CONTENT
1. British Battles
2. Great British Web Sites - About Bristol
3. UK Travel news and tips
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
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British Battles
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What was the OTHER battle fought in 1066? How did Richard III lose his life and his kingdom? How did Robert the Bruce free Scotland from British rule? Britain Express has a new addition to our History guide - "British Battles" - outlining the major battles fought on British soil, with historical background for each battle, who fought, and why, (and who won). Check out British Battles at /History/battles/index.htm
Just to give you a taste of what's online at British Battles, here's part of our profile on The Battle of Flodden:
"James IV of Scotland, though initially on good terms with Henry VIII (and married to his sister Margaret), held firmly to the "Auld Alliance" with France. Henry, on the other hand, joined The Holy League against France. Even so, James and Henry remained on fair terms until 1513, when Henry invaded France at the head of a large force.
Holding true to his alliance, James led an army into England. His intent was not conquest, but merely to cause a diversion which would bring Henry back from France.
He was met at Flodden by an army of the north under the Earl of Surrey, a veteran of Bosworth Field. Flodden marks a watershed in military history, for it was the last major battle in which the longbow played a part, and one of the first in which artillery played a major role. " ....more at www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/flodden.htm
We welcome suggestions for additions to British Battles, so let us know if we've missed a battle that you'd like to see included.
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Great British Websites
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About Bristol ( http://www.about-bristol.co.uk/ ) is a series of fascinating illustrated tours of the historic port of Bristol. The themed tours include: the Old city, statues, sculpture, churches, landmarks, architecture, famous people, and more. My favourite tour is "Eye for Detail" which highlights some of the interesting things that are above eye level, beneath one's feet, or easily overlooked, like parish boundary markers and grotesque gargoyle carvings. This Tour brings a few of these oddments to your notice, explains their significance or history, and expands on their background. About Bristol is a valuable, enjoyable resource.
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HOME BASE HOLIDAYS
Visting the UK but finding accommodation expensive? For a rent-free home exchange vacation join Home Base Holidays, http://www.homebase-hols.com .Established in London (by a Canadian) in 1985, Home Base Holidays has exchange listings worldwide, with a particularly large choice of great offers in the UK. Listings include full descriptions, often with colour photos, which can be viewed by visitors. Check out current listings today!
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UK Travel Tips
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Guide to National Cycle Network
Britain's 5,000-mile National Cycle Network (opens June 21) is, in financial terms, the country's biggest millennium project after the Millennium Dome. Now there is an official guidebook to the network, which provides safe, attractive cycling in and between cities and through lovely countryside. The 256-page handbook is well illustrated with maps and photographs and is equally suitable for families looking for a gentle day's cycling and others seeking the longer, more challenging routes. The Official Guide to the National Cycle Network, by Nick Cotton and John Grimshaw, is published by Sustrans, price £9.99 from British bookshops. Web site: http://www.sustrans.org.uk
You can also order from Amazon.co.uk, although this title is proving so popular they are now on backorder. Use this link
NEW SCOTTISH TRAIL
A new 60-mile circular walk in the heart of Scotland opens in June. The Cateran Trail in Perthshire (60 miles north of Edinburgh) was once used by warring clans and marauding bandits between the 13th and 17th centuries to pillage and terrorise farmers in the glens below. Cattle and booty captured during raids were then driven back along the paths to mountain lairs. Although now peaceful, the historic drove roads still exist.
The trail has been divided into five sections, making use of existing paths, minor roads and recognised walks straddling the border between Perthshire and Angus. There are refreshment and accommodation stops available every 12-13 miles. A central accommodation booking service for walkers has also been established. One phone call to the company will secure rooms in hotels and B&B's along the route, and luggage transportation if required.
Further information and reservations from the Cateran Trail Company Ltd. Boatbrae, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PL10 7BH, Scotland.
That's all for now. Until next issue, let me remind you that laughter is contagious. Be a carrier.
David Ross, Publisher, Britain Express
