… after my first Christmas meal of the year
Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.
Ernest Holmes
8 Comments CherryPie on Dec 8th 2025
The Roman origins of Cardiff Castle were discovered in 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute decided to build a new tower and extend the grounds. The Roman remains were discovered in what was considered to be a solid earth bank. Rather than continue with his original plans Lord Bute decided to investigate and and reconstruct the Roman Fort.
The Roman walls were reconstructed in what was thought at the time to be an accurate way, with one exception, the addition of a gallery with in them. this was built for two reasons: to allow access to the substantial lower level of Roman remains and so that Lord Bute could still take his daily exercise even in bad weather.
The Roman wall galleries found a new role during World War II, when they were used as air-raid shelters by shoppers and cinema-goers from busy nearby streets during enemy action, accommodating nearly 2000 people.*
* Information from The Essential Cardiff Castle guidebook
4 Comments CherryPie on Dec 2nd 2025
Some days, it’s just a matter of finding the right marmalade!
Paddington Bear
4 Comments CherryPie on Nov 30th 2025
The clock tower, continental in inspiration is decorated with over life-sized statues of the planets. When it was completed in 1874 its unusual appearance caused a sensation*
*Source – The Essential Cardiff Castle guidebook
4 Comments CherryPie on Nov 30th 2025
As a volunteer at Attingham I was able to see the house decorated for Christmas the day before it opens to the public. The house visit was followed by festive food and mulled wine in the courtyard.
I haven’t yet had time to explore the outdoor decorations along the mile walk. I have been walking in Attingham but my walks in the past two weeks have been in the deer park and woodland area where I was leading and supervising guided walks in Attingham Park. These guided walks are now on hold until after the Christmas festivities. When the walks resume. additional walking routes will be added to what is on offer.
5 Comments CherryPie on Nov 28th 2025
