CONTENT
- Great British Web Sites
- Books on Britain
- Travel news from Britain
Welcome friends, its time to put the kettle on, settle into a comfortable armchair, and enjoy the best of Britain with Britain Update. But before you do, please take the time to forward this newsletter to someone who loves Britain as much as you do.
David Ross, Publisher
********************
Great British Web Sites
********************
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
More than just information on Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford- on-Avon, this site has lots of biographical details on "The Bard's" life and times, local genealogy records for the Stratford area, an event diary, and attractions in and around Stratford. And that's not all - there are detailed records of the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of Shakespeare's works (in case you want to know who played Ophelia in the 1965 production of Othello, for example) and tons of RSC photos. If you love Shakespeare, are into theatre in a big way, are planning a trip to the Stratford area, or all three, check out the SBT site.
******************************
Historic Fiction Forum
******************************
You meet the nicest people in this business. One such person I had the pleasure to meet recently is writer Teresa Eckford. Teresa is an author of historical romances (well I won't hold that against her :-), and she's as big an anglophile as I am - well, almost. Her web site at http://www3.sympatico.ca/eckford/teresa.htm contains a good collection of reference links on English history, especially the medieval period. If you are into writing (or just reading) historical fiction, check out her forum at http://www.onelist.com/community/HistFic-HistRom
******************************
Books on Britain
******************************
My pick from the bookshelf this issue is "Exploring England's Heritage: Cumbria to Northumberland", by John Weaver. I own several of this excellent series "Exploring England's Heritage", published with the aid of English Heritage. This collection of regional gazetteers covers England from tip to toe; they are chock full of colour and black-and-white photographs, historical information, and superb line drawings and maps. The strengths of this series are historical and architectural information, well explained and attractively illustrated. Each entry is complete with map information and driving instructions. Although too large for a pocket guide, this volume will serve as a good trip planner or even a take-along guide if you carry a daypack or large bag, or if you are driving through the north country.
******************************
New at Britain Express
******************************
Our London Guide should be up by the time you read this. We've included lots of info on getting around the city, a gazetteer of places to go, and - of course - a London History area. Very soon we will be adding real-time hotel booking and "Insider's London", picks and pans by a resident Londoner.
In our popular History and culture section, some of our new articles include:
Medieval Monastery Life /History/medieval-monastery.htm
Grinling Gibbons /History/gibbons.htm and
Landscape Follies /History/follies.htm
******************************
Travel News from Britain
******************************
News and Notes from the National Trust
Chirk Castle in Shropshire has been voted the favourite garden of National Trust members for 1999. The garden enjoys wonderful views of the Shropshire countryside due to its position atop a 300 ft. hill. The other finalists in the "favourite garden" voting were Dyrham Park, Anglesey Abbey, Beningborough Hall, and Hinton Ampner.
Special excursion fares have been introduced at several Trust properties. The Chartwell Explorer takes visitors from Sevenoaks, Kent, to Churchill's manor home of Chartwell. The £3 fare allows unlimited bus travel to any local Trust property, and a free pot of tea at Chartwell. You can also get a combined ticket from London, via Connex trains, which include rail fare and the Chartwell Explorer for only £13, or £8.50 for Trust members. Details at 08457 696996
Here's a special promotion for those on a cycling holiday - Petworth House (West Sussex) has announced that cyclists will be allowed free entry to the house. That's free, as in no charge whatever. It's hard to beat a deal like that!
In April Midland Marine will be offering day trips from London (St. Pancras Station) to Sheffield, and then taking visitors on to Hardwick Hall in a vintage 1948 Bedford OB coach.
East Riddleston Hall in West Yorkshire will open its new Millenium Garden this 13 April. The garden includes yew hedges, hazel and holly trees. An orchard with ten different varieties of Yorkshire apple trees will be enhanced with over 4000 bluebells. The garden took over 3 years of volunteer labour to create with the aid of National Trust gardening advisors and historic building experts.
The National Trust has introduced a new group pass for elderly and disabled visitors. The new Links Pass gives half-price admission for groups associated with local government or charities. Visits must be arranged ahead of time. Contact the National Trust Membership Department at PO Box 39, Bromley, Kent BR1 3XL
A new Science Discovery Centre is opening at Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton. The 17th century farmhouse has been augmented with interactive displays which highlight Newton's scientific work.
Killerton House, near Exeter in Devon will host an exhibition on historic underwear (yes, you read that right, I said underwear). The exhibition will feature men's and women's undergarments from a 17th-century chemise to Victorian hoops and bustles, plus 20th-century synthetic garments. The exhibition runs all through the month of March.
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.
David Ross, Publisher, Britain Express
