World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas
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Wednesday 9 February 2000
Highlights: Carlisle Castle
After an excellent night’s sleep in the B&B we headed for Carlisle Castle. The Castle is till in use by the local government and the inner section was still used by the army until the 1970s. Carlisle Castle dates from 1093 and is perhaps most famous for holding Mary Queen of Scots prisoner before Queen Elizabeth has her executed.
Tuesday 8 February 2000
Highlights: Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House Museum
Today was supposed to be a leisurely travel day were we could sleep in and catch the 10 am train. We take didn’t happen as the train was delayed and we then missed our connection which resulted in us getting into Carlisle after 2 pm 😦
As a result our day was restricted to only visiting Tullie House Museum and the Carlisle Cathedral. Tullie House Museum is supposed to be one of Britain best but not in my book. The only interesting display was when the Government trialled being the only organisation that could make and sell beer, i.e. beer was a controlled substance. The Carlisle Cathedral was interesting enough dating from 1123, and a local vicar help point out some historical aspects.
We had planned to eat at Pizza Hut for dinner but after 10 minutes waiting to be served we gave up. The weather is turning colder, but the real killer is the icey cold gale force winds.
Monday 7 February 2000
Highlights: Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle
We travelled to Durham today were we stayed out our first Bed and Breakfast of the trip, an English tradition I could get used to 🙂
Durham is home to the Durham Cathedral built as a shrine to St Cuthbert and dates from the 12th century. The Norman design of the Cathedral set the design standard for later similar structures. Originally monks inhabited the Cathedral until Henry VIII reformation of the church away from Roman Catholic to the Church of England (Anglican Church).
We also visited Durham Castle, originally a Palace for the Durham Bishop. The bishop was known as the prince bishop and could raise armies, levy taxes and press coins, not exactly religious powers. These powers eventually returned to the King and Crown. The castle is now home to the local university and even has a chapel dating back to 1045 AD.
Sunday 6 February 2000
Highlights: York Cathedral Foundations and Treasury
We headed back to the Cathedral today, this time to visit the Foundations and the Treasury. The Foundations were excavated in 1967 when the Tower looked like it would collapse. While strengthening the tower they uncovered Roman and Norman ruins. The Roman section included a well that still had water. Many artefacts were recovered and are on display, mostly pots and plates.
The Treasury has displays of religious objects, mostly donated to the church for use in the distance past, but the objects are no longer suitable for religious events.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the shops, especially the computer and books stores. Books are extremely cheap here, it must be to encourage reading. Jon has been loading down his backpack with many classics.
We finished the day with a pint and a beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner which was excellent.
Saturday 5 February 2000
Highlights: York Cathedral
This time our hostel was an even greater distance from the walled city of York. Definitely something to look into for future trips, better accommodation location selections.
Nathan's Insights 