I have more than one favourite place. I have managed to incorporate several of them in this photo. Gardens, countryside, Cragside and Northumberland.
More favourite places can be found here.
14 Comments CherryPie on Apr 12th 2013
Photo copyright of TAG.
Some of you might recall that the boys take over my living room from time to time so that they can use the floor to play Napoleonic wargames. Before they even get to this point they exchange correspondence with the game umpire so that he knows where their figures are going be placed on the board. They are currently embarked on another campaign and a few days ago I received the following correspondence…
From: General C, commanding VII Corps
To: Madame C
Message Text:
My dearest lady,
I am recently arrived in Toulouse where I have now assumed command of VII Corps as ordered by the Emperor. VII Corps is a fine and powerful force of arms, if a little short of cavalry and sturdy boots. I have just issued orders for the Corps to concentrate in the Perpignan area prior to advancing into Spain. I trust you will wish me every success as I embark upon these endeavours on behalf of Bonaparte.
The route of the march from Toulouse to Perpignan will take me through Carcassonne, which fine walled town I know you cherish. As I pass by the citadel, I shall recall fondly our time enjoying cassoulet and fine wine. I can only hope that thunderstorms similar to the one that engulfed us that one balmy evening do not reoccur.
Yours always,
M.
It would of course have been rude of me not to reply 
From: Madame C
To: General C
Message Text:
My Dearest One,
I hope you manage to sort out your cavalry and boot deficiencies and I wish you well in your campaign in support of Bonaparte.
I have fond memories of our times together in that walled citadel. I have to confess that the storm you mention was not one of the highlights for me, but the warmth indoors after the storm I well remember.
Whilst you are away I shall take comfort in the peaceful atmosphere in Chartres Cathedral, which I know you enjoy so much when you are back in our home town and not campaigning. I may even walk the labyrinth to calm my thoughts and stop me worrying about the difficulties you may encounter.
My thoughts are with you in these uncertain times.
Ever yours,
C.
12 Comments CherryPie on Apr 11th 2013
Unfortunately Grey Street wasn’t at its best when I visited. It was shrouded with scaffolding!
The inscription on the base of Grey’s monument reads as follows:
THIS COLUMN WAS ERECTED IN 1838
TO COMMEMORATE
THE SERVICES RENDERED TO HIS COUNTRY BY
CHARLES EARL GREY K.G.
WHO, DURING AN ACTIVE POLITICAL CAREER OF
NEARLY HALF A CENTURY
WAS THE CONSTANT ADVOCATE OF PEACE
AND THE FEARLESS AND CONSISTENT CHAMPION OF
CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
HE FIRST DIRECTED HIS EFFORTS TO THE AMENDMENT
OF THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE IN 1792,
AND WAS THE MINISTER
BY WHOSE ADVICE, AND UNDER WHOSE GUIDANCE,
THE GREAT MEASURE OF PARLIAMENTARY REFORM
WAS AFTER AN ARDUOUS AND PROTRACTED STRUGGLE
SAFELY AND TRIUMPHANTLY ACHIEVED
IN THE YEAR 1832.
10 Comments CherryPie on Apr 11th 2013
The view of The Tyne Bridge in yesterday’s photograph was taken from the hotel car park.
This a quite different view from the same car park.
4 Comments CherryPie on Apr 10th 2013
…The Life and Death of the Cathars
Synopsis from book cover:
The fascinating story of the Cathar movement in southern France, from a revolutionary flowering to its hideous suppression by crusade of Church and King.
Review:
The book was previously entitled The Perfect Heresy, The Revolutionary Life and Death of Medieval Cathars. The narrative brings to life the medieval world of Cathars, describing the crusades against them and the atrocities of the inquisition.
The book starts by listing the key figures in the Cathar story allowing the reader to connect with each of them as the tragic story of suppression unfolds. The book is very clever in that it reads like a novel making it easily accessibly for everyone, whilst containing detailed historical accounts of the period and the people. It gives a clear overview of the Albigensian crusade in southern France and the massacre of a group of people for expressing a spiritual perspective that threatened the teachings of the Church and the authority of the King.
The book is complete with sources and a selected bibliography for those who wish to explore the subject further.
2 Comments CherryPie on Apr 9th 2013
…relaxing after yet another busy weekend!
I have had visitors to stay over the weekend. I was doing a mad rush round getting the housework done before they arrived on Friday. I didn’t quite get it finished because they arrived early. We chatted for a while before ordering a Chinese takeaway for dinner after which we had a small family get together. The get together was in advance of my mum’s official birthday lunch (with family and friends) which followed on from last weeks birthday celebrations. Following the lunch we took the scenic route (off road rallying springs to mind) to my Mum’s house where we spent the afternoon with her and stayed for tea which she had insisted on doing all by herself!!
We had a lazy start on Sunday and then set out for a ’small’ lunch at Benthall Hall which turned out to be a very interesting place to visit. I intend to go back when the gardens are more in bloom. We were also told that the little church next door to the hall will be opening to the public later in the year, which is another reason to go back. After the visit we returned home for a pre dinner sherry and a roast pork dinner.
I have spent today finishing off those jobs from Friday and reading. A nice relaxing day
6 Comments CherryPie on Apr 8th 2013
