English Heritage Challenge

English Heritage has over 400 locations to visit - This is probably a 20 year challenge!!

5 down!
5. KENILWORTH CASTLE - 14TH AUGUST 2017
Kenilworth Castle went from a medieval fortress to an Elizabethan palace. It has a 900 year history and was at the centre of England's affairs for many of those. We scaled the heights of the tower, had beautiful views of the glorious gardens and met some interesting characters!


 
 

4. BATTLE ABBEY - 12TH AUGUST 2016
Stand on the spot where 950 years ago, England’s future was fought in the decisive Battle of 1066. Follow in the footsteps of King Harold and William the Conqueror and uncover the stories vividly brought to life. We heard the tale of what really happened in the Battle of Hastings 1066 with the clever use of some interesting props - vegetables! The Viking King Harold was a swede, the English King Harold was broccoli and William the Conqueror was a cauliflower!

Ye ancient phone box!

Storytelling with vegetables!

Beautiful entrance

3. ROLLRIGHT STONES - 12TH JULY 2015
Traditionally a monarch and his courtiers petrified by a witch, the Rollright Stones consist of three groups: the King's Men stone circle; the Whispering Knights burial chamber; and the single King Stone. They span nearly 2,000 years of Neolithic and Bronze Age development. 

2. WELLINGTON ARCH - 11TH JULY 2015
Set in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was built as a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, it depicts the Angel of Peace descending on the 'Quadriga' - or four-horsed chariot - of War. I have always admired the sculpture but didn't realise you could go inside and up to the top.

                    

 It is pretty impressive up close; the gates are huge. At the top l looked up and could see the horses as if they were thundering over the edge!

                   

 There is a very interesting exhibition inside with a fascinating explanation of the day of the battle as it unfolded.  Some interesting works of art and details of how the sculpture we have today became the final one to rest at the top.

Statue of the Duke of Wellington

1. APSLEY HOUSE - 11th July 2015

Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants, stands right in the heart of London at Hyde Park Corner.  Visited during the commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo so there were performance historians bringing history alive. 

An officer from the battle gave a riveting account of the day, it was fascinating and really brought home the horror and tragedy of war. 

The house itself was pleasant with the most amazing dining room and chandeliers to die for!

A butler gave us a class on deportment and how to be a gentile. I now know how to communicate with a fan, take snuff correctly and how to hold a wine glass!