Janet Roberts's Blog, page 22
August 16, 2012
National Coal Mining Museum - Wakefield - Yorkshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This is the most amazing place I think I've ever visited. Situated just a short distance from the M1, you arrive to see just a collection of single storey buildings, which actually look quite uninspired. However once inside there's a fascinating exhibition area, and when I went a special sporting section to link miners and the Olympics. There's also a cafe and shop.
However, the highlight is the underground tour. First you have to hand in anything with a battery - like a watch, camera etc., and ladies had to drop their bags into special baskets. Consequently no further photography was possible, and the following pictures were taken from their web page or exhibition. Then everyone is fitted out with an over-the-shoulder bag containing presumably a battery, as each person carries a small torch.
It is then possible to see down into the 140 meter mine shaft, either by peering over the edge, or standing on the toughened glass. (I didn't do either!)
Then it's a case of ducking to get into the lift - and a real squash it is too! The descent takes 2 minutes and it certainly seems a long way down. Then the amazing tour begins, with frequent stops where models etc., have been set up to illustrate mining through the centuries, and grim it must have been too! The pathway is quite uneven (it was a mystery to me how wheelchairs cope with the tour, but we were assured they did!), in places the access is quite narrow, and several times I was thankful of the compulsory hard hat as I collided with the low ceiling!
One thing that surprised me - it was quite cool, whilst I was anticipating it being very hot. In fact I wished I'd worn my jacket. This was apparently due to the air blowing system employed in the pit, and it certainly was quite drafty.
I did strike me that you needed to be quite fit and agile to take this tour, which lasted over an hour, as well as not minding the somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere and the general gloom, as the only lights were from our little torches. If you were alright with all that. it was absolutely fascinating - in fact I had never had an experience like it, and it gave such a clear indication of just how hard the life of a miner, in whatever century, must have been.
As though this wasn't enough upstairs a skilled actress took the part of a wartime miner's wife who was talking to newly-arrived evacuees. She was very good and kept the children absolutely spellbound.
So how much did such an amazing and totally unique experience cost? Just £2, and this was refundable once your little token was handed in. Incredible. A not-too-be missed experience.
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
This is the most amazing place I think I've ever visited. Situated just a short distance from the M1, you arrive to see just a collection of single storey buildings, which actually look quite uninspired. However once inside there's a fascinating exhibition area, and when I went a special sporting section to link miners and the Olympics. There's also a cafe and shop.
However, the highlight is the underground tour. First you have to hand in anything with a battery - like a watch, camera etc., and ladies had to drop their bags into special baskets. Consequently no further photography was possible, and the following pictures were taken from their web page or exhibition. Then everyone is fitted out with an over-the-shoulder bag containing presumably a battery, as each person carries a small torch.
It is then possible to see down into the 140 meter mine shaft, either by peering over the edge, or standing on the toughened glass. (I didn't do either!)
Then it's a case of ducking to get into the lift - and a real squash it is too! The descent takes 2 minutes and it certainly seems a long way down. Then the amazing tour begins, with frequent stops where models etc., have been set up to illustrate mining through the centuries, and grim it must have been too! The pathway is quite uneven (it was a mystery to me how wheelchairs cope with the tour, but we were assured they did!), in places the access is quite narrow, and several times I was thankful of the compulsory hard hat as I collided with the low ceiling!One thing that surprised me - it was quite cool, whilst I was anticipating it being very hot. In fact I wished I'd worn my jacket. This was apparently due to the air blowing system employed in the pit, and it certainly was quite drafty.
I did strike me that you needed to be quite fit and agile to take this tour, which lasted over an hour, as well as not minding the somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere and the general gloom, as the only lights were from our little torches. If you were alright with all that. it was absolutely fascinating - in fact I had never had an experience like it, and it gave such a clear indication of just how hard the life of a miner, in whatever century, must have been.As though this wasn't enough upstairs a skilled actress took the part of a wartime miner's wife who was talking to newly-arrived evacuees. She was very good and kept the children absolutely spellbound.
So how much did such an amazing and totally unique experience cost? Just £2, and this was refundable once your little token was handed in. Incredible. A not-too-be missed experience.
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
August 14, 2012
Craft & Sculpture Fair - Sandringham - Norfolk
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, is always such a lovely place to visit. I've written about my trips there several times in old blogs.
This time it was to visit the Sandringham Craft, Sculpture and Art Fair. The first thing that struck me was how well organised it was, with rows of marquees divided up into fascinating activities. I was particularly taken with this beautiful patchwork stall, where they kindly held up one of the amazing quilts for me to photograph.
What was unusual was the sheer number of activities that it was possible not only to watch, but to take part in too. I saw a young boy making a hook with a skilled blacksmith, others were trying to throw pots on a wheel (no easy task!) as well as this fascinating, and very popular painting class using the Bob Ross method.
A unique activity was the International Chainsaw Competition which I think had been running over the whole of the three days of the fair. I arrived on the last day, and was in time to see the amazing finished works of art, and also to watch the auction, which was clearly well-known and very popular from the large crowds that had gathered. I would certainly have liked to have seen these skilled craftsmen at work and have made a note to visit next year earlier in the show. (This magnificent dragon had won first prize, and I wasn't surprised it was absolutely wonderful
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, is always such a lovely place to visit. I've written about my trips there several times in old blogs.
This time it was to visit the Sandringham Craft, Sculpture and Art Fair. The first thing that struck me was how well organised it was, with rows of marquees divided up into fascinating activities. I was particularly taken with this beautiful patchwork stall, where they kindly held up one of the amazing quilts for me to photograph.
What was unusual was the sheer number of activities that it was possible not only to watch, but to take part in too. I saw a young boy making a hook with a skilled blacksmith, others were trying to throw pots on a wheel (no easy task!) as well as this fascinating, and very popular painting class using the Bob Ross method.
A unique activity was the International Chainsaw Competition which I think had been running over the whole of the three days of the fair. I arrived on the last day, and was in time to see the amazing finished works of art, and also to watch the auction, which was clearly well-known and very popular from the large crowds that had gathered. I would certainly have liked to have seen these skilled craftsmen at work and have made a note to visit next year earlier in the show. (This magnificent dragon had won first prize, and I wasn't surprised it was absolutely wonderful
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
August 11, 2012
Tour - The Dome - Buxton - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
One of the most impressive buildings in Buxton is The Devonshire Dome. I recently discovered that they do tours twice a day on Wednesdays and Fridays. This was something I definitely wanted to do!
This Grade II* listed building was built for William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire by John Carr of York between 1780 and 1789. Incredibly it was intended as a stable block for all the visitors to his nearby Crescent Hotel, and then was without the domes and cupolas or clock tower. It could house up to 110 horses in the uncovered central area, with the grooms accommodated upstairs.
With the coming of the railway less horses were needed, but increasingly visitors who came to take the famous mineral waters suffered from rheumatism, arthritis and other orthopaedic diseases, so in 1859 the Buxton Bath Charity persuaded the Duke of Devonshire to allow part of the building to be converted into a hospital for the 'sick poor'. (It must have been a strange combination - horses one side, patients the other!)
In 1881, with the Industrial Revolution at its height, it became increasingly obvious that a hospital was required in the town. Local Architect Robert Rippon Duke was commissioned to design the 300 bed establishment. This included creating what was then the largest unsupported dome with a diameter of 44.2 metres (145 feet). Although superseded worldwide,this remains the largest unsupported dome in the UK, and is just spectacular - but with interesting acoustics in the centre!
Again circumstances changed, and in 2003 the completely refurbished building was reopened as part of the University of Derby - and how delightful it must be to study here! The classrooms were all small and intimate, with a well-stocked library and the original spa of the hydropathic hospital has been reopened as a commercial spa - which looked, and smelt, quite wonderful!
Our impressive Guide was Maria, a German student who had recently completed a degree in Travel and Tourism and was doing this job as part of her course. She was really knowledgeable and fluent, completely without notes and quite delightful.
I would certainly recommend these tours. It's best to phone Buxton Tourist Information Centre to reserve places (01298 25106)
One of the most impressive buildings in Buxton is The Devonshire Dome. I recently discovered that they do tours twice a day on Wednesdays and Fridays. This was something I definitely wanted to do!
This Grade II* listed building was built for William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire by John Carr of York between 1780 and 1789. Incredibly it was intended as a stable block for all the visitors to his nearby Crescent Hotel, and then was without the domes and cupolas or clock tower. It could house up to 110 horses in the uncovered central area, with the grooms accommodated upstairs.With the coming of the railway less horses were needed, but increasingly visitors who came to take the famous mineral waters suffered from rheumatism, arthritis and other orthopaedic diseases, so in 1859 the Buxton Bath Charity persuaded the Duke of Devonshire to allow part of the building to be converted into a hospital for the 'sick poor'. (It must have been a strange combination - horses one side, patients the other!)
In 1881, with the Industrial Revolution at its height, it became increasingly obvious that a hospital was required in the town. Local Architect Robert Rippon Duke was commissioned to design the 300 bed establishment. This included creating what was then the largest unsupported dome with a diameter of 44.2 metres (145 feet). Although superseded worldwide,this remains the largest unsupported dome in the UK, and is just spectacular - but with interesting acoustics in the centre!
Again circumstances changed, and in 2003 the completely refurbished building was reopened as part of the University of Derby - and how delightful it must be to study here! The classrooms were all small and intimate, with a well-stocked library and the original spa of the hydropathic hospital has been reopened as a commercial spa - which looked, and smelt, quite wonderful!
Our impressive Guide was Maria, a German student who had recently completed a degree in Travel and Tourism and was doing this job as part of her course. She was really knowledgeable and fluent, completely without notes and quite delightful. I would certainly recommend these tours. It's best to phone Buxton Tourist Information Centre to reserve places (01298 25106)
August 8, 2012
Riverside Festival - Nottingham
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk... never been to this Festival, and with the weather actually quite good, I thought it was high time I paid a visit to Nottingham.
The Festival covers 3 days and is just packed with events and activities. It takes place on the Victoria Embankment just below Trent Bridge. I could have done with more information about getting there from the City Centre, and wasn't the only one frantically trying to find the right bus! However, once I arrived the sheer sound and the vast crowds were impressive.
There was a huge fair, strung out along the side of the river with some impressively large rides, which were clearly very popular, although I did think that a family would have spent quite a lot of money keeping everyone happy.
The event also included the South Asian Festival and I stopped and listened to an Indian singer for some time.
In addition there was a large screen showing the Olympics, which was proving very popular, plus a lot of live music, street entertainers and a vast range of food stalls - in fact something for everyone.
My interest however, was in the Dragon Boat Racing, which I'd never seen live before, and was really looking forward to. There were 44 teams in all, many in spectacular, matching outfits, and each race consisted of 4 boats. As they set off every 10 - 15 minutes there always seemed to be something happening, which made it very interesting.
All the boats had the mythical Chinese dragon head and tail on the little boats, and I hadn't realised before that each carried a drummer who beat time with the paddlers and spurred them on to greater efforts! There was a commentary, and all funds raised were for the Rainbow Hospice for children and young people.
Altogether, this was a really fun event, and an excellent way to raise money for charity whilst giving people such a good time. With sun shining I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
The Festival covers 3 days and is just packed with events and activities. It takes place on the Victoria Embankment just below Trent Bridge. I could have done with more information about getting there from the City Centre, and wasn't the only one frantically trying to find the right bus! However, once I arrived the sheer sound and the vast crowds were impressive.There was a huge fair, strung out along the side of the river with some impressively large rides, which were clearly very popular, although I did think that a family would have spent quite a lot of money keeping everyone happy.
The event also included the South Asian Festival and I stopped and listened to an Indian singer for some time.In addition there was a large screen showing the Olympics, which was proving very popular, plus a lot of live music, street entertainers and a vast range of food stalls - in fact something for everyone.
My interest however, was in the Dragon Boat Racing, which I'd never seen live before, and was really looking forward to. There were 44 teams in all, many in spectacular, matching outfits, and each race consisted of 4 boats. As they set off every 10 - 15 minutes there always seemed to be something happening, which made it very interesting.All the boats had the mythical Chinese dragon head and tail on the little boats, and I hadn't realised before that each carried a drummer who beat time with the paddlers and spurred them on to greater efforts! There was a commentary, and all funds raised were for the Rainbow Hospice for children and young people.
Altogether, this was a really fun event, and an excellent way to raise money for charity whilst giving people such a good time. With sun shining I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
If you'd like to know more about me why not visit my Smashwords Profile
August 3, 2012
Newfield Dairy Ice Cream Parlour - Hockerton - n. Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I first saw this place on the local TV, and decided it was just the sort of enterprise I like to support. I approached from Hockerton, and really struggled because of the complete lack of signs! (You turn at the Spread Eagle pub!). I was greatly amused to arrive and find the car park absolutely packed, so clearly everyone else already knew about this place, or may be it's just easier to find coming from Southwell. Whatever, it's quite clear that word about this excellent establishment has soon got around.
The Pogson family first established a fine herd of Holstein cows way back in 1949, but it wasn't until January this year that they opened this purpose-built ice cream parlour and cafe, and very fine it is too. The first thing that struck me was how airy and spacious it was, and how clean.
There are 16 flavours of ice cream, including Apple and Cinder Toffee Ripple which uses the famous Southwell Bramley Apple, as well as varieties like Damson and Cream, with fruit picked from local hedgerows - I just love the thought of that.
In addition there is a wide range of food on offer, from snacks to a most substantial breakfast menu, and a range of drinks, so no wonder the place was packed when I visited. At one end there's a comfy settee, and a wood burning stove, just perfect for a chilly autumn day I thought. Outside there is even more seating, with stunning views over the Nottinghamshire countryside, as well as being in close proximity to the wonderful black and white cows!
I was also delighted to find that they sell a wide range of milk, cream and yogurt, something I shall certainly purchase in the future - not being a great supporter of Supermarkets at the best of times, and certainly not while they try to exploit the dairy farmers.
I was really pleased I'd found this place, and will definitely be coming back.
I first saw this place on the local TV, and decided it was just the sort of enterprise I like to support. I approached from Hockerton, and really struggled because of the complete lack of signs! (You turn at the Spread Eagle pub!). I was greatly amused to arrive and find the car park absolutely packed, so clearly everyone else already knew about this place, or may be it's just easier to find coming from Southwell. Whatever, it's quite clear that word about this excellent establishment has soon got around.
The Pogson family first established a fine herd of Holstein cows way back in 1949, but it wasn't until January this year that they opened this purpose-built ice cream parlour and cafe, and very fine it is too. The first thing that struck me was how airy and spacious it was, and how clean.There are 16 flavours of ice cream, including Apple and Cinder Toffee Ripple which uses the famous Southwell Bramley Apple, as well as varieties like Damson and Cream, with fruit picked from local hedgerows - I just love the thought of that.
In addition there is a wide range of food on offer, from snacks to a most substantial breakfast menu, and a range of drinks, so no wonder the place was packed when I visited. At one end there's a comfy settee, and a wood burning stove, just perfect for a chilly autumn day I thought. Outside there is even more seating, with stunning views over the Nottinghamshire countryside, as well as being in close proximity to the wonderful black and white cows!I was also delighted to find that they sell a wide range of milk, cream and yogurt, something I shall certainly purchase in the future - not being a great supporter of Supermarkets at the best of times, and certainly not while they try to exploit the dairy farmers.
I was really pleased I'd found this place, and will definitely be coming back.
July 31, 2012
Lady Godiva Puppet - Coventry - Warwickshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I just love giant puppets! They represent so much work and planning. As regular readers of this blog will know, I've already seen the
and the quite wonderful Uncle
and Girl so I certainly wasn't going to miss the chance to see a 33 foot high Lady Godiva!
Coventry, the beautiful cathedral city in the middle of England had been chosen to represent the West Midlands region at the 2012 Olympics, in a competition involving the Arts Council. The project had taken literally years to finalise, and involved over a thousand people from all walks of life, the puppet itself being designed by Imagineer Productions. It was so huge that the figure wore a size 54 dressing grown, and the buttons alone were made from cloth covered beer mats. (I just love that!)
What I particularly liked was the method to be used to get the giant all the way to London. Called a Cyclopedia it was powered by a team of cyclists, who have been in training for months for the gruelling 7 day journey. It was particularly interesting hearing the excellent radio commentary that was being broadcast across the square and to learn that there is certainly a mix of cyclists, including a gentleman who was paralysed below the waist and is using hand propulsion. (He can just be glanced towards the end of this video.) They also spoke to a delightful lady who was deaf/blind.
I had really enjoyed my trip to Liverpool to see their giant puppets, but of course they had been made in France, shipped across the channel, and were now operated by French puppeteers. (You can hear the French instructions being shouted in one of my videos.) Godiva was completely different. It was entirely British, using the best of our engineers, academics, designers etc., and for me that made it extra special.
In fact I couldn't have enjoyed my day in Coventry more - and wish Godiva and her gallant team of cyclists God's Speed on their journey to the capital.
I just love giant puppets! They represent so much work and planning. As regular readers of this blog will know, I've already seen the
and the quite wonderful Uncle
and Girl so I certainly wasn't going to miss the chance to see a 33 foot high Lady Godiva!
Coventry, the beautiful cathedral city in the middle of England had been chosen to represent the West Midlands region at the 2012 Olympics, in a competition involving the Arts Council. The project had taken literally years to finalise, and involved over a thousand people from all walks of life, the puppet itself being designed by Imagineer Productions. It was so huge that the figure wore a size 54 dressing grown, and the buttons alone were made from cloth covered beer mats. (I just love that!)
What I particularly liked was the method to be used to get the giant all the way to London. Called a Cyclopedia it was powered by a team of cyclists, who have been in training for months for the gruelling 7 day journey. It was particularly interesting hearing the excellent radio commentary that was being broadcast across the square and to learn that there is certainly a mix of cyclists, including a gentleman who was paralysed below the waist and is using hand propulsion. (He can just be glanced towards the end of this video.) They also spoke to a delightful lady who was deaf/blind.
I had really enjoyed my trip to Liverpool to see their giant puppets, but of course they had been made in France, shipped across the channel, and were now operated by French puppeteers. (You can hear the French instructions being shouted in one of my videos.) Godiva was completely different. It was entirely British, using the best of our engineers, academics, designers etc., and for me that made it extra special.
In fact I couldn't have enjoyed my day in Coventry more - and wish Godiva and her gallant team of cyclists God's Speed on their journey to the capital.
July 25, 2012
Iron Age Round House - Calverton - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
You just don't expect to find a full-sized round house dating from around 500BC in north Nottinghamshire! But that is exactly what poultry farmer Grahame Watson has created, almost single handedly.
When Grahame went to Nottingham University to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in archaeology, he soon realised that his great interest was in the period when the Celts lived in Britain. After visiting various museums and sites of interest, he increasingly wondered how round houses were constructed. Soon he, with the help of a few friends and fellow students, began marking out the 32 foot diameter site.
Needless to say, gaining Planning Permission and all the other necessary documentation necessary for a building, took a considerable amount of time, money and determination, as the authorities had never come across anything like this before! The interior of the 25 foot high conical shaped structure consists of 12 weight bearing oak poles - aptly obtained from nearby Sherwood Forest. The lower sections have been coated with lime wash - created by crushing limestone with water, which considerably lightens the interior. The amazing thatched roof, such a feature of this lovely building, was created from the bottom up, and was a very steep learning curve, which had to be right. (Interestingly since 2007 the roof has never leaked, so he clearly got it right!)
The walls that form the lower part of the building are made from wattle and daub, using a mixture of two parts sandy soil, one part horse manure, a sprinkling of horse hair all mixed together with hay and straw. Again it was trial and error to get the mixture right - no original building has obviously survived.
I visited the Round House during the Festival of British Archaeology, and thought it absolutely fantastic, especially with Grahame on hand to answer questions.
Incredibly he is now in the process of creating a rectangular house from the Romano British period. This style of house is the 'next step up home' from the Round House for the ancient British people.
Graham used the Round House for his dissertation for his degree, and I think it's a safe bet to reckon they'd never had one like this before! Well worth a visit.
July 21, 2012
Scott's Last Expedition - London
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
The Natural History Museum in London is a marvellous place to visit at any time, but the special exhibitions are always well worth a trip.
Scott's Last Expedition certainly lived up to expectations. At the beginning the skeleton of the hut has been recreated, and the floor plan I found particularly interesting, showing how the the bunks were crammed together. Dotted around were the small tables where they did so much scientific study, and the little kitchen area where the cook produced such amazingly varied and nutritious meals.
What I particularly liked was the mixed media that had been used to created this fascinating exhibition. In addition to all the many photographs, there were display cases full of artifacts, videos and recordings. It was moving to actually hear Scott's voice, and to read his final words when he knew that none of them would survive.
As expected, but somewhat disappointingly, photography was not allowed, so illustrations for this blog have been obtained from various sources, including Tesco's 'Captain Scott's Blend' of tea, when 5p from every pack will go towards preserving the original huts in antarticia.
This is a timed exhibition, although when I visited they were quite happy to let us in early. However, it is well worth obtaining tickets in advance, off the net, in order to avoid the considerable queues.
This exhibition is at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London until the 2nd September 2012
The Natural History Museum in London is a marvellous place to visit at any time, but the special exhibitions are always well worth a trip.
Scott's Last Expedition certainly lived up to expectations. At the beginning the skeleton of the hut has been recreated, and the floor plan I found particularly interesting, showing how the the bunks were crammed together. Dotted around were the small tables where they did so much scientific study, and the little kitchen area where the cook produced such amazingly varied and nutritious meals. What I particularly liked was the mixed media that had been used to created this fascinating exhibition. In addition to all the many photographs, there were display cases full of artifacts, videos and recordings. It was moving to actually hear Scott's voice, and to read his final words when he knew that none of them would survive.
As expected, but somewhat disappointingly, photography was not allowed, so illustrations for this blog have been obtained from various sources, including Tesco's 'Captain Scott's Blend' of tea, when 5p from every pack will go towards preserving the original huts in antarticia.This is a timed exhibition, although when I visited they were quite happy to let us in early. However, it is well worth obtaining tickets in advance, off the net, in order to avoid the considerable queues.
This exhibition is at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London until the 2nd September 2012
July 16, 2012
Northern Newfoundland Dogs Training Session
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
When I saw this event advertised it sounded like fun - and it certainly was!
It took place at Rother Country Park - a fantastic area just outside Sheffield which I've written about before. (See previous blog). Of course I knew what a Newfoundland dog looks like, but it isn't until you get up close you can appreciate their enormous size and strength. It must take a lot to look after such a magnificient beast. These animals were all part of the Northern Newfoundland Dog Club which was founded in 1984, especially for owners of these animals who live in the northern part of Great Britian.
One thing that surprised me - not all the dogs were black! Although one thing they did have in common - they all clearly loved the water, and those that were still penned in the compound were barking their heads off - clearly wanting to join in the fun! This was a real fun event, and it was impossible not to be impressed both by these magnificient animals, and by the dedication of their owners. (I kept wondering how you dried a dog this wet, and big, when you got home!
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July 11, 2012
Bradshaw's Handbook - 1863
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I've never used this blog to talk about a book before, but this is so exceptional I decided to include it. The book in question is Bradshaw's Handbook, published in 1863, and now reprinted.
Certainly from the outside it looks pretty dreary, with a stained brown cover, and gold leaf embossing that is so worn and faint it's hard to read. Inside the pages are so packed with information, and the print so small, there are places where it's quite hard to read.
So what is so marvellous about this unassuming book? For one thing it's a facsimile of the only surviving original of the book, hence the marks, thumbprints etc., which give it so much character.
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide first appeared in 1840, and soon became the publication used by everyone, including Count Dracula when he was planning is journey from Transylvania to England and Phileas Fogg had an edition in his pocket as he travelled the world in 80 days. When William Temple was headmaster of a public school in Repton, before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, he punished erring boys by making them memorise journeys from Bradshaw. It appears in the crime novels of both Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.
This is part of the long description regarding Chatsworth
'Chatsworth, ten miles from Matlock or Chesterfield station, near the Peak of Derbyshire, on the crystal Wye. Omnibuses from the Rowsley railway station (6d) meet the train. This splendid seat of the Duke of Devonshire ......is called the Palace of the Peak, and may be seen daily from 11 to 5. Parties are let in by turn. Apply early if you want to save time...."
The description of Nottingham is equally quaint:
'A telegraph station
Market Days - Wednesdays and Saturdays
Fairs - March 7th and 8th, October 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Thursday before Easter and Friday June 13th. Races in July.
NOTTINGHAM .....capital of the county of Notts, near the beautiful river Trent, well known to the angler, is situated on a rocky eminence of red sandstone and is by competent judges to be not only one of the healthiest, but one of the most picturesque inland towns in England. ...'
As it has no glossy cover blurb, it is dependent on the narrow slip of paper that adorns the cover. Inside it reads
"Collector's item, landmark in the history of the tour guide, snapshot of Britain in the 1860's - Bradshaw's Handbook deserves a place on the bookshelf of any traveller, railway enthusiast, historian or anglophile. Produced as the British railway network was reaching in zenith, and as tourism for rail became a serious pastime, it was the first national tourist guide specifically organised around railway journeys, and to this day ofter a glimpse through the carriage window at a Britain long past.'
What has undoubtedly added to its attraction is the TV series with Michael Portillo, which was inspired by the book. This edition has been produced by Oxford-based Osprey, whose subsidiary Old House Books has reproduced this special book.
I am proud to have it on my bookshelf.
I've never used this blog to talk about a book before, but this is so exceptional I decided to include it. The book in question is Bradshaw's Handbook, published in 1863, and now reprinted.
Certainly from the outside it looks pretty dreary, with a stained brown cover, and gold leaf embossing that is so worn and faint it's hard to read. Inside the pages are so packed with information, and the print so small, there are places where it's quite hard to read.So what is so marvellous about this unassuming book? For one thing it's a facsimile of the only surviving original of the book, hence the marks, thumbprints etc., which give it so much character.
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide first appeared in 1840, and soon became the publication used by everyone, including Count Dracula when he was planning is journey from Transylvania to England and Phileas Fogg had an edition in his pocket as he travelled the world in 80 days. When William Temple was headmaster of a public school in Repton, before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, he punished erring boys by making them memorise journeys from Bradshaw. It appears in the crime novels of both Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.This is part of the long description regarding Chatsworth
'Chatsworth, ten miles from Matlock or Chesterfield station, near the Peak of Derbyshire, on the crystal Wye. Omnibuses from the Rowsley railway station (6d) meet the train. This splendid seat of the Duke of Devonshire ......is called the Palace of the Peak, and may be seen daily from 11 to 5. Parties are let in by turn. Apply early if you want to save time...."
The description of Nottingham is equally quaint:
'A telegraph station
Market Days - Wednesdays and Saturdays
Fairs - March 7th and 8th, October 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Thursday before Easter and Friday June 13th. Races in July.
NOTTINGHAM .....capital of the county of Notts, near the beautiful river Trent, well known to the angler, is situated on a rocky eminence of red sandstone and is by competent judges to be not only one of the healthiest, but one of the most picturesque inland towns in England. ...'
As it has no glossy cover blurb, it is dependent on the narrow slip of paper that adorns the cover. Inside it reads"Collector's item, landmark in the history of the tour guide, snapshot of Britain in the 1860's - Bradshaw's Handbook deserves a place on the bookshelf of any traveller, railway enthusiast, historian or anglophile. Produced as the British railway network was reaching in zenith, and as tourism for rail became a serious pastime, it was the first national tourist guide specifically organised around railway journeys, and to this day ofter a glimpse through the carriage window at a Britain long past.'
What has undoubtedly added to its attraction is the TV series with Michael Portillo, which was inspired by the book. This edition has been produced by Oxford-based Osprey, whose subsidiary Old House Books has reproduced this special book.
I am proud to have it on my bookshelf.
