Guides in England

Posted on: Jun 15, 2013        In: Out and About        With: No comments

For some of the sites we visited in England we had special guides.   They were knowledgeable and entertaining.

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A “Professor” guided us through the ancient ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.  Notice the lime green socks.  This man was funny -“King Arthur is buried twice at Glastonbury Abbey”.  “What do monks do when they need to raise money to restore the Abbey?  Dig up King Arthur.”

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This model shows the grandeur that was once Glastonbury Abbey.

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Just look at the beautiful ancient walls.

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This archway depicts the entire Biblical story.

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“This is England’s cradle of Christianity, providing sanctuary, tranquillity, history, and heritage in one special place.  The Abbey is the resting place for three Saxon kings and the legendary King Arthur.”  

Until Henry VIII ordered the destruction of the monasteries, it was the second richest foundation in the land.  Henry ordered the confiscation of the Abbey’s wealth and treasures and the last Abbot was hanged on Glastonbury Tor in 1539.” (Brochure)

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The Town Crier of Chester gave us news about this interesting town.

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Chester is a famous for their unusual black and white buildings.  On the second floor of these buildings are covered walkways and shops.  They told us people come from miles around to shop here.  I wouldn’t know.  By the time we listened to the Town Crier, and ate, we had to get back on the bus.  That was a downside to the tour.  I wanted to explore more in every town.  I guess I will have to go back to England.

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Phil, our guide in Liverpool, was fantastic.  He gets invited to parties given by Paul McCartney.  He was not only knowledgeable about The Beatles, but about the town of Liverpool as well.

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The Cavern Club is famous in Liverpool because of its connection with The Beatles.  It is still a club and has nightly entertainment.

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We were there.

If you want to be in movies, Phil says Liverpool is where it happens in England.  He said they will shut down the entire town for a movie, and he named several movies that have been made there.  (Wish I could remember the names of those movies.)

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Liverpool was the Ellis Island for England.  This sculpture of suitcases honors the immigrants that entered England through Liverpool.

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A Yeoman Warder guided us through The Tower of London.  Our guide told us his daughter was married in the Chapel of Saint Peter at the Tower.  She was even loaned a tiara to wear ( I guess from the Royal Family).  How cool is that?  It was the tiara worn in My Fair Lady.  It must be the “loaning tiara”.  I guess working at the Tower does have some perks.

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There are twenty towers at the Tower of London.

Be still my heart.  The exhibit of the Crown Jewels was amazing.  I have never seen jewels that large.  We couldn’t take pictures there.  Do go see them if you go to London.DSC_0991

The ravens are on the left.  Legend say if the ravens ever leave the Tower the kingdom and the Tower will fall.

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Some workers live in these apartment at the Tower.  I think my home is old because it was built in the 1970’s.  Can you imagine living in homes as old as these?

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A guard was on duty at the Tower.  It bothered me that his hat was crooked.  I am sure it bothered him that he was on duty in the rain.

The special guides made our visit to England more enjoyable.  I highly recommend them.

Blessings to you and yours,