History

While visiting another cousin along the coast, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about England’s history. So far we have gone to two very historic towns – Arundel and Portsmouth.

Arundel is a very old town. The focal point is the Arundel Caste – built in the 1000’s! We couldn’t go in though – not till April.
We walked up to the Roman Catholic Cathedral – modern in the perspective of the majority of churches here (1870’s).
From there we went to St. Nicholas Church, built in the 1300’s.

Not so historic, but cool none-the-less, was a stop at the Arundel Wetland Centre – home to many wild birds during the winter months. The swans wanted food, which we did not actually have, so they got close enough to touch.

After a 2 hour bus ride to Portsmouth we decided to get tickets that allowed us into all of the attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Unfortunately, photography was not permitted in most places so I only got 20 photos out of the day.

We began by exploring the Mary Rose Museum. Mary Rose was built in the 16th century under Henry VIII, but was only in commission 34 years before it was sunk. It was discovered and erected from the water 437 years later, by 1982. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the ship, as it’s in a preservation laboratory right now.

We then went on a tour of the HMS Victory – the largest warship of its kind. Phillip was our tour guide, and taught us all about the 1805 battle under Admiral Nelson. It was cool learning about it, as I never even heard of this stuff growing up!

At the port right near the Victory were 2 current warships, docked for the weekend. They are quite the contrast to the historical warships we were learning about.

We also got to explore (without a tour guide) the HMS Warrior – a more modern warship from 1860.

Although it’s been cold and rainy, I am really enjoying my time with Janet. I don’t think we’re planning on any more adventures before I return to Jane and Alan’s, but you never know.
I’m taking in all that I can during my last week in England!