Tuesday, August 18, 2015

England, Day Seven, Part Two








After leaving the Wordsworth home we are travelling through beautiful countryside to visit Dalton Castle.  It's a lovely drive along the coastline looking at the Irish Sea.





After travelling for some time we come to Dalton-in-Furness in Cumbria.  It's a steep little village town, filled with charming homes.  At the top of one of the hills is the Dalton Castle.  It was built to defend the people of Dalton and the approaches to Furness Abbey.  It's not a typical castle.  In 1127 King Stephen conferred on the Abbot of Furness the power to hold courts and administer justice as early as 1239 there is reference to a jury in the agreement between William Flemming of Aldingham and the Abbey.




Inside of the tower we are greeted by two lovely ladies who guided us around the Tower.  The deep set windows are quite lovely with their leaded glass.




Since this tower was used as a court and a prison there is a dungeon in the lower level.  In 1704 the floor boards were replaced and then again in 1856.  After the National Trust aquired the castle from the Duke of Buccleuch, the castle was further restored in 1968.




Of course there has to be a toilet in the castle.  Down this narrow passage we come to a dead end.  This has been recently excavated and to be, what has been delicately termed, "the rubbish shaft."







These were the stairs we climbed to the second floor.




Upstairs there is a large room that would have served as the courtroom.  This room is used as a teaching tool for National Trust exhibits.


George Romney the English Painter born in Dalton-in-Furness

Dalton Castle was an interesting quirky place.  Back downstairs, the ladies showed us local artifacts.  Local citizens bring in objects to display in this area.  It's kind of a little museum for odd items.




My friend Deb at http://a-garden-intheshire.blogspot.com/2015/02/vintage-stoneware-hot-water-bottle.html , from Wales, wrote about her stoneware hot water bottle.  I found it so interesting to see so many different shapes on display.

The ladies recommended  we visit The Furness Abbey while in town.  So with their directions we were off to see the Abbey ruins.







Furness Abbey was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England.  The ruins of red sandstone sits in the area it has been for over 900 years.  The remains once housed the wealthy order.  It was founded by Count Stephen of Boulogne c. 1125.  Count Stephen was later King Stephen.

The Abbey was destroyed in 1537 during the English Reformation under the order of Henry VIII.




The Furness Abbey is under the care of the English Heritage.  Much of the foundation is sinking into the ground.  They are working to try to shore up the remains for the future.

It was time for us to leave this area.  We travelled over many narrow roads filled with interesting sights.  We were surprised to see what appeared to be a lighthouse on a hill.




Upon further investigation, we learned this was a monument and not a lighthouse.  The monument was built in 1850 in honor of Sir John Barrow, a local explorer.  It is a replica of Eddystone Lighthouse and stands 100 feet tall on top of the 430 foot high Hoad Hill.  It was built of local limestone.  It is locally known as the pepperpot.

Continuing along to our destination we wanted to see Morecambe Bay.  I've mentioned we love the sea and wanted to see this body of water from a different angle.




We walked out to the water front and reflected on all the beauty we have experienced so far on our lovely adventure to England.  What a beautiful day!




24 comments:

  1. Another lovely visit to Merrie Olde England! I do so agree when people are kind enough to point visitors in the direction of nearby places of interest. So helpful!
    At first I thought the pepperpot was a folly, for Britain is full of such eccentricities. I love lighthouses. One day, I might have to share the rather gruesome tale of one of our local lighthouses, and the reason why it became necessary to have three keepers aboard! Maybe at Hallowe'en?
    I will be so sorry when your tour of England comes to an end. I am really enjoying visiting with you as my guide.
    ~~~Deb~~~

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    1. Deb, one very nice fact stood out with us on our trip---Everyone we came in contact with was so kind and helpful!
      I too love lighthouses and would love to hear your spooky story. Lighthouses in America used to be manned by a keeper and all of his family. There are many tales to be told about them.
      Have a wonderful afternoon, Deb. xo ♥

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  2. Wonderful photos of the castle. I love your window shots. The Abbey was interesting too … so nice they are trying to keep if from sinking! I enjoyed your last photo and thoughts … you had such a great trip!

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    1. Dotsie, I love windows and can't help but photograph them!
      Stay cool on this hot August day. We just returned from our walk and it is very humid out there! ♥

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  3. More interesting sites on this day, but the sight that takes my breath away is your next-to-last photo...the road leading down to the seaside and that sweeping view of the sea! Beautiful!!

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    1. Cheryl, it was such a lovely day. I was just taking photos of it all and still trying to be in the moment. Trying to capture and still enjoy it all was a challenge for me. Enjoy your day in the cool! ♥

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  4. I love the photos! That is definitely a part of England we need to visit. Amazing... 1197. We think a place is old if it's from the 1800s. Lol

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    1. That's so true, Judy. We say of the English, that they think a 100 miles is a long ways. But the English say of us, that we think that 100 years is a long time. The ancient sites in England take my breath away. ♥

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    2. It is very interesting observation you make about 100 miles vs. 100 years. I think that is what would strike me the most if I ever go to England. I enjoyed your tour along the Irish Sea!

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    3. Cathy, I think that's what I enjoy most about visiting Europe. So much has lasted through the ages. To think of all the souls that have passed by these sites is just mind boggling. All the history that has happened since then.... ♥

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  5. Hi Martha! Oh, I'm so enjoying seeing your trip! My daughter and husband lived in the UK for two years before they had the children. They lived in Otley in the Yorkshires. So gorgeous. We've been to England quite a few times and there is so much to see. Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. England is just the best, Shelia. There is more I'd like to see there and hope we can go back one day. Thanks for coming by! ♥

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  6. Another delightful day in the English countryside! I really must look at our map of England and find all of these wonderful places we are visiting together, Martha Ellen! The coastline is so pretty! I'm always drawn to beautiful, old ruins wherever I travel. I'm so glad you followed the tip to visit the Abbey. Its red, sandstone walls hold so much history. Your time by the sea will always be a very special part of your vacation memories! I'm truly enjoying every moment of this wonderful adventure, Martha Ellen!
    ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes

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    1. We truly enjoyed every moment of our adventure, Dawn. Little side trips along the way added to our memory vault. The Abbey was an incredible place to behold. I couldn't help but be sad about the orders of Henry VIII to destroy it. History seems to repeat itself over and over again.
      It's so nice having a kindred spirit to share our time in England with. Have a wonder-filled day! ♥

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  7. You are such a wonderfully gracious tour guide! Heartfelt thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and precious memories with us, Martha Ellen! Kindred spirits, without a doubt! Have a great weekend!
    ♡Dawn@ Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes

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    1. Thank you, dear Dawn! I hope your weekend is wonderful! xoxo ♥

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  8. Another beautiful post, I am so late catching up the Summer is so busy.
    I love seeing where you have been.
    Fondly Michelle

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    1. Summer is quite a busy time, Michelle! I always enjoy seeing your posts of your family and your beautiful countryside. Thanks for stopping by. ♥

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  9. More amazing photos. You'll have special memories from this vacation.
    Amalia
    xo

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  10. Wow, these buildings are so old and historic. What a wonderful place to visit. Interesting pictures of Dalton Castle. I wonder if the girls knew about this place when they visited England. The sea is so peaceful and beautiful. Thanks for taking us along on your trip.

    Have a delightful weekend.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, England is filled with historical places that have been lovingly restored. Thank you for coming along. I so enjoyed your daughter's post about the Matterhorn!
      Enjoy your weekend. ♥

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  11. The ocean looks the same the world over...or nearly. I would be like you...always looking for it. Another beautiful Abbey...I am glad that they are working to preserve it.

    Yoi have not had much rain? We seem to have had more than our share...wish that I could send some to the Pacific Northwest.

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    1. Vee, it's a shame about the drought in the Pacific Northwest as well as California. August has been quite dry here in VA. It's not unusual for us--Grayden is cutting the grass now and he's kicking up quite a bit of dust. Our June and July were filled with great gentle rains. ♥

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