Exploring Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle has been continuously occupied since 1092 when first established by William II as the primary stronghold on England's NW border with Scotland. The site was previously a Roman turf and timber fort that garrisoned Hadrian's Wall and acted as a base for invasions into Scotland. 

Being on the border, Carlisle castle has a long sordid history making it the most besieged castle in Great Britain. It has been held by both English and Scottish kings and was the seat of the Warden of the West March during the 15th and 16th centuries in an effort to deal with Border Reivers. During the second Jacobite uprising of 1745-6, it was briefly held by Jacobites, and as recently as the 1970's the British Border Regiment was based here.

My little one was still feeling the effects of her tummy bug on our visit here, but we still managed to get a smile out of her. Here she is sitting on the foundation of the tower in which Mary Queen of Scots was held before being sent to London.

My 8 year old son was able to participate in some of the St. George Day activities. Here (video link) he is learning how to be an infantryman for the local lord.

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Sandbach Crosses

These Saxon Era crosses are located in Sandbach about midway between Birmingham and Liverpool just off the M6. (For us Americans, the M stands for motorway.) They are rare representatives from a time that is not well documented dating back to the 9th century and were possibly associated with the land of Mercia. (Fans of the show Vikings may recognize this kingdom name.) The very top of the crosses are missing, but the detailed Celtic and Christian images are well preserved.

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Oxford in Brief

After our day visiting Avebury, Stonehenge, and Old Sarum, we headed north. With no definitive itinerary in mind, we decided to go into Oxford. We thought we could have dinner at the pub that J. R. R. Tolkien frequented called The Eagle and Child. A convenient parking space was available on the street, but the pay station only took cash which we didn't have. The kids and I sat in the car while Kelly asked about an ATM in the pub where he was directed to a another pub across the street. Cash in hand, he had to find a store to make change for the pay station - it only took exact change no less. Finally, we were ready to go to The Eagle and Child. When we got inside, we were told that kids aren't allowed after 7pm. It was only 6:30, but apparently that wasn't enough time for us to get food and get out. Regardless, we weren't welcome. I had heard that pubs in Great Britian were very family friendly, but perhaps not in college towns like Oxford. Our attempts to find lodging nearby went similarly. It seems that the affordable options get fully booked every weekend here. So, we ended up driving another 90 minutes to Birmingham where we were able to find accomodations without issue.

So ended our first full day of sightseeing in Great Britian.

(When pondering a name for this post, "The Eagle Eats Child" came to mind, but I decided against it.)

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