Over a month ago we began our busy and exciting Eurotrip. Sadly, our precious pup Harley could not come. Though he was missed, we made sure to have an excellent time with lots of stories to share with him upon our return.
Note: The Air Transat plane was a comfortable upgrade from some we have flown on in the past. I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely the best one of the trip.
Our first stop took us back to England for Matt’s second and my third time. Cask ales, castles, charming British accents, history and of course, long lost family… what’s not to love? Something always feels like home here. I am not sure if it is the always warm welcome, the comforting level of Stirk crazy, the thankfully familiar language or the delicious dinners but I am glad we chose Shropshire as our first destination.
We managed to squeeze in a rest day before heading out to see the sights! Enjoy!
Ludlow is an 11th century castle ruins with a rich history. It was built by Walter de Lacy, William the Conqueror’s second in command, to secure his newly aquired lands along the border of England and Wales. It was also the principal seat of Richard Mortimer, Duke of York in the 1400s. He went on to lead the Yorkists in the War of the Roses. His son, Edward IV as well as his grandsons, the Princes in the Tower, were all brought up within the walls of Ludlow Castle. Prince Arthur, Henry VIII’s elder brother died here during his honeymoon with future queen, Catharine of Aragon. His heart was buried at Ludlow.
So, yeah… there is your quick history lesson. Today the castle ruins are a wonderful example of man vs. nature. Walking through, I couldn’t help but notice all the beautiful ways in which the plants here are taking back their land. Along with the vegetation, Ludlow Castle also hosts many festivals and educational programs throughout the year. Most notably the Ludlow Food Spring Festival with food, classic cars and lots of CRAFT BEER! How could we have missed it?! Next time…
Beginning its life as a medieval fortress in the 1200s, Powis Castle eventually became the home of the Herbert family. Each generation added to the collection creating a very unique accumilation of art and historical items.
There were literally sooooo many things! It reminded me of an episode of hoarders with really interesting, historical and expensive stuff… in a CASTLE! Among my favourite things on our tour was the pietre sure table (#2). Legend be told, a gift from the pope! Because these marble and semi-precious stone tables are so heavy, it is very rare to have the top as well as the stand together like the one at Powis. Though I did not take any photos inside, I did manage to snap some of the gardens and the exterior of the castle.
Wightwick is an Old English style Victorian Era manor built under the influence of the Art and Crafts Movement in 1887. Though not nearly as old as the first two places, there was still a significant amount of historical architecture, art and artifacts.
A couple of things that stood out to me were the William De Morgan ceramic fireplaces, the woodwork in the grand parlour, and the secret stair from the drawing room to the bedroom. I had to ask to see it! If Lady Mander saw there was company coming she could sneak off to fix herself up and greet them by coming down the grand stairway. So cool!
FAMILY!
The Adventures of HAM 