Photo far left shows Watling Street which ran through the village. Photo left shows the baths with the entrance hall in the distance. The main section of the road is that from Dover to Wroxeter. It was named Wæcelinga Stræt by the Anglo-Saxons, literally "the street of the people of Wæcel". Wæcel could possibly be a variation of the Anglo-Saxon word for 'foreigner' which was applied to the Celtic people inhabiting what is now Wales. 
25th August 2008. After lunch Shrewsbury was our destination today. Di had no need to do the shops (possibly seen enough!) so we headed for a large park near the river Severn which almost encircles the town. It was reasonably flat so was kind to Di's aching ankles. We went into an area called 'the Dingle'. The flower arrangements were fantastically bright and the grass so green and manicured.A squirrel ran infront of Timmy and of course he chased after it but it dissapeared into a hedge behing the seat. He then wanted to wait for it to reappear!
24th August 08. Today we went to Oswestry which is is an ancient market town located in the North of Shropshire close by the English - Welsh Border. Its strategic position as a 'frontier town' has given it a turbulent history. (sorry about the bold- can't seem to get rid of it!)The origins of the town are uncertain although the towns market dates back to 1190. The name Oswestry is thought to be a corruption of 'Oswald's Tree' and the legend that Oswald the Christian King of Northumbria fought a great battle against the pagan King of Mercia - Penda. Oswald was defeated and killed in the battle. Penda - as a warning to others who might challenge his rule - dismembered Oswald's body and hung his limbs on the branches of a tree - hence the name 'Oswalds Tree'.
Nice story if a bit gruesome! We did our usual wander around the town- Di getting 'bargains' including some recordable CD's for me! We then tried to find somewhere to have our picnic lunch and seemed to drive aimlessly for miles before finding a sign to a National Trust castle. Lunch was late. Afterwards we walked around the grounds which had a farm (Tim not allowed) but had chickens lose much to Timmy's delight! I managed a few photos of the castle, not particularly inspiring as the light was in the wrong direction but better than nothing.In the evening we managed to have a BBQ just before the rain set in.
22nd August 08. This morning I set up my amateur radio equipment as we decided to stay on site for the morning. It takes about half an hour to set up the aerial on a tripod and make all the connections. It worked well and I contacted my friend Dave in Cardiff and Andy in Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglessy. After lunch we went for a walk at the nature 
reserve at Stipperstones just a few miles from the site. The views from the top were spectacular but rain looked threatening and the wind was cold so we headed back to the car and took a lower more sheltered walk..
21st August 08. A bit of a disaster today with the weather. We went to Ellesmere, parked and had a stroll around the shops. It started to rain like cats and dogs with thunder and lightening so I dashed for a shop doorway and Di dashed for another. Unfortunately both shops were closed so we were both stuck. Initially it was ok and we were getting some shelter but the wind changed such that the rain was soaking Timmy and I. By this time it was flooding the road with the inevitable splashing from passing cars. Timmy was soaked so were my jeans so we made a run for it to Di's doorway! I was then soaked over my shoulders also. Eventually it stopped and the sun came out so we walked to the canal (photo coming later) then took the car to the lakeside (mere) where we had our lunch.Our plan was to see more lakes but we never found them- ah well there we go!
20th August 08. It rained most of the morning.
After lunch we went to Bishop's Castle, a short trip of about 15miles. The main street is on a gradient of 1 in 6 but unfortunately the rain was so heavy we didn't venture out of the car but ploughed on to Clun. I cribbed some photos off the internet! It would appear that the church clock only has one hand- apparently that was as accurate as they needed long ago.19th August 08. Today we went to Ironbridge about 30 miles east of the site. It was the world's first cast iron bridge built over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in 1779. Cast iron is a very brittle material which cannot take any tension so it was very controversial at the time. In 1776 the nearest bridge was 2 miles away at Buildwas. A ferry crossing carried people and goods over the river, but was difficult and dangerous, especially in winter.
The village was interesting and very quaint and the area catered for tourists with many museums depicting bygone eras, sadly overpriced at £15 each for entry and dogs were not allowed. Needless to say we didn't participate!
After a picnic lunch we went on to Bridgnorth, in reality two towns: the High Town (good views down) and the Low Town (good views up). They are now connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain. The Low Town was once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, while the 
High Town held the castle, the churches, and many fine 16th and 17th century mansions. What's left of the Castle leans at an alarming angle, even greater than the Tower of Pisa. The building was blown up in the Civil War by the parliamentarians - who botched it. We had a meander around the shops and bought nothing! (Not even a house).
18th August 08. After lunch today we travelled to Welshpool over the border into Wales again. I dread to think of the cost that was involved to duplicate all signs to include the Welsh, such a waste for a minority. The weather forecast was not good for today but after a light shower it cleared and we were able to walk around the town. it was not
particularly inspiring as you can see from the photo. I got the impression of a rundown poor place. Di bought (another) pair of shoes. We walked along the canal for a while then came back taking in Powis Castle.
17th August 08.Nothing much to report on yesterday which was a flying visit to Shrewsbury, a large town. We only had an hour then went to the supermarket. I'm promised a return trip for the day- yippee. I suppose it isn't such a bad place as it does have a branch of Maplin Electronics!
Today Ludlow was our destination, about 30 miles south of our location for a day out. We managed to park close to the centre but I suppose on a weekday or Saturday it would be impossible as parking was restricted. A park and ride on the outskirts always gives a clue to difficult central parking.
The town has many very old timbered buildings and a central square where a flea market was taking place. Di meandered around and was amused by the stall holder's opinions on the values of the 'antiques'. Timmy and I watched the world go by, talked to other dog owners and took photos.Past the square was the castle which looked in a good state of repair but the £6 entrance fee didn't tempt me in! I managed a photo through the gates!
For lunch we parked at Clee Hill, a high spot overlooking Ludlow and the surrounding countryside. Sadly it was too misty to take any photos. It looked to be the site of former quarrying but the peace and quiet was marred by children on monkey bikes taking advantage of the off road conditions despite notices prohibiting motor bikes and off road vehicles.
During the evening rain set in.15th August 08. Di planned a scenic route going to Shelve, Rattlinghope and Church Stretton. It looked good on the map with lots of steep hills, valleys and high mountain tops for views. And so it was!
Shelve and Ratlinghope were just a handful of houses, then we
stumbled on a spot called 'The Bog'. It used to be a mining village with steam driven pumps and winding engines, a school, offices and a miner's social club, the remains of which are in the photo. Lead mining started in 1730 with the settlement growing to 100 miners by 1793. The bog finally became uneconomic and closed in 1922, 
the buildings were abandoned and demolished other than the school which is now a visitor's centre.
We then rattled on to Ratlinghope passing some magnificent scenery over the Long Mynd and finished our tour at 
Church Stretton, quite a large town. The photo was cribbed off the internet as there were too many cars for me to take a decent one!
On our return journey we called in at the Caravan Club site at Presthope where we had cancelled a booking in favour of our present site. What a mistake that would have been- road noise and all crammed in again. Sites on former railway stations really do not suit us.
12th August 2008. Today we crossed the border into Wales, ending up at Montgomery. Its an ancient town with castle ruins but due to the inevitable parking of cars, not worth taking a photo. There were a dozen or so shops in a road off the main thoroughfare. Having browsed the Internet, I found one to display.
The castle dominates the town so we trekked up a narrow path to the it only to find a 'no dogs' sign- I'm afraid we ignored it having made the effort to get to the castle. Di stayed outside with Tim while I went over the bridge into the ruins to take some photos.The houses in the town were ancient, many displaying plaques showing details of the history.
13th August 08. We set off about 9am from Devon and arrived at the site about 4pm having travelled 250 miles. The site is a Caravan Club certificated location allowing just 5 units but in our case we were the only occupants. CLs have minimal facilities with just an electric hookup, a rubbish bin and a means of disposing the contents of the chemical toilet. In our usual manner we tried a few pitches, stopped on one overlooking the pond which is stocked with fish and a peripheral path for Timmy walks. Tim loved it and was so exited running around that he fell in the pond!
The rest of the day was spent setting up and having a quick meal. Someone was waiting for their dinner!
1 comment:
Nice views!!!!
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