Wading through floods to find a 1300 year old border

Two weeks ago my car had its annual MOT inspection. The garage I have been using for 20 years had moved during Covid and me being a loyal type and the mechanic being amazing, I decided it was worth going to his new premises about 15 miles away. When I arrived at the garage I… Continue reading Wading through floods to find a 1300 year old border

The betrayal that ended the old British kingdom of Rheged

One of the eras of history I most enjoy is that bit of British history after the Romans and before the arrival of those pesky Normans. When the land was split between numerous kingdoms who battled for control and eventual a land of many kingdoms became one of few.  It seems at least some of these… Continue reading The betrayal that ended the old British kingdom of Rheged

Beating the bounds

These days we all have easy access to maps and our local administration is likely run by some sort of government office, elected or otherwise. That wasn’t always the case especially in the U.K. where the role of the church was hugely important. With churches across the whole country, it was important to know what… Continue reading Beating the bounds

The ancient coronation stone of Anglo-Saxon kings in SW London

Some attention is always given to the famous Scottish Stone of Scone which for centuries has been placed under the coronation throne and indeed was there when King Charles III was crowned. What perhaps is less well known that there is very much an English equivalent and it’s not one of those half hidden ancient… Continue reading The ancient coronation stone of Anglo-Saxon kings in SW London

Paying respects to King Harold II of 1066 fame… a family member

As beautiful as Waltham Abbey Church is and it’s impressively large gardens and ruins outside it; for myself at least it is not the main reason to have always wanted to visit the place. For Waltham Abbey is said to be the final resting place of the final crowned Anglo-Saxon king (see my post for… Continue reading Paying respects to King Harold II of 1066 fame… a family member