May 8 - 13 2019
The History Boys
(and Girls)
Post from John
Time for our first “proper” trip of the year – and like
2018, it was to be a short break with our friends Barbara and Clive. Our rendezvous was at Brockhampton Estate, a National Trust property west of
Worcester. This medieval manor house, later a more humble farmhouse, provided
an interesting and enlightening few hours (after the obligatory visit to the
tearoom).
Our base for the next couple of days was the Caravan Club
affiliated site of Lucksall, about 4 miles outside Hereford. This proved to a
an immaculately kept site, nestled alongside the River Wye, with some of the
largest pitches we’ve ever seen. The next morning saw us catching the bus from
outside the site entrance, bound for Hereford. The day was dull and rainy, so
inside activities were in order. First up was the wonderful “Brick History”
exhibition in the city library, with significant events from the past (the Big
Bang, the destruction of Pompeii, the Boston Tea Party…) recreated in Lego.
Then on to the Cathedral, not just to admire the wonderful
architecture, but to visit the Mappa Mundi. Dating from around 1300, this is
the largest medieval map believed still to exist. Amazingly detailed, it served
as both a geographic and theological document.
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| Part of the Mappa Mundi |
Friday was better weather, so we all donned our walking boots and set off on a circular walk that Clive had researched. The route took us through the nearby village of Mordiford, then alongside the river before heading up into the wooded hills. After a picnic lunch in the woods, we ended up back at the pub in Mordiford for a welcome drink.
The next morning, we had a leisurely start before driving
the short distance to Tewkesbury Caravan and Motorhome Club site. This is situated
in the heart of the town, close to the abbey. It was to the abbey we headed in
the afternoon, and were intrigued to watch rehearsals taking place for an
operatic performance that evening. The sounds of strings and voices were a fitting
backdrop as we explored the building, reckoned to be one of the finest examples
of Norman architecture in England. A short wander around the town completed the
day.
Clive was out and about early with his camera on Sunday
morning, to photograph the Tewkesbury marathon, the route of which passed close
to the site. The rest of us joined him a little later, and walked to short
distance to the Avon, watching narrowboats manoeuvring on the river, before
crossing onto the Severn Ham. This is a large area bounded by the Rivers Severn
and Avon, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and home to many varieties
of flora and fauna. As we walked around the area, Clive and Barbara improved
our wildlife knowledge by identifying the various birds we could hear and see.
After lunch we had a stroll around the area known as the
vineyards, south of the abbey, site of some of the final fighting in the Battle
of Tewkesbury, a decisive engagement in the Wars of the Roses. The Yorkists heavily
defeated the Lancastrians, some survivors of whom fled to seek sanctuary in the
Abbey, only to be dragged out and summarily executed.
On Monday we packed up and made the short (1 hour) journey
home, once again having had an enjoyable time more or less on our doorstep.
A slightly longer trip coming up next….
