Magna Carta

[Enfys]

We had a lovely day yesterday in Salisbury, the weather was glorious which was a bonus. We visited the cathedral, an fantastic building - every time I see it I am amazed at how it could have been built all those years ago. We also visited the Magna Carta exhibition, something I had been wanting to do for ages saw the actual manuscript which was written 800 years ago . There was a very interesting animated film which explained why and how the Magna Carta came to be written, which made it very easy to understand and saved me trying to explain it to DH . He has no interest in history but still found it fascinating. Our lives could all have been so different without it.

What annoyed me though, were all the people, mostly non-British, who were ignoring the "please don't take photos" signs in and around the little tent where the Magna Carta was displayed. There is of course a real reason not to have loads of flashlights going off all the time but no-one seemed to bother. I was cross but could only say, in a loud voice, No Photographs!! DH said ...that German guy is glaring at you.......so what , it's OUR history . Made me feel better!



Edited: I'm not really a grumpy old woman, honest

[Guest]

So glad you had a lovely day. The Magna Carta is very special, I often go and have a look at the one in the British Muesum when I'm there.

So agree about disrespect. We were in Bath last weekend and at one point visited the Abbey. There was a moment when the chaplain went into the pulpit and asked for three minutes of silence while he spoke about the Abbey and concluded with the Lord's Prayer. No one was asked to join in, just stay quiet, but a group of braying English voices continued their noisy conversation and air kissing the entire time. I was so tempted to ask ask them to desist but I chickened out I'm afraid.

[Gemini]

I'm glad you had a good day, Enfys, it does sound interesting.
Some people just don't know how to behave, re both yours and Minnys experiences.

[Elisi]

So pleased Enfys, you had a lovely day At Salisbury. I hope you and everyone on GRU one day get to Lincoln. We hold part of the Magna Carta in the newly renovated Castle here. A copy is kept in the Cathedral which is opposite the Castle.

All volunteers at the Cathedral had to attend two meetings about Magna Carta to learn as much as possible about its history so we could accurately give the public information when they asked. We were surprised at what we DIDN'T know !

Lincoln has become a brilliant tourist draw this year, and is well worth a visit. Just let me know if you ever come this way as there is so much I can help you with to make it an even more enjoyable experience and of course, I would love to meet you😘

[Guest]

I'd love to have a day in Lincoln. Anyone else up for a day trip there?

[Nanto2girls]

Sounds like you had a lovely interesting day.Lincoln is lovely.Iv'e only been once about 10 years ago,so some things might have changed.

[Plantaholic]

I'd love to have a day in Lincoln. Anyone else up for a day trip there?

I think Lincoln was a suggested place to meet, I would like to go to Lincoln again some time

[Enfys]

I was born in Lincolnshire! In Sleaford whilst my father was stationed near there in the RAF but sadly I have never been back. I should really make the effort and would love to visit the cathedral.

It would be a long way for me though

[Qwerty]

I'd love to have a day in Lincoln. Anyone else up for a day trip there?

Oh yes awkward for me to travel by train there but could always ask OH to take me and he can do his own thing for day I have been before but it was winter November it was freezing and flipping slippy on that little hill with shops!

[Elisi]

Oh yes Qwerty, Steep Hill. Very tricky with its cobblestones in winter. Lovely places to eat there though and all around the castle and cathedral. Brilliant Tapas called Ole Ole, and many others. Lovely handbag shop down Steep Hill often has sales reducing from £100 + down to £20 !!!

Lincoln has changed a great deal, we came in 2001. The University has grown exponentially, and is now one of the major colleges in the UK and holds research work with OZ, Canada and the States. They are madly building more student digs!

The Castle has been totally re-furbed, and the cathedral is set for a complete make over in the grounds shortly. Everything has smartened up and the area seems to be doing well with businesses moving in. It's really busy here in summer now, and the Christmas Market is very popular, although we try not to get hooked into working at the cathedral then as parking is impossible.

There is a Roman Gate still standing proudly. The Romans used Lincoln as a resting place and a retirement city for old soldiers when they were here.

Lots to see and one of the nicest cities to visit.

But getting here can be a bit of a nightmare. Easy by road, but the rail line has only one a day as yet from Lincoln to London (must check that)???? Newark is still the main line to London. Otherwise, from the South, the A1 is best.

[Daisy]

Enfys - You make me feel guilty. I don't live far from Salisbury, and I've never shopped there and never properly visited the Cathedral! I used to have to go to meeting at the College when I was working, but apart from that I only ever seem to visit the ring road en route to somewhere else. Maybe we should have a southern meet there!

I can remember doing the Magna Carta in History at school, but my recollection of what it actually contains is vague!

Elisi - Lincoln sounds lovely. I have been once, about 10 years ago, and went round the Cathedral, but we weren't able to spend long there, which was a shame. It's not a good journey from here, though!

[Enfys]

Daisy, isn't it always the way...we never visit the places near to us. This was our first time actually going inside the cathedral but it was well worth it. We also visited Mompesson House in the cathedral close, a very nice NT property also where Sense and Sensibility was filmed a few years ago. We are trying to make the effort to see more of our own local places of interest.

[Daisy]

Enfys - we keep promising ourselves we'll visit all these places tourists travel miles to see but are on our doorsteps. We're both very lucky to live where we do, and we should make the most of it.

Do you go to the New Forest Show?

[Enfys]

We used to go but haven't even for years. I seem to remember the last time we had problems parking, or getting there, something or other was difficult and it put us off. Can't handle hassle now I'm old (ha ha) 😉

[Daisy]

Parking is fine now - yes, there's usually a bit of a queue to get in unless you go early, but after one year where it was total and utter chaos for about 10 miles all round the show ground they got it sorted. We go in the back way (off Rhinefield Road), and that's never very busy.

I love the show, and nearly always go. I was just wondering if you were going, because we're going on the Thursday - OH is demonstrating (wood turning). If you were we could perhaps have met up.