parish of Westerkirk, at the Glendinning hill farm, in 1757.
Brought up in poverty, he became known as the 'Colossus of Roads'. Apprenticed as a stonemason, he worked in he area then moved to Edinburgh and then London, developing his skills and branching out into other engineering projects. He participated in additions to London's Somerset House, and also worked in Portsmouth's Dockyard.
He became the Shropshire County Surveyor, and is influenced by the work of Abraham Darby and his Ironbridge. Telford designs and oversees the building of the Ellesmere Canal with its Pontcysyllte Bridge.
His renown became international and the King of Sweden sought his advice on the canal between Gothenburg and Stockholm. On Anglesey in North Wales stands his Menai Suspension Bridge.
The number of projects around the UK he was involved in is quite incredible, whilst he also improved the making of macadam roads.
Telford is buried in Westminster Abbey.
DUNDEE CITY
HMS UNICORN, DUNDEE
See one of the last of Britain's 'Wooden Walls' from the 'Age of Sail', still afloat - HMS Unicorn - see a Unicorn as you admire the figurehead of this historic warship.
See one of the last of Britain's 'Wooden Walls' from the 'Age of Sail', still afloat - HMS Unicorn - see a Unicorn as you admire the figurehead of this historic warship.
HIGHLANDS:
LAIRG - METEORITE IMPACT CRATER
Lairg long known as the 'Crossroads of the North' with its four roads meeting at the eastern end of Loch Shin, was also in the crosshairs of an a giant ancient earthbound meteorite 1.2 billion years ago.
Initially in 2008 the evidence suggested an impact near Ullapool, though in 2016 the centre was whittled down to Lairg - with an impact crater of around 25 miles in diameter. It isn't Lairg's only claim to fame though, for it also holds Europe's largest one day sheep sale.
The ancient impact crater is the only one in Britain and Ireland - and is the 15th largest one in the world!
PRINCE'S CAIRN - LOCH NAN UAMH
Loch Nan Uamh is the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Young Pretender, first set foot on mainland British soil before leading the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, to capture the thrones of Scotland and England for his father James Stuart, the Old Pretender.
It is also the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie left Britain for France, after the Battle of Culloden, aboard the French frigate L'Heureux.
Bonnie Prince Charlie never returned to Britain dying in Rome in 1788. The site is today marked with the 'Prince's Cairn' erected in 1956 in the manner of the ancient Highland tradition of remembrance.
THE SCOTTISH GOLD RUSH, KILDONAN, HELMSDALE
In 1868 the valley of the River Helmsdale, and the Kidlonan Burn was the centre of the Scottish Gold Rush.
Local Robert Nelson Gilchrist found gold in the area, having previously been a prospector in Australia, with the greatest amounts of gold found in the Kidlonan and Suisgill Burns.
This led to tented villages in the areas as prospectors travelled to the area by train and then walking thirty miles to get to the Helmsdale area.
The returns were poor and the Duke of Sutherland stopped issuing licences to carry out panning in the area, and so the Gold Rush ended at the end of December in 1869.
Gold panning is still possible with the Suisgill Estate giving licences in 2018 - you might find a flake of gold!
Lairg long known as the 'Crossroads of the North' with its four roads meeting at the eastern end of Loch Shin, was also in the crosshairs of an a giant ancient earthbound meteorite 1.2 billion years ago.
Initially in 2008 the evidence suggested an impact near Ullapool, though in 2016 the centre was whittled down to Lairg - with an impact crater of around 25 miles in diameter. It isn't Lairg's only claim to fame though, for it also holds Europe's largest one day sheep sale.
The ancient impact crater is the only one in Britain and Ireland - and is the 15th largest one in the world!
PRINCE'S CAIRN - LOCH NAN UAMH
Loch Nan Uamh is the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Young Pretender, first set foot on mainland British soil before leading the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, to capture the thrones of Scotland and England for his father James Stuart, the Old Pretender.
It is also the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie left Britain for France, after the Battle of Culloden, aboard the French frigate L'Heureux.
Bonnie Prince Charlie never returned to Britain dying in Rome in 1788. The site is today marked with the 'Prince's Cairn' erected in 1956 in the manner of the ancient Highland tradition of remembrance.
THE SCOTTISH GOLD RUSH, KILDONAN, HELMSDALE
In 1868 the valley of the River Helmsdale, and the Kidlonan Burn was the centre of the Scottish Gold Rush.
Local Robert Nelson Gilchrist found gold in the area, having previously been a prospector in Australia, with the greatest amounts of gold found in the Kidlonan and Suisgill Burns.
This led to tented villages in the areas as prospectors travelled to the area by train and then walking thirty miles to get to the Helmsdale area.
The returns were poor and the Duke of Sutherland stopped issuing licences to carry out panning in the area, and so the Gold Rush ended at the end of December in 1869.
Gold panning is still possible with the Suisgill Estate giving licences in 2018 - you might find a flake of gold!
LEWIS
THE STONES OF CALLANISH
The Neolithic standing stones on the Isle of Lewis, one of a number of standing stone arrangements in the area, that denote Callanish as a centre of religious activity for over 1500 years.
The stones form a cross with a small stone circle, of 13 stones at its heart along with a central monolith, where the rows cross. Built between 2900 and 2600 BC.
The Neolithic standing stones on the Isle of Lewis, one of a number of standing stone arrangements in the area, that denote Callanish as a centre of religious activity for over 1500 years.
The stones form a cross with a small stone circle, of 13 stones at its heart along with a central monolith, where the rows cross. Built between 2900 and 2600 BC.
ORKNEY ISLES:
SKARA BRAE, NEOLITHIC VILLAGE
Ancient Neolithic village discovered buried in the sand in the late 1800's.
Older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, from 3180BC - 2500BC.
A cluster of eight houses built into the earth, possibly by a lagoon further away from the sea at that time.
Its abandonment has led to legend and debate - fleeing a great storm or gradual abandonment due to a cooling climate change.
THE WESTRAY DONS OF THE SPANISH ARMADA, PIEROWALL
Shipwrecked following the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Spanish sailors escaped their ship wrecked off Dennis Rost, North Ronaldsay and in boats landed at Pierowall.
In Pierowall the people of the Orkney's treated them with hospitality, and the Spaniards settled in the area to form an enduring community.
These descendants of the Spanish sailors are the Westray Dons. The Westray Dons took local surnames, and continued their tradition of becoming sea-farers.
Ancient Neolithic village discovered buried in the sand in the late 1800's.
Older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, from 3180BC - 2500BC.
A cluster of eight houses built into the earth, possibly by a lagoon further away from the sea at that time.
Its abandonment has led to legend and debate - fleeing a great storm or gradual abandonment due to a cooling climate change.
THE WESTRAY DONS OF THE SPANISH ARMADA, PIEROWALL
Shipwrecked following the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Spanish sailors escaped their ship wrecked off Dennis Rost, North Ronaldsay and in boats landed at Pierowall.
In Pierowall the people of the Orkney's treated them with hospitality, and the Spaniards settled in the area to form an enduring community.
These descendants of the Spanish sailors are the Westray Dons. The Westray Dons took local surnames, and continued their tradition of becoming sea-farers.
OUTER HEBRIDES:
THE LANDING OF BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE, ERISKAY, UIST & BARRA
Bonnie Prince Charlie first landed in Britain from France on the Isle of Eriskay, arriving at the isle aboard a french privateer the Du Teilley, beginning the events of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 that led to the Battle of Culloden.
The beach is now called Coilleag a'Phrionnsa, the Prince's Cockleshell Strand.
As he stood on the beach, legend has it that he took a handkerchief from his pocket, and as he did so seeds fell from his pocket - sea bindweed grew from these seeds, the plan is not native to the Hebrides.
ST. KILDA'S - MISTRESS STONE
High on St. Kilda's clifftops is a natural stone archway known as the Mistress Stone.
It was here that young men had to climb and balance through the archway to prove they had the hunting skills to survive and provide for a family on the island - remembering that the puffins would have been a source of food.
When they had proved that they did have these skills, through this ritual, they would attain the right to marry and have a family.
Bonnie Prince Charlie first landed in Britain from France on the Isle of Eriskay, arriving at the isle aboard a french privateer the Du Teilley, beginning the events of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 that led to the Battle of Culloden.
The beach is now called Coilleag a'Phrionnsa, the Prince's Cockleshell Strand.
As he stood on the beach, legend has it that he took a handkerchief from his pocket, and as he did so seeds fell from his pocket - sea bindweed grew from these seeds, the plan is not native to the Hebrides.
ST. KILDA'S - MISTRESS STONE
High on St. Kilda's clifftops is a natural stone archway known as the Mistress Stone.
It was here that young men had to climb and balance through the archway to prove they had the hunting skills to survive and provide for a family on the island - remembering that the puffins would have been a source of food.
When they had proved that they did have these skills, through this ritual, they would attain the right to marry and have a family.
PERTHSHIRE
LOCH TAY - IRON -AGE CRANNOGS
In the Iron Age people lived on man-made islands in Loch Tay, called crannogs.
The remains of twenty-plus submerged crannogs have been found in Loch Tay.
Today the Scottish Crannog Centre has a fantastic reconstruction of an Iron-Age crannog on the south shore of the Loch.
Built of wood the crannogs were like seaside piers built from the shore out into the Loch, with an Iron-Age round-hut held above the water by the wooden pier.
In the Iron Age people lived on man-made islands in Loch Tay, called crannogs.
The remains of twenty-plus submerged crannogs have been found in Loch Tay.
Today the Scottish Crannog Centre has a fantastic reconstruction of an Iron-Age crannog on the south shore of the Loch.
Built of wood the crannogs were like seaside piers built from the shore out into the Loch, with an Iron-Age round-hut held above the water by the wooden pier.
SHETLAND ISLES
THE SILVER TREASURE OF ST. NINIAN'S ISLE
In 1958 a schoolboy helping out on his first day of an archaeological dig on St. Ninian's Isle, lifted a slab in the ruins of St. Ninian's Chapel and found a hoard of silver.
The hoard found beneath the sandstone slab, marked with a cross, contained bowls, brooches, parts of scabbards, thimbles, spoons and a porpoise jawbone, all dating from around 800AD.
Some bore Pictish designs, others were Anglo-Saxon origin, from silver re-smelted in less pure form that came from Roman times.
The 28 pieces, now held by the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, may have been hidden in response to the threat of Viking raids.
EL GRAN GRIFON - THE SPANISH ARMADA SHIPWRECK - FAIR ISLE
In 1588 the supply flagship of the Spanish Armada was wrecked upon the rocks of Storms Heelor in the Fair Isle.
The Spanish sailors escaped the wreck by climbing the masts. On the tiny Fair Isle legends tell of initial hospitality by the islanders towards the Spanish sailors, although this was said to have evaporated as the season turned to winter and food supplies became scarce - with the islanders finding ways to reduce the number of the Spaniards - before they were able to leave the isle.
The wreck of the El Gran Grifon was excavated in 1970, and in 1984 a Spanish delegation dressed as Conquistadors placed a cross in the island's cemetery in memory of the Spanish sailors that died in the Isle.
Legend also claims that the Fair Isle knitting technique, that has gained the Isle international fame, was taught to the islanders by the Spanish sailors - though it is believed that the islanders were trading their knitting for supplies from passing ships prior to this.
In 1958 a schoolboy helping out on his first day of an archaeological dig on St. Ninian's Isle, lifted a slab in the ruins of St. Ninian's Chapel and found a hoard of silver.
The hoard found beneath the sandstone slab, marked with a cross, contained bowls, brooches, parts of scabbards, thimbles, spoons and a porpoise jawbone, all dating from around 800AD.
Some bore Pictish designs, others were Anglo-Saxon origin, from silver re-smelted in less pure form that came from Roman times.
The 28 pieces, now held by the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, may have been hidden in response to the threat of Viking raids.
EL GRAN GRIFON - THE SPANISH ARMADA SHIPWRECK - FAIR ISLE
In 1588 the supply flagship of the Spanish Armada was wrecked upon the rocks of Storms Heelor in the Fair Isle.
The Spanish sailors escaped the wreck by climbing the masts. On the tiny Fair Isle legends tell of initial hospitality by the islanders towards the Spanish sailors, although this was said to have evaporated as the season turned to winter and food supplies became scarce - with the islanders finding ways to reduce the number of the Spaniards - before they were able to leave the isle.
The wreck of the El Gran Grifon was excavated in 1970, and in 1984 a Spanish delegation dressed as Conquistadors placed a cross in the island's cemetery in memory of the Spanish sailors that died in the Isle.
Legend also claims that the Fair Isle knitting technique, that has gained the Isle international fame, was taught to the islanders by the Spanish sailors - though it is believed that the islanders were trading their knitting for supplies from passing ships prior to this.
WEST LOTHIAN:
BIRTHPLACE OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS - LINLITHGOW PALACE
Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542, and also the birthplace of her father James V in 1512.
Both gained the throne of Scotland in their early years - James V at seventeen months and Mary at just 6 days!
Princess Elizabeth who became the Queen of Bohemia having become the wife of Frederick V of the Palatinate spent her early years at the palace. Had the 1605 Gunpowder Plot succeeded she would have been next in line to the throne after James VI of Scotland, I of England.
Her grandson would later become George I of Great Britain creating the Hanoverian Dynasty.
Queen Elizabeth II wass a direct descendant of Princess Elizabeth, who was also known as the Winter Queen, as Frederick's reign lasted just one winter.
Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542, and also the birthplace of her father James V in 1512.
Both gained the throne of Scotland in their early years - James V at seventeen months and Mary at just 6 days!
Princess Elizabeth who became the Queen of Bohemia having become the wife of Frederick V of the Palatinate spent her early years at the palace. Had the 1605 Gunpowder Plot succeeded she would have been next in line to the throne after James VI of Scotland, I of England.
Her grandson would later become George I of Great Britain creating the Hanoverian Dynasty.
Queen Elizabeth II wass a direct descendant of Princess Elizabeth, who was also known as the Winter Queen, as Frederick's reign lasted just one winter.
WALES:
CARMARTHENSHIRE:
DOLAUCOTHI, WELSH GOLD MINES
The earliest Welsh Gold mine. From 70 - 80 AD the Romans began mining gold in the area of the Cothi valley, Britain's mineral resources being one of the reasons for the Roman invasion.
The Romans developed gold mining in the area for the next 40 to 50 years, using open cast and tunnelling techniques, and creating hydraulic systems to smash rocks to get at the ore. The mining area was also protected by a fort.
Even when the Roman military left, Roman life in the area continued, with later gold finds having been discovered.
The earliest Welsh Gold mine. From 70 - 80 AD the Romans began mining gold in the area of the Cothi valley, Britain's mineral resources being one of the reasons for the Roman invasion.
The Romans developed gold mining in the area for the next 40 to 50 years, using open cast and tunnelling techniques, and creating hydraulic systems to smash rocks to get at the ore. The mining area was also protected by a fort.
Even when the Roman military left, Roman life in the area continued, with later gold finds having been discovered.
CEREDIGION:
CARDIGAN CASTLE - THE FIRST RECORDED EISTEDDFOD
The first recorded competitive Eisteddfod was held at Cardigan Castle in 1176 by the Lord Rhys.
Poets and musicians were invited from all over Wales , and a chair at the Lord's table was awarded to the best poet and musician.
This was the first recorded such literary and music festival in the tradition of the ancient bardic culture of the Celts.
The first recorded competitive Eisteddfod was held at Cardigan Castle in 1176 by the Lord Rhys.
Poets and musicians were invited from all over Wales , and a chair at the Lord's table was awarded to the best poet and musician.
This was the first recorded such literary and music festival in the tradition of the ancient bardic culture of the Celts.
GWYNEDD:
MASSACRE OFTHE DRUIDS ON THE MENAI STRAIT
The Isle of Anglesey, Ynys Mon, was the heart of the Druidic religion, being the educational training centre for the Druids, at the time of the Romans.
Julius Caesar even wrote about the island known to the Romans as Mona, and its Druids.
In AD 60 under Suetonius Paulinus the Romans sought to eradicate the cultural and military threat of the Druids to there conquest of Britain.
They crossed the Menai Strait with infantry in flat-bottomed boats and the cavalry swimming across.
Tacitus tells of how this attack was greeted by the Druid community, standing on the beaches, in a menacing fashion whilst raising their hands to heaven and shouting curses and incantations upon the advancing Roman forces.
The Romans massacred the Druids, as Tacitus says hacking the Druids down and into the fires along the beaches which had been lit by the Druids.
Paulinus was unable to complete his conquest of Anglesey, due to Boudicca's revolt advancing on Londinium.
The final conquest came under Agricola in AD 77.
THE OLDEST CATHEDRAL SITE IN BRITAIN - BANGOR CATHEDRAL
Bangor Cathedral is the oldest cathedral site in the UK.
St. Deiniol was of noble birth and was given lands to start a Christian community by the Welsh King of Gwynedd Maelgwn.
He created his Christian community first by ringing the lands with a fence of poles driven into the ground and then weaving branches around these poles.
The Welsh name for such a fence was a 'bangor', hence the name of the settlement.
Within the fence the followers of St. Deiniol built huts, and the growing community worshipped together in a small church. This created a Celtic monastery on the site.
St. Deiniol was consecrated as a bishop by St. David, becoming the first Bishop of Bangor.
Nothing remains of the earlier buildings, as attempts to develop the site with stone churches suffered from Viking raids, attacks by English Kings John and Edward I and the possibility of a fire.
The present building was began redevelopment in 1868.
The Cathedral features the 'Mostyn Christ' an almost life-size wooden oak sculpture of Jesus shackled prior to the Crucifixion.
The Cathedral also has a 'Biblical Garden' with examples of all the plants referred to in the Bible.
The Isle of Anglesey, Ynys Mon, was the heart of the Druidic religion, being the educational training centre for the Druids, at the time of the Romans.
Julius Caesar even wrote about the island known to the Romans as Mona, and its Druids.
In AD 60 under Suetonius Paulinus the Romans sought to eradicate the cultural and military threat of the Druids to there conquest of Britain.
They crossed the Menai Strait with infantry in flat-bottomed boats and the cavalry swimming across.
Tacitus tells of how this attack was greeted by the Druid community, standing on the beaches, in a menacing fashion whilst raising their hands to heaven and shouting curses and incantations upon the advancing Roman forces.
The Romans massacred the Druids, as Tacitus says hacking the Druids down and into the fires along the beaches which had been lit by the Druids.
Paulinus was unable to complete his conquest of Anglesey, due to Boudicca's revolt advancing on Londinium.
The final conquest came under Agricola in AD 77.
THE OLDEST CATHEDRAL SITE IN BRITAIN - BANGOR CATHEDRAL
Bangor Cathedral is the oldest cathedral site in the UK.
St. Deiniol was of noble birth and was given lands to start a Christian community by the Welsh King of Gwynedd Maelgwn.
He created his Christian community first by ringing the lands with a fence of poles driven into the ground and then weaving branches around these poles.
The Welsh name for such a fence was a 'bangor', hence the name of the settlement.
Within the fence the followers of St. Deiniol built huts, and the growing community worshipped together in a small church. This created a Celtic monastery on the site.
St. Deiniol was consecrated as a bishop by St. David, becoming the first Bishop of Bangor.
Nothing remains of the earlier buildings, as attempts to develop the site with stone churches suffered from Viking raids, attacks by English Kings John and Edward I and the possibility of a fire.
The present building was began redevelopment in 1868.
The Cathedral features the 'Mostyn Christ' an almost life-size wooden oak sculpture of Jesus shackled prior to the Crucifixion.
The Cathedral also has a 'Biblical Garden' with examples of all the plants referred to in the Bible.
PEMBROKESHIRE:
MANORBIER CASTLE
Fantastic Norman Castle dating back to the end of the 11th Century overlooking Manorbier beach.
Birthplace of historic scholar Gerald of Wales 1146 -1223, who said of Manorbier - 'In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far', he may have been biased but it is difficult to disagree, it is certainly a jewel in Wales' crown.
Fantastic Norman Castle dating back to the end of the 11th Century overlooking Manorbier beach.
Birthplace of historic scholar Gerald of Wales 1146 -1223, who said of Manorbier - 'In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far', he may have been biased but it is difficult to disagree, it is certainly a jewel in Wales' crown.
POWYS
ROBERT OWEN, NEWTOWN, POWYS.
Robert Owen the Welsh social reformer that inspired the Co-Operative Movement.
Robert Owen was born in Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Wales, having succeeded in business by running mills in Manchester, he then became a partner and manager in the New Lanark Mill on the River Clyde in Scotland.
Owen apalled by the conditions in the mills of Manchester, created a model industrial community at the New Lanark Mill.
The curriculum of the community's school influenced educational thinking.
The village also had a shop selling goods that met quality standards which were sold at a fair price.
The New Lanark Mill community was visited by people interested in the Owen's social reform project from all over the world, with even Russia's Tsar visiting it.
It also inspired followers in Rochdale to establish the first Co-operative shop.
Owen returned to Newtown late in life and is buried in the town.
Robert Owen the Welsh social reformer that inspired the Co-Operative Movement.
Robert Owen was born in Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Wales, having succeeded in business by running mills in Manchester, he then became a partner and manager in the New Lanark Mill on the River Clyde in Scotland.
Owen apalled by the conditions in the mills of Manchester, created a model industrial community at the New Lanark Mill.
The curriculum of the community's school influenced educational thinking.
The village also had a shop selling goods that met quality standards which were sold at a fair price.
The New Lanark Mill community was visited by people interested in the Owen's social reform project from all over the world, with even Russia's Tsar visiting it.
It also inspired followers in Rochdale to establish the first Co-operative shop.
Owen returned to Newtown late in life and is buried in the town.
SOUTH GLAMORGAN
CARDIFF CASTLE
Cardiff Castle the Norman Motte and Bailey Castle built on the site of four earlier Roman forts.
The castle walls contain the remains of the earlier Roman walls, a reconstruction of the Roman gate forms the entrance to the castle.
The castle became the property of the Bute family in the late 1700s, who transformed Cardiff into the world's leading coal exporting part, amassing a vast fortune,
The 3rd marques of Bute was believed to be the richest man in the world in the 1860s, and he began the transformation of the castle's living quarters into a Victorian gothic fantasy palace.
Cardiff Castle the Norman Motte and Bailey Castle built on the site of four earlier Roman forts.
The castle walls contain the remains of the earlier Roman walls, a reconstruction of the Roman gate forms the entrance to the castle.
The castle became the property of the Bute family in the late 1700s, who transformed Cardiff into the world's leading coal exporting part, amassing a vast fortune,
The 3rd marques of Bute was believed to be the richest man in the world in the 1860s, and he began the transformation of the castle's living quarters into a Victorian gothic fantasy palace.
NORTHERN IRELAND:
COUNTY ANTRIM
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE
Norman castle overlooking Belfast Lough, besieged by Scots, Irish, English and French.
Originally surrounded on three sides by water.
Also the location of US naval hero John Paul Jones' capture of HMS Drake from the Royal Navy during the American War of Independence.
Norman castle overlooking Belfast Lough, besieged by Scots, Irish, English and French.
Originally surrounded on three sides by water.
Also the location of US naval hero John Paul Jones' capture of HMS Drake from the Royal Navy during the American War of Independence.
COUNTY ARMAGH:
EMAIN MACHA / NAVAN FORT, TEMPLE SITE OF THE ULAID, ARMAGH
Emain Macha or Navan Fort, was the home of the Ulaid Tribe, who gave their name to Ulster.
It is seen as Northern Ireland's mos important archaeological site, and is featured on Ptolemy's 2nd Century map of Ireland.
Here in 95BC a circular temple was built, 45m in diameter out of wood with a supported roof. The local people filled it with thousands of stones, and used soils from around the area on the walls.
Incredibly, in what appears to be a ritual they burned the temple down and buried it. Exactly why, remains a mystery.
Prior to the temple the hill was occupied by figure or eight buildings, also of a ritual nature. Its importance is supported by a ceremonial lake nearby, where votive offerings have been found including a trumpet.
Whilst archaeologists have also found the skeleton of a barbery macaque, possibly from North Africa or Mediterranean Europe.
Emain Macha is the only site to be named after a Celtic Goddess, Macha, and is the royal citadel of the Ulster Cycle.
Emain Macha or Navan Fort, was the home of the Ulaid Tribe, who gave their name to Ulster.
It is seen as Northern Ireland's mos important archaeological site, and is featured on Ptolemy's 2nd Century map of Ireland.
Here in 95BC a circular temple was built, 45m in diameter out of wood with a supported roof. The local people filled it with thousands of stones, and used soils from around the area on the walls.
Incredibly, in what appears to be a ritual they burned the temple down and buried it. Exactly why, remains a mystery.
Prior to the temple the hill was occupied by figure or eight buildings, also of a ritual nature. Its importance is supported by a ceremonial lake nearby, where votive offerings have been found including a trumpet.
Whilst archaeologists have also found the skeleton of a barbery macaque, possibly from North Africa or Mediterranean Europe.
Emain Macha is the only site to be named after a Celtic Goddess, Macha, and is the royal citadel of the Ulster Cycle.
COUNTY DOWN
ST. PATRICK'S FIRST CHURCH, SAUL
In 432 AD St. Patrick returned to Ireland the land where he had been held a slave, his boat having been blown through Strangford Lough.
The local chieftain, Dichu, was converted to Christianity and provided Patrick with a barn for services, and so this barn became the first Christian church in Ireland.
Patrick died at Saul and was buried in Downpatrick in 461 AD.
Saul, means barn in Gaelic, and is the cradle of Christianity in the island of Ireland.
In 432 AD St. Patrick returned to Ireland the land where he had been held a slave, his boat having been blown through Strangford Lough.
The local chieftain, Dichu, was converted to Christianity and provided Patrick with a barn for services, and so this barn became the first Christian church in Ireland.
Patrick died at Saul and was buried in Downpatrick in 461 AD.
Saul, means barn in Gaelic, and is the cradle of Christianity in the island of Ireland.
COUNTY LONDONDERRY
AMELIA EARHART CROSSES THE ATLANTIC, BALLYARNETT, DERRY
In 1932 attempting to make a solo trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland, Canada to Paris to emulate the achievement of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart did indeed cross the Atlantic and landed in a field in Derry/Londonderry.
As her plane developed problems Amelia was forced to land as soon as she could, landing in a field in Ballyarnett Village. T
he American Aviator had placed Derry/Londonderry in the history of aviation as the landing site of the first female non-stop trans-Atlantic flight.
In 1932 attempting to make a solo trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland, Canada to Paris to emulate the achievement of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart did indeed cross the Atlantic and landed in a field in Derry/Londonderry.
As her plane developed problems Amelia was forced to land as soon as she could, landing in a field in Ballyarnett Village. T
he American Aviator had placed Derry/Londonderry in the history of aviation as the landing site of the first female non-stop trans-Atlantic flight.