Southern England – The Conquest

This was our big adventure with Nancy, southern England. We began with Upnor, moving to Canterbury, on to Dover stopping over at Elham and lastly the village of Battle (where the Battle of Hastings in 1066 was actually fought).

First Stop Upnor-
located in an absolutely cute village, but then again most of them are here in England . This castle makes me laugh - it totally failed. And I am not talking it took a hard hit and lost - but was just blown off.
The Dutch just sailed on by…this is the Castle

Donnie is trying to help these guys out...

To Dover!

The Famous White Cliffs of Dover...and they are steep!

I didn't really like walking along them, too scary for me. But I had to grab a piece of chalk!



Photo from the road, a nice one of the Castle and the Church.
The Church and 1st century Roman light house




Then on to Canterbury...

Canterbury could be one of my favorite cathedrals.

Nice contrast between old and new acquisitions. This where the Black Prince is buried. (1330 - 1376) Edward, The Black Prince, is remembered by some as a great chivalric hero of British history. He is the son of Edward III and the Black Prince’s son later became King Richard II and ruled between 1377-99. Below are his actaul helmet, shield, and vest.

The Bell Tower

High alter (past the bell tower)

Major event: the location of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed here in December 1170 after a rift with Henry II. Thomas later become a Saint. This event cause a major shift of pilgrims from Durham to Canterbury.

Another part of Canterbury, thought Travis would like this one!

On to Elham...

This village is Elham and this photos is our BnB.
To read the history go to www.abbotsfireside.com

As you can see, our door was a bit short. The door jamb was about 5'4". None of them were square, all of them were different heights, but all very cute.

You can see a really cute naked boy running around in our room,
also note the lime plaster and 14th c wood.

To Battle...

Ever heard of the Battle of Hastings? Took place in 1066 had to do with William the Conquer and Harold? Changed the history of England forever?

Well it took place near Hastings in this little village, now just called Battle. I guess they figured that was going to be the biggest thing that ever happend so why not just rename the village after the event.
Above is the actaual battlefield. After William the Conquer killed Harold he later build an Abbey in honour to him, this is it. There is also a marker where Harold fell and one where his tomb is located. If you cannot tell, the abbey is in ruin and both markers are now outside.