Jan 4 to 8
The South East, the South West and Shropshire
Jan 4
Newbury Park to Canterbury
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Anne departed for work and I followed her shortly afterwards, intending to have a coffee at the Sainsbury's café. My stay there lengthened as Valerie was a bit later leaving home than I had anticipated. This gave me time to venture into Sports Direct to purchase a new waterproof. I accomplished this but discovered that it contained a clever pocket that neither I nor the lady on the counter understood. I will have to make further enquiries just in case it turns out to be ever so useful. When Valerie arrived, I collected her from the tube & we sped East and then South along the A12 and then the M25. When we reached the Dartford Crossing Valerie took some photos which may or may not come out. Slowing the car would have improved their chances of success but would almost certainly resulting in us both being flattened by a fast moving truck.
Right: Dartford Bridge |
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We made good time and soon arrived in Canterbury where, in common with the earlier part of the journey, everything was dull and damp.The pub turned out to be in a very busy road but otherwise excellent. We dropped our bags into our rooms, had a drink in the bar - an excellent pint of mild in my case, and then set off into the city.
Right: Mild and scratchings |
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Almost opposite the pub was an old fashioned ironmongers which, amongst other things, contained lots of accessories for coal, log and other solid fuel fires. Wincheap is lined with interesting old buildings in varying states of repair.
Right: Fire irons in the window |
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We crossed the ring road and arrived on top of the town walls, near to the Dane John Mound, supposedly the site of the first Normal castle in the town. We climbed upwards and examined the more modern memorial on top and then wandered along the walls and into the newer part of town for lunch at a Carlucci café. We had to wait a while to be served but the soup was very good. |
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Feeling suitably refreshed, we headed straight for the Cathedral and spent an hour and a half exploring. It wasn't too busy so that we were able to take our time, take lots of photos and explore to our hearts content. There isn't much that can be said better in words than in photos. It is a very grand building, its vaulted arches being of extreme elegance. We visited the assorted memorials to St Thomas Beckett and learned a little more about him. The slow pace did my hip no good at all and, by the end of our time there, I was feeling the affects considerably. |
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From there, we went down some of the quieter streets, found a good and surprisingly well priced antiques shop, looked at lots more old buildings and finally reached the end of the town, marked by a fortified gate. The light was fading fast - as were both of us - so we returned through the town to the pub and had a rest.
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Dinner in the bar was extremely good, I had two more excellent beers, and we even met the house cat, who's bed and dinner occupied the upstairs landing and the breakfast room respectively. I will hope to photograph the cat tomorrow. Being exhausted we retired for early nights.
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