The 9th September was the 500th anniversary of The Battle of Flodden which took place in 1413. We visited the battlefield straight after breakfast whilst it was still quiet and there were only a few other people about. One of those people was a kilted Scotsman with whom we got into a discussion. We talked about the battle which led onto discussions about politics and politicians. We agreed that politicians have a tendency to behave like overgrown school children. He commented that he would like to think that we had learned from the battle and that we (and our political leaders) wouldn’t make the same mistakes again.
Access to the field itself has been refreshed and a zig-zag path has been added across one of the fields to allow easier access for those who are less mobile. This is good in one way but it detracts a little from the atmosphere of the place. As we made to leave the hill where the memorial stands it was starting to get busy. In the distance the first bus pulled up and I saw someone with a very long flag pole sporting the English flag. As we made our way down the hill they were making their way up. As they came close I heard ‘I am Justin from the BBC’ and as I turned I noticed Justin was talking to the flag bearer and his two companions. They looked at me and asked the quickest way to the monument. I answered and then we beat a hasty retreat to the car park where we noticed some people dressed up ready for re-enactment of the battle.
We left them to it and made our way to Holy Island to visit the ruined priory. The museum explaining the history of the site is much improved since my last visit many years ago and we also took the opportunity to visit St Mary’s Church which is right next to the priory.
Unfortunately our chosen tea shop wasn’t able to provide any sandwiches that day due to staff shortages so we settled on lunch in the local pub where I had a very delicious crab sandwich. The weather looked a little uncertain so we decided against a stroll along the beach and departed the island to visit the churches of Ladykirk and Norham. Before arriving at the first church there was a slight detour through Berwick for shopping list pads… I decided to stay in the car!!
After visiting the churches we had a leisurely drive in the countryside near the hotel before returning there for afternoon tea. We had convivial conversation with some of the other guests, which we all continued over dinner as well.
I absolutely LOVE that top photo! It is so atmospheric. In fact, I think it is my favourite photo of yours-ever.
Sounds like a great day and terrific trip after all.
* great trip overall.
Thank you
It was a great holiday.
You seem to visit Flodden quite a lot!
It is round the corner from the place where I stay when I visit the area. The history and the lie of the land is very interesting.
Always goes dull after some time.
And it always brightens after some time too
This place reminded me of Norfolk.
The Lindisfarne causeway?