so, rumor has it I get to go to England sometime in the Fall of 2004.

what cool spiffy re-enactment minded stuff is there to do? I'm not afraid of rain at all and a good hike wont kill me or my travelling companions.

we want to check out Soper Lane for sure...and am told that we HAVE to go to Bath (*shrug* as long as we end up in burgundy at the end they can drag me to all the roman ruins they like)

arent there some grand fairs or ther other tourist friendly events in the fall?

--AM, who's never been to England but is willingt o give it a try .

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quote:

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Originally posted by Alan F:
Anne-Marie, could you be more specific as to when, as in dates, months, etc. There can be quite a few events each Autumn throughout the UK, however if you can tell me when you're visiting, I can be of more help

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right now we're thinking October, ie after high season but before it gets really cold and wet.

Thing is, we're pretty flexible right now being still in the pipedream and air castle stage .

On the list:
London (MoL, Victoria and Albert)
Bath (I'm not sure why but my travelling companions are totally enamored with Bath)
York (museums!)

I must admit, I'm not much of an Anglophile but that also means I have no preconceptions. It will all be a grand adventure to me! (and unlike my last grand adventure in Italy, I'll at least speak enough of the native tongue to be polite )

so ideas are appreciated!

thanks,
--AM, who in return for being dragged about England for a week gets to drag her friends around Burgundy and Paris for two weeks.

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And isn't there a re-enactment of Bosworth in August? (Not my period - I just don't know).

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Go Smiggins Holes 2010!

Egfroth

Seriously though, its worth checking what sites you'd like to visit and if they are still open - many close for the season in October (some at the end of the month, but some sooner) as things really can be dire weather-wise at that time of year.

If you are intending late summer - August, yes, Bosworth has a main Battle re enactment in August - this year on the 16th and 17th - there are usually various merchants there, at least one information tent (Soper Lane will attend this year with our research, as opposed to a strict demonstration), a lot of re-enactors (many smaller groups get together to attend, as well as the better-known groups) and more often than not, quite good weather. It is usually a very good atmosphere too - Leicestershire people really do believe Richard should have won, and the children have great fun booing Henry!

Alot of other things are usually happening in August around the country too, so it would be a good time to visit.

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with the current...unhappiness...the americans in our party are a bit more hesitant to travel overseas until things settle down a bit.

*sigh*. dont these people know WE HAVE A VACATION PLANNED!!!!!??????

--AM

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I'm sitting here in an internet cafe in London, and I can tell you firsthand that travelling is no problem. Actually, it's been fabulous because tourism is down so things are not nearly so crowded. We left when things were in full swing but had no problems. I can't say that I didn't think about it a bit before we left but this trip had been planned for so long and was so eagerly anticipated that I wasn't willing to stay home.

You need to see what Gina/Soper Lane is doing because it will absolutely blow you away. Likewise, be sure to see Destrier in action- they are some of the nicest, spiffy-est looking people you ever want to meet.

Americans (seem to have) an almost pathological aversion to foreign travel anyway, but I know that you know better. Tell them to just get over it and not ruin your plans.

On the other hand, you could just come with Jeff and me- it's lookijng like we'll be coming back regularly, and we can always use an extra hand to groom horses and sort kit!

See you soon! Bates is coming- woohoo!!!

If the British Library is still attached, besure to grab a look at 3 copies of the Magna Carta and the GORGEOUS Lindesfarne Gospels.

You'll enjoy Bath. It's mostly a Georgian city, but the countryside is fantastic, and the Baths themselves are fun.

Some other great places in England (particularly the South):

Warwick castle: a bit touristy, but still a great bit of fun. In the Summer they usually have some competent interpreters there. In the fall, they should still have something on.

Canterbury: Do your own pilgrimage! It's my favorite cathedral for atmosphere alone and the toen maintains a very medieval feel. A number of small but good museums, as well as the remains of St. Augustine's Abbey.

Dover: Dover Castle is well preserved and remarkably impressive

Windsor Castle: A well preserved castle still in use by the Royal Family. I liked the Order of the Garter stuff and St. George's Chapel (a pilgrimage site in the late middle ages). It's in spitting distance from Heathrow airport too.

Salisbury: MAGNIFICENT cathedral city. nice medieval town center and the still-in-tact cathedral close. The museum in the close has some great stuff. Plus, Stonehenge is just a few miles north of the town.

Strongbow

I like the idea of hitting main pilgramage sites. I did it when I was in paris and burgundy and it was way cool, from a personal cultural standpoint as well as a re-enactor/armchair historian standpoint .

--AM

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You might need to do a little work with a map to keep yourself aay from walking along the sides of major roads, but we have a good footpath net, and it shouldn't be difficult.

a few years ago the author (an american with Native American roots, who also had a degree in English lit) decided to trace his OTHER roots and follow the pilgramage to canterbury. Just like the medieval book, he collected stories and characters. Its a bit woo-woo but fun to read nonetheless as he spouts bits of medieval history (nothing wacked me in the head as being horribly wrong. some of it was a bit skewed, but thats ok ) and makes some really interesting observations.

book itself is downstairs...I'll send the title along if folks want later .

--AM, who did the burgundy pilgramage route a few years ago .

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quote:

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Originally posted by Woodcrafter:
Would it be possible to do a 'pilgrim's walk' from London to Canterbury?

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