tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28815358724772948502024-03-13T01:25:09.309+00:00Walking Through TimeSome chat about historical things. Some of it is inspired by topics on the associated History Anorak blog.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-18903340328827574752020-12-28T18:12:00.000+00:002020-12-28T18:12:21.806+00:00White Rabbit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JI0Rg53voauuw2SOf3-nQaihS8L81kuoaY5HR4eEAfuPPmccNXlOat8uUOtacm1kxzDf3db_jzS1VtqnQDbHMA_hSftdC-L8pGdwhW9B2BC9uN5bnIKaoqocGUyWQYlzhbkvgfas0Vt7/s2048/white+rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JI0Rg53voauuw2SOf3-nQaihS8L81kuoaY5HR4eEAfuPPmccNXlOat8uUOtacm1kxzDf3db_jzS1VtqnQDbHMA_hSftdC-L8pGdwhW9B2BC9uN5bnIKaoqocGUyWQYlzhbkvgfas0Vt7/s320/white+rabbit.jpg" /></a></div><br />The church of St Mary in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, is known for its wonderful carvings. It also has literary connections. Perhaps the most famous is the link to Lewis Carroll, who is believed to have visited the church and seen a carving in the north choir aisle.<p></p><p>The depiction of a hare dates from medieval times, when it would have represented purity. However it's shown with a satchel and a scallop shell, so it could be a symbol of St James, and pilgrimage. St James’s shrine, at Santiago de Compostella in Spain, has been a destination for pilgrimage since the Middle Ages.</p><p>Whatever the reason for its inclusion, the hare bears a remarkable resemblance to the white rabbit as drawn by John Tenniel for his illustrations of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, published in 1865. </p><p>In keeping with the literary theme, new stonework in early 2021 restorations will have characters from C S Lewis's books, including T<i>he Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLiqOkBAWjjnWDdVeoJQXYv-eGt9BesAZIixAqIT9OgIXcCEXUM7yjXqZLktnTKmlxlGFCcS3N4OnSLGyvF9AGjYq3_T4wMeLsPfQbmYw1UeF30-Z1Uh6iTMG7XbsHTS3yMjxG7GR5O4m/s1333/tumnus+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLiqOkBAWjjnWDdVeoJQXYv-eGt9BesAZIixAqIT9OgIXcCEXUM7yjXqZLktnTKmlxlGFCcS3N4OnSLGyvF9AGjYq3_T4wMeLsPfQbmYw1UeF30-Z1Uh6iTMG7XbsHTS3yMjxG7GR5O4m/s320/tumnus+small.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-74397943525943300932017-06-09T01:39:00.000+01:002017-06-17T21:01:39.719+01:00Five clocks (four clocks and a sign, really)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, it's a clock. Specifically it's the clock on the top of Scarborough railway station. It's a symbol from my teen years because it stands opposite the old Odeon Cinema (which is now the Stephen Joseph Theatre where Alan Aykbourn plays are always premiered) and many's the evening or afternoon that I've stood looking at this clock while waiting to meet a date. (You get to know it particularly well on the occasions that said date doesn't turn up. How much longer do I leave it before I accept that I've been stood up?) <br />
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Scarborough station opened on Monday 7 July 1845, following the completion of the line from York. The station clock was added in about 1884, and was built by Potts of Leeds costing £110, or around £10,000 at today's prices. The whole building is Grade II listed. Interestingly (and something I didn't know until I began my research) it has the longest station bench in the world, at a staggering 95 yards long. <br />
It was needed to accommodate the hundreds of tourists who flocked to the town to drink the spa waters and enjoy the sea air.<br />
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You might have seen this wonderful thing before if you read my blogs regularly. It's clearly labelled with its date and purpose. What's a range you ask? It's the thing you cook fish and chips in, and this was the clock that I used to stare at while waiting for my "six penn'orth of chips and scraps" at my local chippy.<br />
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The old range didn't meet modern catering hygiene standards and was replaced by a shining stainless steel construction a few years back. I can still remember the beautiful green and off-white sunray back plate in wonderful art deco style. I'm pleased to say that they kept the clock.<br />
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Except it isn't a clock, it's a timepiece. What's the difference? A clock chimes. It has a bell. Indeed the word clock derives from various old Germanic, Celtic and French words for bell - like clocca and glocken.<br />
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Here's one for my transatlantic friends. It is, of course, the clock in the heart of Grand Central Station in New York. Grand Central is a rapid transit railroad station and you can find it at 42nd and Park. They use the word 'iconic' a lot these days but this thing truly is. Wikipedia says: "The four-faced brass clock on top of the information booth was designed by Henry Edward Bedford (1860–1932) and cast in Waterbury, Connecticut. Each of the four clock faces is made from opalescent glass, though urban legend has it that the faces are made of opal and that Sotheby's and Christie's have estimated their value to be between $10 million and $20 million."<br />
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You'll need to look very closely at this one even to spot the clock, let alone see why it's important. It's in the Nottinghamshire village of Gotham (pronounced Goat-um. Sorry to disappoint you.) and it's on the side of the bus depot. Look really closely though......<br />
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Yes - it does say Gotham City and that is the bat symbol above the six!<br />
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Which brings us to five.<br />
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This one is self-explanatory. A horologist is a clock maker and repairer. Literally 'one who studies the hours'. I've always loved this sign. It's in the gorgeous Somerset village of Dunster and it's just so perfect for the shop. A huge pocket-watch hanging over the door.<br />
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So there you are. Now the clocks are saying it's time for you to travel over to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST Blog</a> to see other Fives this Friday.<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-43783697656923005502017-06-02T17:03:00.000+01:002017-06-07T22:29:53.646+01:00Five from York<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">
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<b>The Minster</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Yorkshire's a funny county. They do things slightly differently there. For example, they eat fruit cake with cheese. (Try it before you sneer!) And where everyone else calls the biggest church in an area a cathedral, York (and other Yorkshire towns) has a Minster. Apparently, according to the Internet, a Minster church is one that was established in Anglo-Saxon times and was attached to a monastery. (But that doesn't explain why Peterborough Cathedral isn't a Minster.) Anyhow, one of the most beautiful sights in York is the Minster. It's a lovely church and really is the heart of Yorkshire - a name they have given to one of the Minster's glorious stained glass windows. Only an outside view, I'm afraid, but you can make out the heart pretty much central to the photo.</span></div>
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<b>Bars and gates</b></div>
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Talking of doing things differently - this is Micklegate Bar. It's one of the ways through the old city walls. (Incidentally, York has one of the most complete, original medieval city walls in the UK.) You might think it's called Micklegate because it's a gate, right? Well it isn't. Gate means street. Bar means gate. And mickle means small. So this is Little Street Gate. </div>
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<b>The Shambles</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">The Shambles is one of York's best known streets. It has lots of claims to fame: Europe's most visited street; Europe's best preserved Medieval street; and most recently, the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. In fact you can hear lots of different languages as you walk along the narrow way: you don't understand a word until someone says "Diagon Alley", then continues talking in whatever native tongue they're using.</span></div>
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The word Shambles originates from the Medieval word shamel, which meant booth or bench. The street was the home of the butchers of York and the road has deep channels at each side where water could be sluiced through to wash away the blood and waste.</div>
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The street is so narrow, and the buildings overhang so far, that it's possible to shake hands across the road from the upper storeys.<br />
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<b>Clifford's Tower</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Clifford’s Tower is one of York's best known landmarks. It is part of the old York Castle, once the centre of government for the north of England. It's a motte and bailey structure: the motte being the steep mound and the bailey being the flat area around the mound. Originally there was an 11th-century timber tower on top but it was burned down in 1190, when York’s Jewish community, some 150 strong, was besieged by a mob and forced to seek refuge inside. They committed mass suicide. The present limestone tower dates from the 13th century and was surrounded by a moat</span></div>
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The views from the top are stunning, although tourists don't care about walking in front of you while you're trying to capture it on video. And they seem to ignore the 'one way system' signs on the narrow, spiral staircases. Ho hum.</div>
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<b>Romans</b></div>
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Lastly we're going back in time and forward at the same time. York was, of course, established by the Romans, who called it Eboracum. There are still remnants of the old Roman town. Stonegate, for example, has the original Roman street below it and anyone having to dig up the road soon finds Roman masonry. There's a Roman pillar stands opposite the Minster, marking the site of the basilica. It was found during repair excavations at the Minster in 1969 and erected nearby. Between the pillar and the Minster is one of my favourite public sculptures in the whole country. It's Constantine the Great by Philip Jackson; a life size bronze of the Emperor sitting in an elaborate chair and holding a broken sword. Constantine was declared emperor in York in the year 306.<br />
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OK so now you have to go and visit the wonderful <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/2017/06/five-on-friday-jumble.html" target="_blank">Tricky over at FAST blog</a> to see what other fives people have collected this week. </div>
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The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-75485174427085116392017-05-26T00:18:00.000+01:002017-05-26T08:26:18.324+01:00Kirby Muxloe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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William, Lord Hastings was a favourite of King Edward IV who made a small fortune during the Wars of the Roses and decided to spend it on a very impressive new house at Kirby Muxloe in Leicestershire. The village was the site of an existing manor house belonging to his family, who also owned nearby Ashby de la Zouch Castle.</div>
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Unfortunately William's fortunes changed when Richard, Duke of Gloucester - later Richard III - seized the throne and took a dislike to him. Richard had William's head chopped off, and work on the wonderful house stopped, with just one tower completed, in 1483.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one complete tower</td></tr>
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However, what remains of the castle shows what a magnificent structure it was going to be. Built in the wonderful new material - brick - which was the height of fashion and very expensive at that time. The never finished gatehouse is probably the most impressive part still remaining. It has ornate brick work and dark patterns built in to the rich red courses that symbolise William in happier times.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorated in darker brick</td></tr>
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A few technical terms: course means a horizontal row of bricks; diaper work is a pattern of bricks in a different colour from the main body, particularly in the form of a criss-cross design; bricks have short ends - headers - and long ends - stretchers; bond is the way in which headers and stretchers are mixed to create the overall pattern. Flemish bond has alternate headers and stretchers in a course, English bond has alternate courses of headers and stretchers. (<a href="http://theanorakspeaks.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/bricks.html" target="_blank">More about bricks here</a>)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent spiral stairs</td></tr>
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Kirby Muxloe is surrounded by a moat, and there were gun ports built into the gateway. There's no evidence that these were ever planned to be defensive structures, however. They might just have been for show, as a display of William's position and power.</div>
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Now off you go over to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST Blog</a> to see other Fives this Friday!</div>
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The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-80049167236664011712017-05-19T00:33:00.000+01:002017-05-19T00:33:01.819+01:00Five little challengesA couple of weeks ago we visited Brodsworth Hall and I shared the garden with you. At the time I promised a return to take a look at the inside. It's a fascinating place and I can't possibly do it justice in a single post, so I thought I'd approach it from a different angle. Let's take a look at the challenges of looking after a house of such an age and in such a dilapidated state. You'll be surprised how much it has in common with your own housekeeping - and how much is different.<br />
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Brodsworth has a unique way of pointing out the problems it faces in conserving the furniture and fabrics. Rather than making you squirm with tales of nastiness they have introduced wonderful, fluffy toy models of the pests living around the house. Like this "woolly bear", for example,which represents the larva of the carpet moth. As you can see from the photo within the photo - the real thing isn't quite so cute!<br />
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Let's face it, nobody enjoys dusting but leaving it in place in a historic house is not an option. Dust is not an innocuous substance that can be easily swept away with the wipe of a cloth. In fact, if it's been in place long enough its chemical properties change and it starts to stick. Meanwhile, those chemical changes can affect the object the dust lies on, damaging the surface. Cleaning is a careful process, because rough handling can cause more damage than the dust! You can see some of the tools they use in the photo.<br />
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Most of us, particularly those in older homes, have at some point suffered the arrival of the small, grey intruder<i> Mus domesticus</i> - the house mouse. They cause two sorts of damage - basically one from each end. Firstly, they gnaw. They'll eat their way through anything that poses a barrier for them. Their sharp teeth will go through most things and nothing is really safe. This includes cables, so there's an increased risk of fire. The other end, of course, produces some disgusting stuff. Did you know, for example, that mice pee constantly? It's partly so they can tell where they are. When in doubt, follow the smelly trail home. But they also leave nasty little black packages. which aren't just dirty, they're corrosive.<br />
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One problem a large house faces is needing a lot of fireplaces. And a lot of fires means a lot of chimneys. But once the house starts to close down the chimneys aren't maintained and fall victim to bird nests.Then, when the nests are abandoned, the pests move in. One such is the golden spider beetle, and once it gets bored with nest material it is partial to wool, with ensuing damage to the house's carpets!<br />
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Then there's a problem you might not have expected. You might remember from the previous post that the last resident of the house, Sylvia Grant-Dalton, was fond of pets. You might also remember that we discussed the possible identity of Binkie Pippy, named on a headstone in the pet cemetery. Well, Binkie and Pippy were actually two animals, spaniels, and for a lot of their lives they were never allowed outside. So when English Heritage took over the house and began the programme of conservation they found a lot of 'evidence' of the dogs' presence. Dog urine is acidic, and there were many holes in curtains and carpets as well as extensive staining.<br />
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So, on that fragrant note, I suggest you drop by <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see what more pleasant topics people have found this week!<br />
<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-13884743430380130622017-05-12T00:13:00.000+01:002017-05-12T00:13:14.581+01:00Five things: the Cinque Ports<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Walmer Castle</td></tr>
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There is a group of old towns on the south east coast of Britain called the Cinque Ports. The name is Norman French and means "five ports" because that's how many of them there originally were. Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich. New Romney, however, was damaged by storms and its harbour silted up, so its place was taken by Rye, which was already associated with the group in a way described below.</div>
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The five initially joined forces to create a military and trade association to defend the area against potential threats from the English Channel but the arrangement is now completely ceremonial.</div>
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The first team must have been proud of the name because they never changed it, in spite of enrolling lots of other towns to support them. Rye (mentioned above) and Winchelsea, were designated "Antient Towns" and the many other places were deemed to be 'limbs' of the original five. At its height the Cinque Ports alliance included 42 towns and villages - but quarante-deux ports doesn't have the same ring to it.</div>
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Among them were Bekesbourne, Bulverhythe, Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-Sea, Pevensey, Reculver, Sarre, Walmer, Ramsgate, Brightlingsea, Birchington, St John's (part of Margate), Margate, Folkestone, Ringwould, Woodchurch, Kingsdown and West Hythe. (This is not an exhaustive list!)</div>
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Incidentally, it's pronounced "sink ports" not "sank" like proper French would be. But then, Happisburgh in Norfolk is pronounced "Hazebruh" so what does the south east coast know?</div>
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In 1155 the Cinque Ports received a Royal Charter to maintain ships ready for the Crown in case of need. The towns were expected to provide 57 ships for 15 days service each, but in exchange residents were exempt from a number of taxes and had various rights - one of which was the right to break into someone's property in order to build sea defences! They were also allowed to keep some of the salvage from shipwrecks. Such privileges made the area a haven for smugglers because the revenue men stayed out of their way. </div>
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Over the years flood, high tides, the French and other marauding forces changed the coast in many ways. Erosion and geological movement mean that Sandwich, for example, is now three miles inland. Hastings harbour was sacked by the French in the 13th century and the town no longer acts as a port. (Though it's a lovely fishing town, but they haul the boats up onto the beach.)</div>
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In keeping with their current ceremonial status the Cinque Ports today have an official leader called the Lord Warden. The title has often been held by Prime Ministers or other big wigs. Pitt the Younger was Lord Warden in the 18th century and around 20 years later the role went to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. Winston Churchill was appointed, as was The Queen Mother. The current holder is Admiral of the Fleet Michael, Baron Boyce. One thing they all have in common is that the post gives them the right to live in Walmer Castle - though these days they tend to have a ceremonial annual week, rather than permanent residence.</div>
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Like lots of things in this fair country, the Cinque Ports are a remnant of an older time that are now completely irrelevant, but they impress younger countries who can’t trace their traditions back 200 years, let alone nearly 1,000. They’re pointless. But we can’t quite bear to get rid of them.</div>
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Now go over to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see more Fives on Friday. </div>
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The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-53107782018403011592017-04-28T00:10:00.000+01:002017-04-28T00:10:13.696+01:00Brodsworth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brodsworth Hall - note the scaffolding</td></tr>
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Just outside Doncaster there's a magnificent Victorian pile called Brodsworth Hall. To cut a long story short it fell on hard times after WWI and began to crumble gradually away so that, by the time English Heritage took it over in the 1990s, it was a faded remnant of its former glory.<div>
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In opposition to how most heritage organisation behave, EH decided to consolidate it 'as found' rather than restoring it. Today it's in the middle of a massive project to make it safe and suitable for visitors. It's wrapped in scaffolding and largely sheathed in plastic.</div>
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The gardens, however, are magnificent. Glorious sunshine gave me the chance to wander round and see them in their full wonder. Here's some photos:</div>
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View to the hall across the fountain garden from under the laburnum arch. I'm determined to go back and see it when it's in flower. End of May should do it.</div>
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Round the back of the hall is a sweet little pet cemetery with carved headstones for the various animals. One says simply 'Polly parrot' while others give hints such as 'good boy', so I'm assuming that was a dog. There are no clues as to the species of Binkie Pippy, however. Sounds like a bunny to me!</div>
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The grounds are scattered with statuary and ghostly white figures in various degrees of dress stand around looking classical. I kind of liked this young lady feeding the pigeons. </div>
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And then there was the real wildlife. You get a hint of the colour from the fountain garden in this shot so the delightful robin isn't easy to spot, but he sat there singing his heart out for a while and seemed happy to have his photo taken. </div>
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Now off you go over to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see the other Five on Friday posts. Happy weekend all. </div>
The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-14581239110701669262017-04-21T00:01:00.000+01:002017-04-21T07:55:32.154+01:00Tanner or Barker<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samples of leather</td></tr>
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The Anorak made a recent trip to a <a href="http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum/" target="_blank">wonderful museum</a> in the West Midands town of Walsall, dedicated to one of its traditional trades - leather making. There's a fascinating display there about the surnames that have developed from various skills involved in producing and using leather. Were any of your ancestors employed in leather making and use?<br />
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1 <b>Leather production</b><br />
There are lots of processes required in the production of leather and each one has resulted in surnames to identify the jobs. Such as:<br />
Skinner - who skins the beasts<br />
Tanner - who tans leather<br />
Barker - another word for tanner<br />
Currier - a leather dresser<br />
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2 <b>Boots and shoes</b><br />
Footwear is probably one of the commonest uses for leather, even today. It's given rise to a few names too.<br />
Boot - one who made boots<br />
Chaucer - a shoe maker: from the French word chaussure, meaning shoe<br />
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3 <b>Other leather goods</b><br />
And there are lots of other leather goods that all had their own specialist skills. For example:<br />
Glover - who made gloves<br />
Gant or Gaunt - another name for a glover, from the French gant<br />
Bracegirdle - a belt maker<br />
Purser - who made purses<br />
Badger - a bag maker (and nothing to do with black and white animals at all!)<br />
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4 <b>Saddlery</b><br />
Making saddles and associated horse harness and tack was a very skilled job with lots of different styles for racing, hunting, and even side-saddles for the ladies.<br />
Sadler - obviously one who made saddles<br />
Burrell - less obviously a saddler, from the French bourrelier<br />
Sellers - also from the French, sellier, or saddler<br />
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5 <b>Associated metalwork</b><br />
And to hold all the leather harness bits together you need lots of specially shaped metalwork, collectively known as lorinery. Walsall had plenty of associated lorinery factories that supplied the leather workers. Their skills also gave us some associated surnames.<br />
Lorimer - a maker or dealer in lorinery<br />
Buckler - made buckles<br />
Sperrin - made spurs<br />
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And there you have it. Lots of hidden information in your name! Now go across to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see other fives this Friday.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-29827669679054015232017-04-14T00:55:00.000+01:002017-04-14T11:21:08.210+01:00Shell GrottoAs promised last week we're paying another visit to Margate Shell Grotto. Here are five photos of the mysterious structure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view down the tunnel</td></tr>
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There are a number of shell-decorated follies and grottoes in the UK but, unlike the majority, the grotto in Margate was created using native species - mainly mussels, cockles, whelks, limpets, scallops and oysters. Only four shells among the 4.6 million are exotic: two Caribbean queen conches and two Pacific giant clams. <br />
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This is just one of the weird things about the 104 feet long tunnel in Grotto Hill. The grotto takes the form of a winding passage that splits into two, forming a circle, then ending with a square space called the altar room. At the point where the path splits the ceiling rises to a dome with a gap at the top that allows some natural light to enter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up into the dome</td></tr>
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The shells form a series of panels along the walls, each with complicated designs incorporating symbols and pictograms that have been interpreted in several ways. Some people see little but attractive patterns, others have identified astrological signs, representations of ancient gods, phallic designs, and other mystical themes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail from the Aries panel</td></tr>
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According to local legend the grotto was discovered in 1835 when local landowner James Newlove decided to dig a duck pond. His son Joshua found a strange hole in the ground and James lowered him through it to see what lay beneath. The boy reported seeing pictures and a cave. Estimates of its age vary from several thousand years, to Victorian folly.<br />
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Other ideas have included the suggestion that the site was prehistoric; it might have been a Templar Chapel; or Newlove built the tunnels himself. Whatever the truth, the grotto became a tourist attraction within a couple of years, earning Newlove a considerable income.<br />
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It's been open to the public ever since, and it recently underwent a programme of restoration to prevent water damage. A new project was launched in 2012 to replace missing 'roundels'. Some parts of the patterns were created by fixing them to circles of slate, which have since fallen away. Those slates are now being repaired.<br />
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Now drop by <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/2017/04/five-on-friday.html" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see other Five on Friday posts.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-82604661219788892072017-04-10T13:08:00.000+01:002017-04-10T13:08:41.709+01:00April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's April, and the month began with such beautiful weather that I couldn't help but remember Robert Browning's poem Home Thoughts from Abroad:<br />
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O, to be in England<br />
Now that April 's there,<br />
And whoever wakes in England<br />
Sees, some morning, unaware,<br />
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf<br />
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,<br />
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough<br />
In England—now!<br />
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Our recent trip south also reminded me of something my Dad used to say - that the seasons march up and down the country at approximate walking speed. The apple trees of the Kent orchards were all in beautiful blossom whereas here in the Midlands the buds had yet to break. On our return our local trees are catching up.<br />
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Of course, April's also the month in which the cuckoo is known to arrive and traditionally across England there used to be Cuckoo Fairs to mark the season change and the arrival of Spring. Many involved releasing a cuckoo from a basket, though in Marsden in West Yorkshire they used to build a fence around a cuckoo's nest to try to make it stay longer.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-44290201232334254372017-04-07T00:32:00.000+01:002017-04-07T15:28:57.981+01:00Margate 5Sorry for a very brief Five this week. We've been away for my birthday. Where? Margate. (It's in Kent.) So here's five things from there.<br />
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Hundreds of men and women up and down the country risk their lives regularly in rough and hazardous seas to go to the help of others. There's a rescue boat near the harbour arm in Margate.<br />
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This clock is on the tower of the tourist information office, known as the Droit House, a building which used to act as the customs house and also the place where ships paid fees to enter the harbour.<br />
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The artist JMW Turner said Margate had the finest skies in all of Europe. And I have to admit they've been pretty good this week.<br />
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Turner was a bit of a rogue and in later life lived in Margate with a Mrs Booth - seaside landlady. While there he was known as Mr Booth, even though he had a wife and children back home in London. There's a sculpture on the harbour arm that's called Mrs Booth, and it's shaped like a souvenir shell lady - except it's MUCH bigger.<br />
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And finally - hidden in a back street away from the town centre is a mysterious cave. 104 feet long and decorated with 4.6 million shells. No-one knows who made it, when or why, but it was discovered in the 1830s and opened as a tourist attraction very shortly after. It deserves a post of its own - so watch out for more about it later.<br />
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This has been a very bitty Five on Friday post. Now head over to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see others that have been put together with much more care than mine!The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-23856304098587656002017-03-31T00:30:00.000+01:002017-03-31T10:09:17.935+01:00Leicester FiveA few weeks ago I had to visit Leicester for a meeting and on my way back to my car I passed the city art gallery in New Walk. I had a spare 20 minutes so I nipped in for a quick look. Here's a selection of what I found. Sorry about the quality of the photos - I took them with my phone.<br />
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The Bowman, oil on board, painted about 1825-30. It's by William Etty, (1787 - 1849) who was known for his landscapes featuring nudes. There's a larger version of this in York City Art Gallery, that shows more of the landscape, but still doesn't identify what he's aiming at. Etty was born in York and the gallery has a number of Etty's paintings.<br />
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The Sluggard by Frederick, Lord Leighton. Bronze, cast in 1890. Leighton (1830-1896) was a painter and sculptor who became president of the Royal Academy in 1878. This bronze was a small version of a life-sized work that now stands in Tate Britain.<br />
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Head of an Arab, oil on canvas, painted 1857. Believed to be a preparatory work, designed to perfect the head before including it in a larger work. Also by Lord Leighton.<br />
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Vulcan - no, it's nothing to do with Mr Spock - a bronze by Tiziano Aspetti (1565 - 1607). Aspetti worked mainly in his native Padua, and Venice. The small figure shows the Roman god of blacksmithing, fire and volcanoes, hence his powerful build and strong arms.<br />
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And for something different, I found a small exhibition of works by the artist William De Morgan (1839 - 1917), a lifelong friend of designer William Morris. These hand-painted, ceramic tiles are believed to have been designed as part of a commission for P&O Ships for interior decor.<br />
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Now off you go to <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's FAST blog</a> to see what other Five on Friday posts there are.<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-40395379778383297302017-03-24T00:52:00.000+00:002017-03-24T00:52:06.091+00:00Swarkestone Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week is the first time of hosting Five on Friday by Tricky at FAST blog. So to welcome him and start things well, here's five views of a rather impressive structure close to where I live. Sorry about the photos. It's not the easier thing to capture on film. (Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.fastblog.es/" target="_blank">Tricky's blog</a> to see what other people have written.)<br />
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The Grade I listed Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway, at almost a mile in length, is the longest stone bridge in England. At one time a bridge chapel and toll house stood on the causeway but there is little sign of them now. The structure crosses the River Trent flood plain between Swarkestone and Stanton-by-Bridge and is still a significant crossing for travellers passing from Derby to Melbourne.<br />
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It carries a bus route and it's quite creative driving when you meet one coming the other way. As you can see, it's narrow, and the photo shows one of the wider bits!<br />
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Built in the 13th century, the causeway is reputed to be the work of two local sisters whose lovers drowned while trying to cross the flood plain in high water. The horrified sisters saw the men swept away by the river and vowed that no-one else would suffer the same fate. They spent the rest of their lives building and maintaining the causeway and bridge and so were penniless when they died.<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-82433394306102150582017-03-17T00:54:00.000+00:002017-03-17T00:54:06.924+00:00More Place Names<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Yes, I know I've done <a href="http://theanorakspeaks.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/place%20names" target="_blank">place names</a> before but I've had a particularly hectic week and I'm pushed for time. I wanted to take part in Five on Friday this week because it's the last one to be hosted by <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Amy at Love Made My home</a>. I wanted to say thank you to her for looking after us for so long and being such a welcoming host. It's been fun, and I've learned lots from my fellow Fivers.<br />
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But please bear with me if this is short and sweet. I've chosen five places that have meant something to me for some reason, either that I've lived close to them, or passed through them regularly. <br />
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<b>Irthlingborough</b>, Northamptonshire. First recorded in 780 as Yrtlingaburg, which means "fortified manor belonging to the ploughmen" in Old English. The Domesday Book* (1086) called it Erdinburne, These days the locals call it Artleknock. I have no idea why!<br />
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<b>Margate,</b> Kent. First recorded as Meregate in 1254. From the Old English meaning "gap leading to the sea". Now known as the original seaside. (Though Northern coastal folk would disagree!)<br />
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<b>Meriden, </b>West Midlands. First mentioned in 1230. It means "pleasant valley" or "where merrymaking takes place" in Old English. In spite of what some people believe, its nothing to do with 'meridian' and absolutely not related to the fact that the village is as close to the centre of England as makes no difference.<br />
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<b>Wall,</b> Staffordshire. Originally listed as <i>Wal</i> in manorial documents from 1166. Want to guess what's there? Correct - it's a wall. In fact it's several walls dating from the Roman era when Letocetum was an important place on Watling Street. The old Roman road still runs through the village but its 'modern' replacement (The A5, brought 'up to date' by Thomas Telford in the 1820s.) runs past the village now.<br />
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<b>Wetwang,</b> North Yorkshire<br />
Mentioned in the Domesday Book* (1086). From the Old Scandinavian for "a place for trial of legal actions". We go past this place regularly on the way to see Mr Anorak's mother. We always laugh at the sound of it.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Notes</span></i><br />
*The Domesday Book (pronounced 'doomsday') was a record of the settlements in England after its defeat by the Normans in 1066. One of the first things William ordered was an extensive survey of what he now owned, and it was published 20 years later. It's a valuable historic source for researchers.<br />
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Much of the information in this post has been gathered from the Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names, (1998 Past Times edition)<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-88695049054698553032017-03-10T00:31:00.000+00:002017-03-10T00:31:01.635+00:00Scarborough FiveFor Five on Friday (which is still hosted by Amy at <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Love Made My Home</a>, for the next couple of weeks) we have five historic-ish things to be found in and around Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was,of course, The Anorak's home town and is still regularly visited by us when we hear the call of the sea.<br />
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<b>Captain Sydney Smith Bridge</b><br />
Named after a former Deputy Harbour Master who was also editor of Olsen's Fishermen's Nautical Almanac. He was decorated for his daring during WWII. The bridge, which lifts to allow craft in and out of the harbour, was erected in 2000.<br />
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<b>The Vickers gun</b><br />
In 1914 Scarborough was the target of a German attack from the sea when a huge number of shells fell on the town causing extensive damage. While this gun dates from the time it was not involved in defending Scarborough then. It was sited on the cargo ship SS Hornsund, which was sunk by torpedo in 1917 about two miles off shore. The gun was recovered by the local sub aqua club in 1982 and now stands close to the lighthouse.<br />
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<b>The horse trough</b><br />
This granite trough has stood on the harbour road since 1908, erected in memory of Godfrey Walker of Conisborough Priory, Yorkshire. One side was a drinking fountain for humans and the other side was a trough for horses. These days it's a flower pot.<br />
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<b>The Golden Ball Inn, Quay Street</b><br />
According to the <a href="http://www.scarboroughsmaritimeheritage.org.uk/article.php?article=258" target="_blank">Scarborough Maritime History Centre website</a>: "The Golden Ball, in Quay Street, was one of the better known inns. Of great age, it was noted for the "prime old ales" produced on the 30th September every year, St Jerome's Day, and the occasion for the election of new bailiffs at the nearby town hall. A brewery adjoined the house, where in 1821, Mark Coates fell into the mash tub."<br />
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More recently I'm prepared to admit it was the site of The History Anorak's early forays into pub attendance. I'm even prepared to admit that it might have been the site of some underage drinking! When my mother found out she was appalled - not because I'd been breaking the law by imbibing alcohol at 16, but by the fact that the pub was by the harbour and I must have been in close proximity to riff-raff mariners!<br />
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<b>Oliver's Mount</b><br />
Here's a close up view of the monument that stands on top of Oliver's Mount overlooking the town. You can see it easily from a lot of the area. It's the town's war memorial and I have many memories of my father laying a wreath on behalf of St John Ambulance back in the day. He looked smart in his black and white uniform and always brought much dignity to the act of remembrance. I can still picture him. The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-47186924848113199552017-03-03T00:15:00.000+00:002017-03-03T00:15:00.913+00:00Beeby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All Saints' Church, Beeby in Leicestershire is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Beeby is mentioned in the Domesday Book, the invading Normans' way of recording what they gained at the Battle of Hastings.<br />
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At the time there was no church. The earliest parts of the current building date from the 13th century. The upper level and the tower are from the 15th century.<br />
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Built in the local orange ironstone, Beeby stands out from its neighbouring parishes because of its unique stumpy spire that looks as if it was sawn off by some huge hand. <br />
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There's a beautifully carved 15th century wooden screen surrounding a chapel in the south aisle.<br />
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There are also remaining wooden box pews - a rare survival because the Victorians were fond of ripping them out. These are thought to date from the 18th and early 19th century.<br />
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But some of the most interesting points date from the era of rector George Calvert who was incumbent from 1818 to 1865. He decided to brighten up the 14th century nave arches by adding carved corbels in various designs, including a serpent, a skull and crossbones, and an angel.<br />
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The east window is by Victorian artist Thomas Willement and was commissioned in 1843. The main figures in the window are Noah, Daniel, Job, Abraham, Moses and Elijah, with the<br />
symbols of the Evangelists.<br />
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This has been a <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/p/five-on.html" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a> post. Please visit Amy at <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/p/five-on.html" target="_blank">Love Made My Home</a> to see more.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-56415847860541398592017-02-24T00:23:00.000+00:002017-02-24T00:23:01.927+00:00Trent Washlands <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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The earliest written record of the town of Burton on Trent dates from the 7th century, when St Modwen built a chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew on an island in the river. She constructed a well nearby and the water was reputed to cure all ills.<br />
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Wikipedia tells us that Modwen, or Modwenna was an Irish noblewoman who became a nun. After setting up the chapel in Burton she and two fellow nuns made a pilgrimage to Rome. On their return they built a church at nearby Stapenhill dedicated to St Peter and St Paul.<br />
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In 874 the town was invaded by Vikings, who are believed to have destroyed St Modwen's chapel. Only a cherry orchard and yew trees mark the site today.<br />
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The Saxon earl Wulfric Sport later built an abbey on the banks of the river and included a shrine to St Modwen. It was the monks of that abbey who sank more wells in the surrounding marsh and began brewing beer - the trade for which the town is now best known.<br />
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Much of the town's early history, including the site of St Modwen's chapel, is now covered by a public park called the Washlands. And dotted around the area are sculptures representing key figures and products.<br />
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Being a river town (they don't call it "on Trent" for nothing) Burton needs bridges, and the first one was built by the abbey monks, but their structure was replaced in 1864 by one that was strong enough to cope with the industrial traffic the town attracted by then. The Washlands are also crossed by a causeway that enables people from the Stapenhill area to walk to the centre of town, even when the river is in flood.<br />
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Like Marmite, for example. Apologies to any of my overseas readers who have never tasted the yeasty spread. It's a by-product of the brewing industry and, as the adverts say, you either love it or hate it. Personally I'm a fan. Anyone who knows it will instantly recognise the Marmite jar sculpture standing close to the washlands. <br />
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This has been a <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a> post, joining in with Amy at Love Made My Home. </div>
The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-8004806522764383992017-02-16T19:24:00.001+00:002017-02-18T15:07:28.130+00:00I fully admit that I have nothing prepared for this week's <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a>. It's been a tough week.<br />
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Here's five photos of post boxes. I can't tell you much about them, other than where they are. <br />
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This one's in Bath.We stayed there for a long weekend a couple of years ago and walked past this between town and our hotel. It's Victorian, as you can see from the impression on the front. Pretty, huh?<br />
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We found this one a few weeks ago in Shrewsbury. It's right next to the Abbey (of Brother Cadfael fame) Also Victorian, but not the same design as the last pic. Taller and narrower. Someone on my Flickr feed has trumpeted this as being 'original' and warned against replica and fake 'Victorian' boxes in other parts of the country. I'd hate to think the Bath one isn't real.<br />
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Oddly, this is just round the corner from the Shrewsbury Abbey model. I admit I've never seen a wall-mounted Victorian box before, so it might be what my Flickr pal was warning me about.<br />
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Another wall mounted version - this time a lot younger. It's in Castle Donington in Leicestershire. I love the way it's been given its own 'frame', presumably to give it enough space at the back to hold posted letters. Look at the size of its 'mouth'. Letters have clearly got much bigger since Victorian times.<br />
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I've saved the best till last. Ignore the ugly brickwork and very poor standard pointing. This one can be found in the old Cadbury village of Bournville just outside Birmingham. George Cadbury cared deeply about his work force and built a special village for them surrounding the factory. It offered much higher standards of living than were available in the city. Green open spaces, large houses, gardens, and relatively clean air. The architecture was also tasteful, as shown by this wonderful post box. As far as I know it's unique.<br />
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Sorry this post's pathetic. I promise to try harder next week!The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-76827068461849239222017-02-10T00:31:00.000+00:002017-02-10T00:31:04.736+00:00Snicket - or is it?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compass Passage, Shrewsbury</td></tr>
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<b>Snicket</b><br />
Back when I was a young Anorak there was a short cut from our street to the centre of my village. It was a paved gap between two sets of houses and we always referred to it as "the snicket". I grew up in North Yorkshire, close to the east coast, but the word was my mother's, and she came from West Yorkshire; altogether closer to the spine of England. According to my recent research, snicket is actually a north western word, originating from the Lake District.<br />
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<b>Ginnel/Jennel</b><br />
My part of the world is apparently more likely to call such an alleyway a ginnel<span style="color: red;">*</span>, although it's not a word I heard until I moved to South Yorkshire. A friend who now lives in Sheffield (South Yorkshire) but is originally from Derbyshire, calls them jennels, which is clearly from the same source.<br />
<span style="color: red;">*</span> Pronounced like give, not like gin.<br />
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<b>Twitchel</b><br />
I currently live in the East Midlands where, I'm reliably informed by the OED, that the term for a passage between houses is a twitchel. Its earliest recorded use was from the 15th century in Nottingham, and it's believed to be a variant of the Old English word twichen, which was used in Anglo Saxon charters for a place where two roads met. <br />
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<b>Chare</b><br />
Back up north in Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne they call them chares, and evidence comes from a 13th century map of Gateshead that included the street Potter's Chare. However, if you head south to Oxfordshire you'll find the obviously related words tchure, chure and chewer. They're all probably corruptions of the Old English cierr, meaning turning.<br />
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<b>Wynd</b><br />
And that brings us to Scotland, where they spoke a completely different language for many years and still sound as if they do in some parts of the country. Way up there alleyways are called wynds - pronounced like whined - and the origin might be similar to that of the word wind (as in to twist). Incidentally, narrow boat people talk about 'winding' when they turn a boat around. It's pronounced like the North Wind (doth blow, and we shall have snow, etc) and it takes a bit of getting used to when you first hear it regularly. But that's yet another glory of the English language!<br />
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Research from: <a href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2014/10/regional-words-alleyway/">http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2014/10/regional-words-alleyway/</a><br />
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This has been a <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a> post.<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-31809363305049531312017-02-03T01:28:00.000+00:002017-02-03T01:28:06.506+00:00History sculpturesOne thing I love is public sculpture that is, things that you find on the street, or the side of buildings, rather than having to go into a galery or museum to see.<br />
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Here, for <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/p/five-on.html" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a>, are a selection of statues or sculptures that commemorate something historical.<br />
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Jersey was the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by Germany during the second world war. This is a sculpture commemorating the liberation. It stands in a square in St Helier where the advance parties of the Royal Navy and British Army landed to drive out the German forces.<br />
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The design met with severe criticism from some sources because it shows a group of figures releasing doves of peace. any pointed out that conditions under German rule had been so strict that people were close to starvation and any doves on teh island would have been eaten!<br />
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It's by Philip Jackson. One of my favourite sculptors.<br />
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This one stands on a traffic roundabout in Birmingham, outside the Castle Bromwich Jaguar (engine) factory. It's called Sentinel, and it shows a number of Spitfire planes (which had Jaguar engines) taking off. It's by Tim Tolkien, great grand nephew of the Lord of the Rings author.<br />
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This bronze by Shona Kinloch sits in the market place in Loughborough (which just won an award for being one of the best outdoor markets in the country - and it is) and represents much more than the town's connection with the hosiery industry.<br />
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From the national public art record.....<br />
"According to the sculptor, the 'sock pattern echoes the zig-zag of the new bollards in the Market Place, while the surrounding Art Deco buildings (e.g. the Curzon Cinema) inspired his deco hair cut'. On the figure's right arm is an incised tattoo of a heart above the word 'Loughborough' set within a scroll motif. The bollard on which he sits is decorated with incised images from the history of the town: a railway track and train, representing Thomas Cook's first tourist excursion from Leicester to Loughborough in 1842, a canal and barge representing the introduction of the Soar Navigation and Leicester Navigation in the eighteenth century, factories and sheep for the woollen industry, one of local agriculturalist Robert Bakewell's longhorn cattle, bells to represent the town's bell-founding industry, and the towers, etc. of Loughborough University. The sculptor has also commemorated the year in which she began the piece with an image of the Hale Bop comet."<br />
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On the night of 14 October 1881 a terrible storm blew up off the east of Scotland that affected almost every fishing village along the coast.<br />
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The storm devastated the fishing fleet and 189 fishermen were drowned, many within sight of the shore. 129 were from Eyemouth, 24 from Burnmouth, 15 from Newhaven, 11 from Cove, 7 from Musselburgh, and 3 from Coldingham Shore (now called St Abbs) More than 70 women were widowed and 300 plus children left without fathers as a result.<br />
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This is one of a series of monuments that stand along the shore in the villages that lost their men. Erected to mark the 125th anniversary of the disaster. St Abbs Bronze sculpted by Jill Watson.<br />
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This photo fails to give any idea of the scale of this piece. It's huge: 35 feet high and 27 feet wide.<br />
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The sculpture in Tunstall, part of Stoke on Trent, stands at the centre of a new shopping precinct, which used to be the site of the old Wedgwood factory. It represents a shard of Roman pottery, carrying the potter's fingerprint, that was found in an underground kiln when the site was redeveloped. Truly this piece marks the centuries of pottery production in the area.<br />
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It's by sculptor Robert Erskine who very kindly <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/historyanorak/3259784583/in/album-72157607094647699/" target="_blank">contacted me</a> after I posted this photo on Flickr wondering why it hadn't been made in ceramic. It wouldn't have worked, apparently, and certainly wouldn't have survived very long. The Tunstall Shard is stainless steel and should be good for a couple of centuries. It's also wonderful.<br />
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<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-86776434668858059682017-01-27T00:36:00.000+00:002017-01-27T00:36:16.743+00:00In MemoriamThe National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire has a monument at its heart, the Armed Forces Memorial, that is still under construction.<br />
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It is a vast enclosed space with sculptures representing the grief and loss that armed conflict causes. It consists of a circular wall with two straight walls across the centre. It is dedicated to the service men and women who have lost their lives in the course of their duty since the end of WWII. There are 224 columns of names with about 80 in each and the list continues to grow.<br />
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It is one of the most moving places I have ever been.<br />
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The atmosphere within the memorial is added to greatly by the skill of the sculptor - <a href="http://www.ianrank-broadley.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ian Rank-Broadley</a>. If you're British you are already familiar with his work, since he designed the portrait of the Queen on UK coinage introduced in 1998. He's one of my personal favourites and I first became aware of his work in 2002 when I saw some of his large pieces in a sculpture exhibition.<br />
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You probably can't read the words on the lit side of the wall, but it says: "Through this space a shaft of sunlight falls at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month." And when it does shine through, it falls onto a bronze wreath.<br />
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Although the memorial dominates the site, set as it is on top of a large mound, there are other monuments representing various armed forces and voluntary services, like this one commemorating the RNLI. <br />
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If you are ever within a sensible distance and you haven't already been, I recommend a visit.<br />
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This has been a <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Five%20on%20Friday" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a> post.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-13239843498263125892017-01-20T03:28:00.000+00:002017-01-20T03:28:04.408+00:00BricksWhen was the last time you looked at a brick wall? I mean really looked at it. I know what you're thinking: "Why would I?" Well, there's a lot more to brickwork than you'd realise. Anyone who has heard the story of the Three Little Pigs knows that bricks create a safe and stable structure in which to live or store goods. But over the millennia of their history they have often been much more than that.<br />
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Back in Tudor times bricks were the preserve of the rich. The amount of work involved, in preparing the clay, shaping individual bricks, and firing them, made them an expensive material. Noblemen across England showed off their status by investing in vast brick mansions, often with contrasting-coloured patterns built in.<br />
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This is the gateway at Hodsock Priory near Blyth in Nottinghamshire. It dates from the early 16th century and gives a hint of how magnificent the actual house must have been. In spite of the name, Hodsock was never a Priory. The current house is a Victorian replacement, unfortunately.<br />
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Bricks have various specialist terms connected to them. For example, the long sides are called stretchers. The short sides are headers. The right-angled edges are called arisses. The dent where the mortar goes is called a frog. The brick height is called the gauge. Tudor bricks are typically much shallower gauge than modern ones.<br />
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Bricklaying patterns - or bonds - have changed over the years. For example, modern brickwork tends to be what's known as stretcher bond, where all the long edges face the front.<br />
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This mostly came about because of the advent of double skin houses with a cavity between the two walls. The idea was that an air gap would help insulate the house, because air is a poor conductor of heat. But the popularity of cavity wall insulation a few years ago has shown that wasn't true.<br />
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Earlier construction used different patterns. This, for example,<br />
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is a classic Victorian era bridge over the canal system in Birmingham. (The gate is to allow fire fighters to put hoses into the canal to use them as a water source.) You will notice that the bricks are in alternate courses of headers and stretchers. This is known as English bond. The wall is, of course, two bricks wide because the headers are twice the length of the stretchers. Other bonds include Flemish, which consists of rows of alternate headers and stretchers, with the headers centred on the mid-point of the stretchers, <br />
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Here's another pattern - called herringbone. As you can see it's the infill in a half-timbered house. This was a Tudor way of having bricks more cheaply than using them for the whole wall. The infill is called nogging. Aren't brick words wonderful?<br />
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And finally we come to what is possibly the most interesting thing about bricks altogether. Some of them have names!<br />
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This collection can be found at Derby Silk Mill Museum and shows just a few of the makers who could be found in the area. As you can see, the names are mostly in the frog, or are on the surface that will be cemented against the next course. Not every brick has a name, and a very few have it on a surface that will be visible. And that's where the fun comes in. Sometimes you can find a name on a wall that tells you where the bricks came from. Like this:<br />
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(Bonus photo.)<br />
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Today's post has been created for <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a>.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-63217307661650753342017-01-13T00:37:00.000+00:002017-01-13T12:33:23.137+00:00Unlucky<br />
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Today is Friday the Thirteenth. Perhaps that isn't very important to you, but an awful lot of people are scared by the date. Some even go so far as to stay home to avoid potential disaster. But why? Many people think that the superstition is based on beliefs linked to the Last Supper. Indirectly, it is, because it does incorporate the old (17th century) idea that having 13 people sat at a dining table is bad luck. It also takes in the medieval belief that Fridays are unlucky in general. However, the first recorded mention of Friday 13th being specifically bad news is from 1913.<sup>1</sup><br />
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Now, suppose your shoelace comes undone. Make sure you walk nine paces before you put it right, or you'll be tying bad luck to yourself all day. Don't blame me if you trip up before the nine paces are over. Broken bootlaces as an omen of ill luck date back to the 17th century, particularly if it happens just as you're about to set off on a journey. <sup>2</sup><br />
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A couple of weeks from now, 25 January to be exact, is St Paul's Day and you should watch the weather carefully because it forebodes what will happen in the future. Hope that it dawns fair, for that means this year will have a good harvest. However, rain or snow signifies scarcity or famine; clouds and mist will bring pestilence; and winds will blow in war. <sup>3</sup><br />
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Most people know better than to open an umbrella indoors, but did you also know that it's considered bad luck to drop a brolly? And under no circumstances should you pick it up yourself, although sources vary on what will happen if you do.<sup>1</sup><br />
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Finally, you all know that a horseshoe is lucky, right? Well, maybe. It depends which way up you put it. In some parts of the country it should have the points upwards, to stop the luck running out, but i other areas you'll be blamed for offering the devil a seat if you nail it up that way. Always nail it, by the way, which ever way you decide to go, because the nails increase the luck! <sup>Family folklore.</sup><br />
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1. Roud, Steve (2003) <i>The Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland</i>. Penguin, London.
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2 Simpson, Jacqueline and Roud, Steve (2000) <i>A Dictionary of English Folklore</i>. Oxford University Press.<br />
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3. Various authors (1973) Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain. Reader's Digest, London.<br />
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This post has been written for <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/five-on-friday.html" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a>The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-70528845331458747882017-01-06T00:42:00.000+00:002017-01-06T11:39:34.991+00:00Happy New Year Friday Fivers! And just for you, here are five 'new' things for your perusal.<br />
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In Newcastle upon Tyne you will find Parsons Polygon. Designed by David Hamilton it's actually a ventilation shaft for Newcastle's Metro system. It commemorates Sir Charles Parsons (1854-1931) who designed Turbinia, a steam powered ship. The shapes in the terracotta tiles are taken from his engineering drawings.<br />
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Here's a very old photo of New Brighton. (That's on the Wirral side of the Mersey, in case you don't know.) I estimate it's about 1933, which would make my mum (yes, that's my mum on the left) about 10. Doesn't my grandad look smart in his bowler? <br />
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Here's a rather arty shot of the Newport (Gwent) transporter bridge. Opened 1906. Newport transporter bridge crosses the River Usk at a point where an arched bridge would have been too steep and a lifting bridge would have hindered shipping. A gondola is suspended from the deck and is hauled across the river by cable. The towers are 242 feet high and the crossing is 593 feet.<br />
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In the Cotswold village of Bourton on the Water you'll find a pub called the Old New Inn (to differentiate it from the New New Inn!) and behind it you'll find a model village. And in the model village you'll find a model of the Old New Inn. (You'll also find a model of the model village, which has its own model village!)<br />
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Grand Central Station is possibly New York's most famous transport hub. It began life as Grand Central Depot and served trains from the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, New York and Harlem Railroad and the New York and New Haven Railroad. It first opened in 1871. Between 1899 and 1900 the main building was overhauled and the edifice was renamed. Here's the iconic clock from the central hall.<br />
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For more Friday fives visit Amy's blog, <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/five-on-friday-linkup-number-5.html" target="_blank">Love Made My Home</a>.<br />
<br />The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881535872477294850.post-28095345711310231722016-12-30T00:44:00.000+00:002016-12-30T09:38:00.848+00:00Moths2017 will be Hull's turn as UK City of Culture. It's a well deserved title, because Hull has a lot of public art as well as significant gallery collections. Currently there's a flight of moth sculptures scattered around the city to commemorate aviator Amy Johnson, who was born in the city. For more about Amy <a href="http://thehistoryanorak.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/amy-johnson-aviatrix.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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This was the first one we found on our recent trip to Hull. (It's Mr Anorak's home town, of course.) It's called Horizon's Path and was created by artist Sam Tasker. The blue bit represents the freedom of the skies, the maroon bit signifies women's equality, and the white line represents Amy's flight path to Australia.<br />
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This is called Engineer, and it was painted by Hannah van Green. It's a mark of respect for Amy's mechanical skills.<br />
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This is World Moth by an artist called Pinky. It's inspired by the fact that Amy flew half way round the world, and represents some of the landscapes she must have passed along the way.<br />
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And here we have Air Mail by David Graham. It charts Amy's flight path and each of the stamps and post marks represents a time and place where she touched down. It also shows various ways that post has taken to the skies over the years - including by pigeon!<br />
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And here's Fly High, also by Pinky. It's supposed to represent Amy's achievements, both as a flyer and in her personal life, overcoming attitudes to women at the time.<br />
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The exhibition continues until March 2017.The History Anorakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09718067264562106116noreply@blogger.com0