Kings College Chapel, Cambridge

We spent a lovely spring day in Cambridge, visiting John's niece, Michelle, and her two young children. Cambridge, the city of crocuses and daffodils in clear spring light, of green open spaces, and cattle grazing not far from the city center. The Cambridge of the literary giants, Brooke, Byron, Newton, and Rutherford, of the summer pastime of punting down the river shaded by cool willows. Cambridge, where the elegant and ancient colleges of mellow brick and stone glow in the sunshine of all seasons, where Kings College Chapel resounds with lessons and carols each Christmas season. Cambridge, the university city that has sent its name, its image, and its scholars throughout the world.

Cambridge has a long and illustrious history. Eons ago, people decided to put down roots where the dense southern forests met the northern marshy fens. In the first century BC, an Iron Age Belgic tribe built a settlement. Around 40 AD, the Romans took over the site which became a crossing point for the Via Devana which linked the Roman city of Colchester with the legions in Lincoln and beyond. The Saxons followed, then William the Conquerer, after his great victory at Hastings in 1066.

Kings College is located in Kings Parade, Cambridge, and forms part of the University of Cambridge. It was founded by King Henry the Sixth who died before it was completed. The greater part of the college was completed in 1515 under King Henry the Seventh. However, the outstanding gateway of twelve pinnacles and cupola set in the screen wall with window tracery is relatively new, having been designed by William Wilkins during the 19th century.

Wells-Next-The-Sea

Ann perched on an old discarded boat, the harbour of the town of Wells-Next-The-Sea behind her. This is a very popular seaside town located about ten miles from where John's mother resides in the county of Norfolk.

Cadbury World, Bourneville, Birmingham

Cadbury World is the country's only purpose-built visitor center in the UK devoted entirely to chocolate, and more than five million people have visited it since it was opened by John Major, then Prime Minister, in 1991. In 1970, millions of people had enjoyed the factory tour of Bourneville, but the tours had to end due to health and hygiene considerations. A multi-media venue was then set up as a substitute for the factory tours in response to many thousands of requests from people who still wanted to learn all about this famous brand of chocolate.

Cadbury World is a great place to take children - as the Cadbury World staff hand out lots of free samples! Adults love it, too! It is designed for people of all walks of life.

The facility features very authentic exhibits depicting the history of chocolate down through the ages, starting with the Mayans and Aztecs of ancient Mexico. The Spaniards introduced chocolate to the continent of Europe after the explorer, Cortes invaded Mexico in 1519, conquering the Aztec people and their proud emperor, Monteczuma. The Aztec drink, "chocolatl" which Monteczuma presented to Cortes in a golden goblet was served cold and tasted bitter. The Spaniards added sugar to make it more palatable.

The exhibits then move on to France and then England, where the first chocolate house was opened in London in 1657. A seated lifelike figure of King Charles II drinking hot chocolate is featured in one of the displays. Samuel Pepys, the famed diarist of that period, noted in his diary that he drank chocolate in the mornings for its restorative powers! Other presentations outline the history of the Cadbury family (who were Quakers) and how they built a chocolate making empire through sheer hard work and determination.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle, the finest Mediaeval castle in England, rises from the banks of the River Avon, a few miles from Shakespeare's Stratford, on a site fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068. Born in the storm of the Norman invasion, the castle has played a major role in charting England's tumultuous history. Although the early castle at Warwick was not much more than a wooden motte and bailey castle, it evolved through the centuries to its present form. Most of the features seen today date from the mid-14th century. For centuries, the castle was home to the mighty Earls of Warwick, who played very key roles in the Wars of the Roses and the Hundred Years War with France. Richard III once owned the castle and started new fortifications before meeting his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Later, the castle was a Parliamentarian stronghold during the English Civil War in the 17th century. With its dark, dank dungeons, gruesome torture chambers, and splendid armoury, the Middle Ages come to life at Warwick Castle. Today, the castle is owned by Madame Tussauds (of wax figures fame), and is a popular tourist attraction. John and I found touring Warwick Castle a wonderful and fascinating way to spend a day!

This man is the next door neighbour of John's cousin, Helen and her husband, Arnold. He is known as the Warwick Bowman and demonstrates archery at the Castle.

Ann and Helen at the summit of the tower of Warwick Castle with the town of Warwick spread out below. The church behind us is St. Mary's, the largest church in Warwick. We climbed 530 stairs to the top of this tower, which afforded us a sweeping view of the rolling green countryside of Warwickshire and the historic town of Warwick. It was well worth the climb!