Leeds Castle has an interesting story. The first reference to a castle at this location is in the 12th century. Interestingly enough the castle became part of a dower, or essentially a wedding present, from kings to their respective queens from the 12th through 16th centuries. Though the castle was modernized in the 1930’s, moreContinue reading “Leeds Castle the Queen’s castle”
Author Archives: louscudere
Churchill the artist
Winston Churchill began painting after the disastrous WW1 amphibious landing at Gallipoli where nearly 200,000 British casualties including 32,000 dead. The strategy was the brain child of Churchill and he went into a deep depression after it’s failure. During a family holiday at a country estate prior to Chartwell, Churchill’s sister in law Gwendolyn (Goonie)Continue reading “Churchill the artist”
Chartwell, a different perspective of a British Lion part two
Moving into the house we turn to the more well known perspective of Churchill the statesman. Churchill enjoyed entertaining guests at Chartwell and the home was designed to accommodate to facilitate same. The Who’s who of pre WW2 were in attendance. Such as: Such as Lord Arthur Balfour of the Balfour declaration which stated theContinue reading “Chartwell, a different perspective of a British Lion part two”
Chartwell, a different perspective of a British Lion part one
After three days of hiking, covering roughly 36 miles, today was a day of transit and tourism. Today we visit Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill and family. I have always had an interest in Winston Churchill, not fanatical and certainly not in depth, but I have always been intrigued by this complex man whoContinue reading “Chartwell, a different perspective of a British Lion part one”
Day 3 Alton to Farnham
We have been extremely fortunate to this point having excellent weather with sunny days and brilliant blue skies. Atypical for England where the old saw “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” is a motto to live by. The last half of our hike will be a bit soggier. However theContinue reading “Day 3 Alton to Farnham”
Day 2 Alresford to Alton?
As we leave Alton it is a beautiful day with vendors setting up for a street market. Continuing on we went under another viaduct of the Watercress line. The Watercress line as I mentioned is now a excursion line operating between Alresford and Alton but was founded in 1865 and got its name from theContinue reading “Day 2 Alresford to Alton?”
Day 1 Winchester to Alresford
So, first apologies for the delay in posting both wifi and cell coverage sucks in the central UK. Second, before I step off on the trek, I wanted to show off my new Osprey Talon 22 pack. I had a ‘22 but it was a S/M (I got it on sale) and the frame wasContinue reading “Day 1 Winchester to Alresford”
Stonehenge what I expected but not.
So, before we move onto Stonehenge one more interesting story about Salisbury Cathedral. It moved. The castle, and adjacent cathedral, were originally built on top of a high hill that was easily defended. Unfortunately, it had a poor source of water and ultimately had to be moved. The story goes that the king had theContinue reading “Stonehenge what I expected but not.”
Day 0.b more Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge
Well, as I write this the morning of day three, the wind is howling creating a driving rain. Glad we’re not starting our hike for another two hours 😃. Continuing with Salisbury, the Cathedral was, and still is, used as a place of internment with tombs scattered throughout the structure. Her majesty the queen hasContinue reading “Day 0.b more Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge”
Salisbury and Stonehenge Day 0.a
Well contrary to the archetypal weather of England, today is clear blue skies and a brilliant sun Our original plan was to breeze through the Cathedral, hit Stonehenge and be back to Winchester by 2pm. But, to quote Robert Burns “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. But, in this case,Continue reading “Salisbury and Stonehenge Day 0.a”
Lou Hikes? 