Itinerary
Friday
2nd July Day One.
Party arrives Manchester on flight
----------- at approx 8.55am
Departing from the arrivals lounge walk to the coach waiting close by.
Ready to leave at approx 10.00am
Journey North East across the Pennines to arrive Fountains Abbey
At approx 12noon.
Fountain Abbey (Declared a world heritage site)
The
majestic ruins of possibly the Greatest Abbey in England, stand in this scenic
valley of the River Skell. Just a few miles South West of Ripon.
Even today so much of the building is still visible. From very humble
beginnings, a rise to power then total Dissolution under Henry VIII. It
was from St Mary`s Abbey York, that the prior and some followers left to
establish a new Cistercian order here at Fountains in 1132. They started
to build and over the years the community grew in property, prosperity &
recruits. Unfortunately this power and wealth replaced the original Cistercian
ideals and was a great prize for Henry VIII during the Dissolution. He
sold it to Sir Richard Gresham in 1540. One can clearly see from the ruins
the picture of what life in a Monastic institution was like during the middle
ages. The tower stands a remarkable 168ft in height with the church
extending some 360ft. In 1738 William Aisdale who owned the adjoining
Studley Royal Estate purchased Fountains and continued to mould the two
together. Landscaping and gardening as he went along. Today the
Cistercian Abbey ruins are the largest in Britain blending in naturally with a
landscape of ornamental lakes, cascades, bridges, river walks and eye catching
vistas. A 500 head deer colony live in the deer park and at night the
whole area of the ruins are floodlit.
Web Link
Lunch own arrangements
(café & restaurant on site)
Guided tour of the Abbey and site
arranged at 12.45pm
Ready to meet back at the coach at 2.30pm
Continuing North on the A1/M to arrive Durham at approx 3.30pm
At the Durham Marriott
A very nice 4 star hotel with over 150 bedrooms all en-suite with colour t/v and
tea/coffee making facilities in each room.
Nice lounges and bar with an excellent restaurant.
Plus a leisure centre with heated indoor pool.
Superbly situated close to city centre and only a short walk of maybe 10 minute
(uphill) to the Cathedral
Web Link
Time to attend
Evensong at the Cathedral at 5.15pm
(to conclude approx. 6.00pm)
Evening meal arranged for the group
in the hotel at 6.30pm
* * * *
Saturday
3rd
July Day Two
Full breakfast from 7.30am at the
Marriott Hotel
Durham
It is not only the lover of
architecture who will be thrilled by Durham. It is one of the most
visually exciting cities in Britain. The magnificent Norman Cathedral and
the Castle stand proudly on a sandstone hill almost enclosed by a steep banked
wooded bend of the River Wear. It is a scene well worth looking at from
every vantage point. The best views are obtained from the railway station,
Prebends Bridge, South Street, Silesgate and also Palace Green. The Castle
was built in 1069 by the Norman invaders and the town grew up under the Castle
walls between the two river crossings at Elvet and Framwellgate. Durham is
not a large city but is a centre of local government and education (Durham
University was created as the third university in England by an act of
Parliament in 1832)
Web Link
Meet at the West
end ready for a guided tour of the Cathedral at 10.00am
Durham Cathedral
The Cathedral was
founded as a shrine for the body of St Cuthbert. When Viking raids forced
the monks
on Lindisfarne to flee in
875. They carried with them the body of the saint, they reached Durham in
995 after time at Chester le Street and Ripon. In Durham the coffin seemed
to become rooted to the ground and the spot for the new shrine was revealed in a
vision. By 998 they had built a church (nothing remains of this early
building) it quickly became a place of pilgrimage. The Bishops became
Prince Bishops of Durham giving the city the right to raise armies, own
nobility, coinage and courts. All these privileges were ended in 1836.
The present Cathedral Church of Christ and blessed Mary the Virgin was built
between 1093 and 1133 to a plan of Bishop William of Calais. He died but
the work continued under Bishop Flambard. It is possibly the finest Norman
building in Europe. St Cuthberts body was brought to his shrine behind the
high altar in 1104. The Cathedral was the first in Northern Europe to be
covered with stone ribbed vaulting and it has the earliest pointed transverse
arches in England. There are few monuments because of a long held rule
that no one should be buried in the shrine of st cuthbert. From the South
side aisle a door leads to the monks dormitory, a great timbered hall 194ft by
39ft where some of
the Cathedrals prized possessions can be seen, they include St Cuthberts
illuminated manuscripts. In front of the font is a line of marble, the
nearest point that women were allowed to get to the altar. Almost no
amount of time is to long to spend in this unique place of worship.
Web Link
On completion of the tour, free time
in the city
Lunch own arrangements
The Cathedral does have a nice café
also places round the Green and in the city for a cuppa.
Afternoon in the City ----- Free
Time
Possible visit to St. Oswald's Church for those who have never visited before
St Oswalds
Church Durham
The recovery of two parts of a 9th Century Anglo-Saxon sculptured
cross shaft from the 15th Century towers West wall and the discovery
of two cross shafts and part of a cross head of the 10th or 11th
Century found during the 19th Century suggests an ancient foundation,
even a church on the site before the community of St Cuthbert settled on the
Durham Peninsula in 995. Surveys have since suggested evidence of a Pre
Norman building underlying the current structure. The earliest known
rector, Dolfin was here in 1156. The earliest visible portions of the
current church are the four Eastern arcades of the Nave and the Chancel arch
dating from 1195. The church was enlarged in the 13th Century
and in 1412 the West ends of the aisles were added. The tower was added in
the 15th Century and a Clerestory added to the Nave with a fine
hammer beam roof.
In 1825 the church was declared dangerous and temporarily closed.
Proposal’s to demolish the church were bought forward but due to the opposition
of parishioners, drastic repairs and restoration work followed in 1834. A
Vestry was added North of the Chancel, the Clerestory renewed and the fine 15th
Century Nave roof was replaced. Further work was undertaken in 1864 to rebuild
the Chancel which had become unstable. Stained glass by Ford Madox Brown
of William Morris and Co was inserted in the West window. A second Vestry
was added in 1883
The organ of 1864 replaced in 1915 & 1979 was destroyed in a deliberate fire on
Ash Wednesday 1984. The fire not only destroyed the organ but caused much
damage to the church and especially the Chancel. All where restored and in
1988 a new organ was completed. Planned by Nicholas Thislethwaite,
designed by Henry Moss and built by Peter Collins it occupies a new West
gallery.
The site has been the place of a christian foundation for 1100 years and
continues to serve the needs of its parishioners
Web Link
Dr john
Bacchus Dykes (1823-76)
Was the
Vicar of St Oswalds from 1862 to 1876. Amongst his many notable hymns which are
still in wide use, are “Nicaea” commonly sung to the words “Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty”. “Wir Pflugen”, harmonised by Dykes and commonly sung to
the words “we plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land”. “Melita”
sung to the words “for those in peril on the sea” “Gerontious” sung to the words
“praise to the holiest in the height” “Dominus Regit me” sung to the words “the
king of love my shepherd is” Dr Dykes was also involved with the classic
Victorian hymn book “hymns ancient & modern” and wrote a number of tunes for the
book. He his buried in the extension churchyard opposite the church.
Time to attend
Evensong at the Cathedral at 5.15pm
(to conclude approx. 6.00pm)
Evening meal own arrangements
* * * *
Sunday
4th July Day Three
Full breakfast from 7.30am at the
Marriott Hotel
Ready to leave the hotel at 8.40am
Journey North to Hexham Abbey to attend morning service
Hexham abbey
Two
contrasting church styles set in one building. The old church to the East
comprising the magnificent Crossing and Chancel. Together with Temple
Moores Scholastic Nave started in 1905 to the West. Hexham has suffered
more than most from its prime location, not far from Hadrians Wall. The
7th Century foundation by St Wilfred was burnt and plundered by the Vikings.
The restored Augustine Priory refounded in 1113 was then attacked by the Scots
under William Wallace at the end of the 13th Century, the Nave was
destroyed and not rebuilt. Therefore it is to the East end one naturally
is drawn, early Gothic architecture in a Parish Church. It is in this area
where the transept is dominated by the Priory`s famous night staircase.
Described by many as one of the finest Monastic relics in an English church.
A treasure trove of architectural gems. Lest not forget the Crypt,
beneath the Nave a Saxon Tunnel vaulted chamber built primarily of Roman Stones
its arch reputedly dating from the 7th Century. Many Celtic and
Roman relics of their occupation adorn the fabric of this lovely Church
Web Link
Sunday Choral Eucharist Service at
10.00am
On completion of the service time in the town for a wander
Lunch own arrangements
Ready to load the coach at 1.30pm onward to Hadrian’s Wall
Sit back and enjoy the countryside as the bus goes deep into
Northumberland to discover Hadrians Wall
Hadrians wall
The
most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is a world
heritage site and is by far the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire.
Built by order of Emperor Hadrian on his visit to Britain in 122AD. It
took 6 years to build and is 73 miles in length, 15ft high and runs from
Wallsend in the East to Bowness on Solway in the West. It was built to
separate the Romans from the Barbarians.
When the Romans left in about 400AD the wall became derelict and stones where
used in buildings and walls all, over the area.
Web Link
To arrive at Housesteads Fort at
approx 2.00pm
Visit, guided tour & a walk along
the wall arranged at 2.30pm
Housesteads
Fort (Vercovicium)
Possibly the remains of the most complete Roman Fort in Britain. Superb position
with commanding views all round, spectacular scenery. See the foundations
of the fort, granaries, barrack blocks, hospital, latrines. Excellent views of
the wall as it joins the fort.
Web Link
Ready to depart at 4.45pm
With an arrival in Durham at approx
6.00pm
Evening meal arranged for the group
in the hotel at 6.45pm
* * * *
Monday
5th July
Day Four
Today is a move
day listen to instructions
Please bring luggage down to the
coach at 7.00am on the way to breakfast
Full breakfast from 7.00am at the Marriott Hotel
Ready to load coach at 8.05am
Journey South to the market town of Selby with a arrival at approx 10.00am
Time to wander round the Abbey and town
Selby
A market town in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It is believed to be the
birthplace of Henry 1st in 1068, only son of William the Conqueror to
be born in England. The Abbey is the dominant building facing the broad
market place
Web Link
Selby Abbey
Founded by Benedict of Auxerre, a Nonk in 1069 who directed by a vision was
instructed to go to Selebaie a area in England to build a Church. The
story goes that he sailed up the River Ouse to the spot he had dreamed about and
at that very moment three swans alighted on the river. He took this as a
sign of the Holy Trinity’s approval. He planted a cross and built a hut at
the spot. However this was the Kings land and he was trespassing but he
eventually gained approval and assent from the king. William made Benedict
an Abbot and gave him a large area of land.
Selby was the first Monastic foundation in Northern England after the Norman
Conquest. But the Second Abbot Hugh De Lacy was the real architect and
builder. The present Abbey was started in 1097 and the first phase
completed by 1123. But the Nave took nearly 100 years to build, hence as
it progressed from East to West the architecture changed from Norman to early
English but is perhaps the greatest attraction of this great building. The
Chancel was built between 1280 & 1340. In the dissolution it became a
Parish Church. In 1690 the great central tower fell down and in 1906 a
fire swept the building. The last work on the building took place in 1935.
The Abbey celebrated its 900th birthday in 1969
Web Link
Lunch own arrangements in the town
Ready to leave from the drop off
point at 12.15pm
Continue South to Coventry to arrive at approx 2.25pm
Ready to meet the guide at 2.30pm for a guided walking tour of the City and
Cathedrals
Coventry
Probably owes its
origins to the erection in the 7th Century of an Anglo Saxon convent.
However it was the later Benedictine Abbey founded by Leofric, Earl of Mercia in
the 11th Century that gave the town its impetus to grow. It was granted
its first charter in 1553. The mechanization of the 19th Century brought
the manufacture of sewing machines and bicycles right into the city. The
Daimler company produced the first English motorcar in 1898 and the car industry
increased rapidly, giving rise in turn to aircraft production. It was the
aircraft production Germany came to bomb in 1940, it was a cold November night
in 1940 when much of the city was wiped out by a devastating fire bombing air
raid, thousands of people killed and injured, the Cathedral was also destroyed,
leaving only a tower and a spire standing.
Web Link
Priory
undercroft
This offers a fascinating glimpse into the best preserved remains of Coventry’s
original Benedictine Monastery, dissolved by Henry VIII. Discovered and
excavated by the Coventry archaeological team as part of the Phoenix initiative,
stone vaulted rooms, a courtyard, doorways and passages are open for visitors to
experience by guided tour.
Coventry Cathedral
In 1951 an open
architectural competition for a new Cathedral was held and won by a design by
Basil Spence. A new Cathedral was born, started in 1954 it was finished in
1962. Today thousands of visitors are drawn to the new building, acclaimed
as one of the most striking examples of modern architecture. The nave is
270ft long and 80ft wide with the focal point a superb 75ft high tapestry
designed by Graham Sutherland and woven in France. The theme
reconciliation and unity by all people from whatever religion of whatever creed
or colour, the rising of hope from the ashes of war.
Web Link
Guided tour to conclude at approx
4.15pm
Time allowed to attend Choral Evensong at 5.15pm (To conclude usually at
6.00pm)
Return to the coach ready to leave at 6.15pm
Short journey to our evening meal stop at approx 6.30pm
Evening meal arranged at-------
Time to leave at 8.00pm
Journey South to Cotswold Country to arrive at your hotel at approx 9.15pm
Cheltenham
Set on a sheltered
ridge between the high Cotswolds and the Severn Vale the town enjoys a pleasant
and equable climate. Cheltenham is one of the finest Spa towns in Europe,
with a wealth of regency houses bordering elegant squares, crescents, terraces
and open spaces. George III an inveterate frequenter of spas, visited the
town in 1738 and set his seal of approval by staying at Bayshill lodge.
Lansdown Place and Montpellier Parade, among similar thoroughfares and the
Rotunda, the design for its dome being based on the Pantheon in Rome.
Montpellier walk with its shops separated by Caryatids must be one of the most
unusual shopping precincts in the world. Out on the Bath Road are two of
Cheltenham`s famous schools, Cheltenham College for boys was originally built
between 1841 and 1843. With the nearby Cheltenham Ladies college founded
by Miss Beale, the ardent Victorian champion of good education for girls.
Web Link
Time to book in
and sort out luggage
At the holiday inn express, a modern 3 star hotel for a three night stay
Lifts to all floors, nice sized bedrooms,
All en-suite with colour t/v and tea/coffee making facilities
Nice café and bar area with outside seating for the summer nights
The hotel is situated
just 8-10 minutes walk from the famous promenade
Breakfast is provided each morning continental type help yourself.
Quite a few
cafes & restaurants within 5 minutes walk of the hotel.
Holiday Inn Express
Web Link
Maybe finish off a very interesting day with a drink in the bar.
* * * *
Tuesday 6th
July Day Five
Full breakfast from 7.30am at the
hotel
Day in the
Cotswolds
Ready to leave the hotel at 8.45am
A different England, the landscape is changing, much softer, more mellow,
A warmer countryside with hedgerows, fields, all manner of trees,
Little villages nestling in hidden valleys,
Only one place like this in the whole of England. The gateway to........
The Cotswolds
Developed from the
Anglo Saxon words Cot and Wold, Cot meaning sheep pen. Wold meaning high windy
ground, that certainly can describe the area well, especially in the winter.
The soil is poor on the Wolds and not a lot of it but a great area for rearing
sheep. Hence the numerous villages with lovely churches (known as wool
churches) built by wealthy landowners centuries ago. The area is also
famous for the Cotswold stone a soft stone which yellows with age. Many
cottages will be seen built of Cotswold stone.
Web Link
Cotswold
Images
A journey of just
40 minutes will bring the coach to a Cotswold gem.
Burford
Can certainly lay claim
to being one of the most beautiful Cotswold towns. A superb High Street
slopes gently down to a three arch bridge spanning the River Windrush.
Some of the buildings such as the Bear Inn, Crown Inn and the Grammer School can
readily identify their roots in the 15th Century. A fine church
exists, St John, hidden from view down a lane at the foot of the High Street.
A wonderful mixture of accretion (add on's as and when money became available or
persons so decided) the tower is definitely Norman so is the West Doorway.
The Guild of Merchants chapel circa 1200 but remodelled in the 15th
Century. In May 1649 Cromwell imprisoned a group of mutineers in the
church for 3 nights after which they were to be shot. When three had been
executed Cromwell relented, one of the group “Sedley” scratched his name on the
font. In even earlier times the Anglo Saxons defeated the Mercians at the
battle of Edge now a playing field near the church. It is also written
that in 683 a council was convened at Burford attended by the King of Mercia at
which the date of Easter was fixed for the English church. The wealth of
the region coming from the surrounding sheep country during the middle ages.
To really appreciate Burford take time to walk the High Street.
Web
Link
Web Link to St John the Baptist Church Burford
Drop off in the
village at approx
9.20pm
Some really good quality shops selling nicely made local goods.
Do try and make time to visit the parish church
Time to go, ready to leave at
11.20am.
Just a short
journey of approx 20 minutes to a real jewel in the crown.
Bibury
Best seen in the fading
light of a warm summer evening, the houses of golden stone many with cottage
gardens facing the River Coln. William Morris described Bibury as the most
beautiful village in England. Sit on the wall by the river watch the trout
running in the crystal clear water and across on the island a protected nature
reserve with wild duck and many species of bird.
Web
Link
This is heaven on
a good day. You will not find a nicer place anywhere in the area.
But we must leave at
12.30pm
Another short journey to Cirencester
(known as the Capital of the Cotswolds) arrive at approx.
12.45pm
Cirencester
The Capital of Dobuni
when as Corinium Dobunorum in 43A.D. it became one of the chief Roman
administration centres for South West of England. In the 4th Century with
the withdrawal of the Romans the town went into decline until an Anglo Saxon
town was built. It slowly regained its importance with the development of
sheep rearing on the rich Cotswold meadow lands. The wealth from the wool
trade was tremendous, so much so that the merchants of the town were able to
build one of the greatest wool churches in the town. The 15th Century St
John the Baptist Church with its superb tower and three storied fan vaulted
porch. It has been judged one of the most beautiful perpendicular churches
in England.
Web Link
Web Link to St
John the Baptist Church Cirencester
Time to wander round the is lovely
market town and visit the lovely parish church
Lunch
own arrangements in the town
Return to the coach ready to leave
at 2.45pm
Journey over the
Cotswold escarpment down into the valley with a visit to
Tewkesbury to arrive at approx
3.30pm
Tewkesbury
An
attractive old town with a wealth of ancient houses and timbered inns. The
Hop Pole being a good example, with a fine 14th Century fireplace before which,
in dickens book, Mr Pickwick warmed his coat tails. Tewkesbury is famous
for 2 reasons.
Firstly it is was the scene of one of the bloodiest last battles of the Wars of
the Roses. On 4th May 1417, between Queen Margaret of Anjou for the
Lancastrians and Edward IV for the Yorkists. The Lancastrians where
routed, quite a number finding refuge for the night in the Abbey before being
turned out the next day, when they were arrested by the Yorkist followers and
all executed in the town square. The site of the battle is well known and
can be seen clearly from Lincoln Lane just off the main A38 road. The
battle place is still known locally as Bloody Meadow.
Secondly the Abbey, their is evidence that Monks were settled in the town by 715
and built a small church in the meadows by the river. The present Abbey is
Norman built between 1090 & 1121 by Robert Fitzhamon a kinsman of William the
Conqueror. The Abbey prospered for over 400 years before being handed over
to King Henry VIII in 1540. The townspeople to their horror, about to see
their abbey being destroyed rallied round and raised the enormous sum (16th
Century standards ) of £453 to purchase the church for their own use. The
Abbey's tower is the largest and finest surviving Norman central tower anywhere
in the world, 46 feet square and 148 feet high. The West front is
dominated by the Great Norman recessed arch 65 feet high. The massive
wooded doors of the North porch are almost certainly the original circa 1121.
It is the second largest parish church in England. The Abbey is 311 feet
East to West, it is held up by 14 great Norman columns, which are the tallest in
England, 31 feet high and 6 feet in diameter. The 7 choir windows contain
the original 14th century glass, in the centre of the choir is a brass plate
which marks the burial place of Edward of Lancaster, Prince of Wales, who was
killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury. The chapels around the Abbey celebrate
some of the families who have been associated with it during its long and
somewhat turbulent history.
Web Link
Time to wander
round this old Norman Abbey before attending
Choral Evensong at 5.00pm
(to conclude usually at
5.45pm)
This evening may
change depending on skittles availability
Return to the
coach ready to leave at
6.15pm
Arrive back
in Cheltenham at approx
6.40pm
Evening meal own
arrangements.
*
* * *
Wednesday
7th July
Day Six
Full breakfast from 7.30am at the
hotel
Today an excursion
to Elgar Country
Depart from the hotel at 9.00am
Just a short journey to Worcester and the home of Edward Elgar.
Sir Edward Elgar was born in 1857
and became one of Englands greatest Composers. He was born in a country
cottage near Worcester in the heart of England, now the birthplace museum.
Web Link
Schedule
for Elgar morning
Collect Elgar guide at approx 9.30am
Guided tour of the Elgar area on the coach
Tea &
biscuits at the birthplace museum
Web Link
Presentation
in the museum on the life and times of Elgar,
complete with historic manuscripts
and music.
Time to visit the birthplace house and shop nearby
Ready to leave at approx 1.00pm
Arrive Worcester at lunch time at approx 1.15pm
Lunch own arrangements
Time to wander round Worcester and
hopefully visit the Cathedral
Worcester
Worcester a city with a
river, cathedral, famous pottery and history around every corner. Situated
in the centre of the county and built on the banks of the River Severn.
The area has known many marauding armies using the town as a base and river
crossing. Romans, Anglo Saxons, Danes and the Welsh have all contributed
to its colourful history. The Civil War inflicted terrible damage, it was
the first city to declare for the King and the last to surrender in 1646.
It also saw in 1651 the final battle for Cromwell when Charles I was completely
defeated. The Cathedral was started in 1084 and is a beautiful place of
worship. Many interesting houses are situated in the city some dating back
over 500 years, however today the cities main claim to fame must surely be the
home of the Royal Worcester Porcelain works situated near the Cathedral right in
the centre of the city.
Web Link to
Worcester Diocese
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester
received it first
Bishop-Bishop
Bosel
in 680. It
is thought the first
Cathedral
stood very close the present one.
We
do understand that
Bishop
Oswald
built a new
Cathedral
in 962 and it is thought that some of the existing stonework is incorporated in
the present building.
In 1084
Bishop
Wulstan
started the building of a new
Church
on the present site.
The
crypt and chapter house remain substantially as the
Norman
builders left them.
King
John
visited many times and asked that on his death he be buried in the
Cathedral
which was agreed.
The new
Cathedral
was consecrated in 1218 but further enlargement followed ending in about 1375.
From
960 to 1540 the
Cathedral
was a Monastery
under the rule of the
Benedictine
order. One interesting point the whole length of the
Cathedral
seems to be built in one piece when in fact the two
West
bays are
Norman
and the
North
side built in 1345 is far better finished than the
South
side which due to the intervention of the
Black
Death
was built some 40 years later.
Interesting history items.
For
500 years pilgrims came to visit the shrines of
St
Oswald
& St
Wulstan
here in
Worcester.
From the
great Cathedral
tower Charles
II
saw his troops routed in the last great battle of the
Civil
War.
Today
Worcester
together with
Hereford
& Gloucester
host the world famous
Three
Choirs
Festival
of music.
Web Link
Return to the
Cathedral ready to attend Choral Evensong at 5.30pm
(to conclude usually at
6.15pm)
The coach will be
ready to leave at
6.40pm
What better way to finish off our stay in the Cotswolds than a
game of skittles—very closely aligned to the region.
At a local Inn. To arrive in Tirley at approx 7.00pm
Time to play-----
time to eat
Haw Bridge Inn
Built in 1630 as a stop over place for boats, where the old toll bridge crossed
the river Severn. Many a boatman as taken a sip of ale and a ploughman’s
lunch within these walls, while watching the boats plying their trade on this
once busy stretch of river. Today, just pleasure craft glide slowly by.
But the Inn still retains the ambiance of a bygone age nestling as it does on
the banks of the river. Flagstone floors, oak panelling & oak beamed
ceilings. Collections of horse brasses and toby jugs adorn both walls and
ceilings. Home cooked food, enjoy this little piece of real
England.
Hot and cold
buffet meal arranged at approx 8.15pm
Skittles an Old English pub game dating back over 500 years.
Try to knock down all 9 pins
With a ball much smaller than the gaps between the pins.
Departing at
approx 9.30/45pm
To arrive
back in Cheltenham at approx
9.45pm
* * * *
Thursday
8th July
Day Seven
Today
is a move day please listen to instructions
Full breakfast from 7.30am
Bring luggage down to the coach at 9.15am
Ready to leave Cheltenham at 9.40am
Journey South West to the City of
Bristol. To arrive at approx 10.30am
Bristol
Once one of the most
important ports in the country, the earliest records of its commercial activity
going back to Edward II in the 10th Century when silver coins were minted here.
All this due to the fact that the River Severn and Avon was navigable to this
point. It was from
Bristol in 1497 that John Cabot and his Bristol born son Sebastian set sail with
18 sailors in the 100 ton ship “Matthew” before reaching the mainland of America
in Newfoundland.
A centre for trade and commerce for over 1,000 years, the city still has much to
offer and although the large container ships now dock at the entrance to the
Avon Gorge at Avonmouth, much activity still remains around the old dock side
area.
Web Link
First stop of the day to the
magnificent
St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
A superb example of Medieval
architecture and once described by Queen Elizabeth Ist on a visit to Bristol as
“the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in the kingdom” in all
respects it is the size of a Cathedral with a 240ft Nave and a Spire added in
the 19th Century rising 285ft from street level. The Church owes
much of its construction to William Canynge in the 14th Century and
further work completed by his son.
Admiral Sir William Penn whose son also a William founded Pennsylvania is buried
in the South Transept. The close links with the United States are further
strengthened by the restoration of the St John`s Chapel by the friends of St
Mary Redcliff in America.
Web Link
Time to wander round and admire
this lovely church
Ready to leave at 11.45am drop in the city centre at
11.50am
Time to wander in the marina and get some lunch
Lunch own arrangements
Coach ready to collect group from
pick up point at 2.00pm
Journey South West towards Wells
With an arrival in the city at approx 2.45pm
Wells
Very much a Cathedral city
and dominated by it, the existing building was started in 1180 continued in
stages until 1424. Many of the buildings in the Cathedral precincts are
used today for much the same purposes as that for which they were originally
built. The Vicars Close consists of a cobbled street with a total of 42
small houses built in the 14th Century for the Vicars of the Cathedral.
The Cathedral school was started in 909 and while closing for one short period
of 6 years in 1861 now records over 600 pupils. On the West front there
are 294 sculptures left of the original 386 some damaged beyond recognition, 3
new ones were unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1985. The Chapter House
reached by an ancient stone stairway is octagonal in shape and part of a two
storey building, could be one of the most beautiful Chapter Houses in Britain.
The Cathedrals South doors lead to beautiful 15/16th Century cloisters
Web Link
Lovely City centre
and Cathedral time for a wander
Before meeting at the Cathedral for Choral Evensong at 5.15pm
(to
conclude usually at
6.00pm)
Meet the coach at
the Cathedral drop off point at 6.15pm
Journey East to Salisbury to arrive at approx
7.30pm
For a three night stay at the 3 star White Hart Hotel,
Web Link
Situated in the
centre of the City just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral and the famous
close.
A lovely 17th Century hotel all en suite rooms with colour t/v and tea/coffee
making facilities in each room
Nice restaurants and bar together with a nice garden area.
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of the City
Evening meal
arranged at the hotel at 8.30pm
* * * *
Friday
9th
July Day Eight
Breakfast
from 8.00am
Ready to depart from the St John Street pick up point at 9.20am,
Very short journey to the site to arrive at approx 9.35am
Old Sarum
Such
a historic place covering an area of approx 56 acres. Important due to its
prominence above the countryside below. First remains indicate a Iron age
camp, followed by the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, then the Danes who pillaged the
area in 1003. In 1070 William the Conqueror reviewed his troops on the
plains below. The site really moved forward just after William departed.
The Episcopal See was moved from Sherborne to Sarum and a new Cathedral and
Castle where built on the site. However by 1220 the area was becoming too
small for the requirements of the community so a new Cathedral was planned
nearby.(New Sarum or as it later became Salisbury) stones from the old Cathedral
where carried away and used in the construction of the new Cathedral.
Old Sarum---old refers to a former Iron age fort and Sarum is the abbreviated
form of the Latin name
Salisbury
Web Link
Visit and guided
tour of the site arranged at 10.00am
Ready to re-board the coach at 12noon arrive back in Salisbury at
12.15pm.
Lunch own
arrangements
Salisbury
A town where there is
no need to go looking for interests in dark corners, it is all around. The
city dates back to the 13th Century when it was decided to move the Bishops seat
from Old Sarum. The Cathedral foundations were begun in 1220 and the city
started to grow. Salisbury was built on a grid or chequer system which
left space between the blocks. Cathedral close is the most beautiful in
all England and the list of buildings with interest is unending. The first
sight of the Cathedral is most impressive an early example of English
architecture. Its spire soaring to a height of 404ft the highest in
England, the nave measures 198ft with a clear uncluttered beauty, little having
changed since it was built.
Web Link
Salisbury Cathedral
The first sight of the
Cathedral is most impressive an early example of English architecture. Its
spire soaring to a height of 404ft the highest in England which imposes almost
6,000 tons of stone on the four pillars of the crossing. The Nave measures
198ft with a clear uncluttered beauty, little having changed since it was built.
Foundations no more than 4 feet deep on a bed of gravel, the main building was
begun in 1220 and completed in 1258. The Cloisters and Chapter house being
finished in 1280. It was never a Monastic institution but staffed with
Secular Clergy called Canons. This arrangements continues today.
Canons would be away in their parishes for most of the year, just coming back to
the Cathedral for short periods of time. The present houses round the
close are built on the sites of the former Canons Houses.
It is interesting to note that the main wall round the Cathedral close was
granted by licence from Cdward III and is reputed to be built from stone from
the original Cathedral at Old Sarum started in 1075
Web Link
Afternoon choral
evensong at
5.30pm
(to conclude usually at
6.00pm)
Evening meal own
arrangements
* * * *
Saturday 10th
July
Day Nine
Breakfast
from 8.00am
Excursion to Winchester
Ready to depart
from the St John Street pick up point at 9.00am,
Journey East towards Winchester to arrive at approx 10.00am
Visit and guided tour arranged at
10.15am.
St Cross,
Winchester
St Cross is almost a Norman Cathedral in miniature but also doubles as the local
parish church of St Faith. The structure is almost entirely of the late
Norman period. The Nave is dominated by massive Norman piers. A
closer look will see the Norman architecture giving way to Gothic walls and
windows. The church was extensively restored by Butterfield in the 19th
Century. But it is outside that one finds a perfect gem,
England’s
oldest and most perfect Almshouses. Begun in 1136 to house 13 poor men and
feed a 100 local people each day. The founder was Henry De Blois the half
brother of King Stephen. It was the Almshouses that saved the Church after
the Dissolution in 1536. The Almshouses are still in use today serving 12
or so Brothers and are situated round two Tudor quadrangles. The quaint
intentions of the founder is still honoured today. Every traveller
knocking at the door receives a morsel of bread and a horn of beer (known as the
Wayfarers Dole)
Web Link
Ready to leave at
12.15pm
For a short journey into the City
Drop off in the
city near King Alfreds monument at 12.25pm
Winchester
The historic City of
Winchester has been welcoming groups for centuries, ever since the first
pilgrims visited the shrine of St Swithun. Already an important town in
Roman times, it became the capital under the Anglo Saxons, and in Alfreds time
871-901 was a great centre of learning. William the Conqueror kept
Winchester as his capital and as late as the 17th Century Charles II planned a
palace here. The city is rich in important buildings, one such building is
the Great Hall, completed in 1235 it is a magnificent example of 13th Century
domestic architecture. It is now an Assize Court. Sir Walter Raleigh was
condemned to death here in 1603 and on the wall hangs what is called King
Arthurs Round Table, marked out and inscribed for his knights. However one
building stands out above all others, the cathedral.
Web Link
Lunch own
arrangements
Guided tour of the Cathedral
arranged at 2.15am
Winchester Cathedral
The
building was started in 1079 and consecrated in 1093. Work from this
period can still be seen in the crypt, transepts and east part of the cloister.
Between 1189 and 1204 the lady chapel was built and the choir extended. It
is the longest Medieval Cathedral in Europe (556ft) in 1110 the central tower
collapsed and was rebuilt with the supporting piers greatly strengthened (they
are now 20ft in width). Among its treasures is the Great Winchester Bible dating
back to the 12th Century, this illuminated copy was written in the scriptorium
at Winchester and is now preserved in the Cathedral library.
Web Link
Time allowed to
attend Choral Evensong at 5.30pm
(to
conclude usually at
6.15pm)
Return to the
drop off point ready to leave at 6.30pm
Return journey to Salisbury to arrive at approx
7.25pm
Time for packing
etc
Evening meal own
arrangements
* * * *
Sunday 11th
July Day Ten
Breakfast prepared from ??
Arrangements to day to be discussed as required
