Latest news with #Anglo-Saxon
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
I feel so lucky to live in UK seaside city with 'village' vibe, there's only one downside
Plymouth, affectionately dubbed the "biggest village in Devon", radiates a welcoming atmosphere that's immediately noticeable when wandering into the city centre, or "town" as locals fondly describe it, where you're bound to encounter recognisable faces. Despite being the largest city in the area, Plymouth retains a leisurely rhythm of life, save for the odd burst of activity. The city carries the wounds of its turbulent past, having endured extensive bombing during the Second World War, which has left a lasting impression on its landscape. The sea, though, remains Plymouth's constant companion, although I've always questioned the nickname "Ocean City". It appears to imply that Plymouth's waters, The Sound, are oceanic, when in reality they constitute part of the English Channel. Visitors swarm to Plymouth's spectacular waterfront throughout the summer months, but during winter, a walk along the Hoe Promenade provides peace that feels miles away from urban existence. Having been raised close to the Devon coastline myself, I value the seasonal transformations, from the crowded summer shores to the peaceful winters. When I can, I head to Tinside Beach for a swim, even in the chill. Whilst I don't venture as far out as the resilient year-round swimmers, the refreshing plunge is always energising, despite the initial jolt of the icy water, as per Plymouth Live. Throughout the years, I've been lucky enough to witness an array of wildlife whilst swimming or wandering around Plymouth Hoe, from seals and dolphins to cormorants and birds of prey. Come summer, it's quite common to see thousands of minuscule fish being carried shoreward by the current. The high and low tides become especially dramatic during a full moon or new lunar cycle along this stretch of coast. This occurs because of how the moon, sun and Earth line up, with their joint gravitational force creating extreme tidal ranges - resulting in exceptionally high or remarkably low tides. What I treasure most about Plymouth Hoe is how unspoilt it remains. It hasn't been overtaken by amusement facilities, which gives it an enduring character. Furthermore, it has emerged as an important location for marine biology and marine archaeology. Gazing out across the water, I often catch myself picturing the countless past souls who have sailed these seas, from buccaneers to contraband runners. The word "hoe" is thought to stem from the Anglo-Saxon term "hoh", meaning a heel-shaped hill or ridge. Centuries back, Plymouth Hoe would have been quarried, with much of the limestone going towards building the city's historic structures. Yet, if there's one drawback to Plymouth, it has to be the congestion. With proposals for additional housing on the city's periphery, I worry the problem might get worse. As the city has grown, so too has the volume of traffic, with new homes and districts replacing what were once natural areas. While parts of Plymouth remain untouched, it's somewhat disheartening to see the urban sprawl expanding so dramatically. There are fears that increased concreting could lead to more flooding in the future, not to mention the potential for additional homes to result in more sewage being discharged into the sea. However, Plymouth has managed to maintain its Devonian charm, despite the city's unique status and origins. It remains a bastion for locals, largely avoiding the surge of holiday homes and Airbnb rentals that many other towns in Devon and Cornwall have experienced. We're lucky to still have a bustling fishing industry in Plymouth, which, despite facing numerous challenges recently, continues to provide jobs for local people. Furthermore, Plymouth is surrounded by beautiful beaches and coves, as well as the wild expanse of Dartmoor, giving us a wealth of options throughout the year.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Bayeux Tapestry should be re-named the 'Canterbury Embroidery' because it was probably made in Kent and ISN'T a tapestry, historian says
The Bayeux Tapestry should be renamed the 'Canterbury Embroidery' because it was almost certainly made in Britain and isn't technically a tapestry, a historian has said. Dr David Musgrove said the 230-foot long artefact was most likely woven in Kent rather than France and was created using an embroidery technique, meaning it is not a tapestry. The academic, who has a PhD in medieval landscape archaeology, spoke after news that the 11th-century work depicting the 1066 Norman Conquest is to go on display at the British Museum next year. The expert said the artefact's trip presents academics with a chance to confirm that the treasure was created in the UK. Dr Musgrove is host of the BBC 's History Extra podcast. He said on the latest episode: 'It's an embroidery, so you've got woven elements on a linen backing. 'The wool has been dyed, so there's various different colours that are used. 'So you could make the argument that it should be called the Canterbury embroidery rather than the Bayeux Tapestry, because it was probably made in Canterbury. 'That's what most people would think and it's an embroidery, not a tapestry. 'But that's just not quite as snazzy, is it? 'You're not going to get people queuing around the block at the British Museum to go and see that.' The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, led by William, Duke of Normandy challenging Harold II, King of England. When the artefact returns to Britain, Anglo-Saxon treasures from the Sutton Hoo ship burial will go in the other direction to France for a temporary period. French president Emmanuel Macron revealed during his trip to Britain last month that King Charles helped secure a deal to return the tapestry to England. He claimed France did its best not to loan the artwork but that His Majesty helped get the deal over the line. The embroidery is thought to date to within a few years of the Battle of Hastings. Dr Musgrove told the podcast: 'We know a lot about the way it would have been produced, because people have had a chance to study it. 'We know that there were different panels that were stitched together. 'And you can see actually that they must have been made separately because there were mistakes in the way that the panels are aligned so they're kind of little bits which don't stack up. 'So people, we assume, were probably working in separate teams. 'It was probably women who were doing it, Anglo-Saxon seamstresses who were probably doing it. 'There was a rich tradition of Anglo-Saxon seamstresses working here so we assume it was probably them.' When the embroidery comes to Britain, academics will have a rare chance to look at the back of it, Dr Musgrove said. He continued: 'And it's been quite hard to get to the back of it because there's various different layers that have been added onto it in the intervening century. 'So it's quite hard to actually get there. 'Then we will probably find out lots of really interesting things about the way it was produced. 'And if we can do any sort of scientific analysis, and I can't imagine for one moment there will be an opportunity to do anything which is in any way destructive to it. 'But if we can do any scientific analysis to kind of see where these woollen threads came from, where the sheep came from that produced it, where the dyes were from, where the flax for the linen was grown, then that will really sort of help to give us a clue to if that idea that it was made in England is actually true.' Artificial intelligence could even be used to analyse the features, the expert added. 'If you can feed it into a computer and get it to sort of correlate and work out similarities between bits, then we might learn an awful lot of things. 'But we haven't had the chance because it's been rightly in a climate-controlled case and you can't get to it. 'So this is a real opportunity to learn some stuff about it.' The tapestry will be on display at the British Museum in the autumn of next year until July 2027. Timeline of the Bayeux Tapestry 1066: Between seven and twelve thousand Norman soldiers defeat an English army of a similar size at what is now Battle, East Sussex 1476: The embroidered cloth depicting the battle is referred to for the first time in an inventory of Bayeux Cathedral 1732-3: Antiquarian Smart Lethieullier writes the first detailed English account of the tapestry while living in Paris - but it is not published till 1767 1792: During the French Revolution, the precious artwork was declared public property and confiscated to be used as a covering for wagons - but it was saved by a lawyer who hid it in his home 1804: In a move dripping in symbolism, Napoleon - under the impression France was about to invade and conquer Britain - had the tapestry temporarily moved to Paris for display 1870: The tapestry is removed from Bayeux once again during the Franco-Prussian War - but it is moved back two years later 1944: The Gestapo removed the tapestry to the Louvre in Paris - just days before the German withdrawal. A message from Heinrich Himmler - who coveted the cloth because it is a part of Germanic history - is believed to imply the Nazis planned to take it to Berlin
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Most beautiful place' in UK where thousands visit to 'discover magic'
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a popular destination amongst Brits and tourists, who continue to flock to the island to experience its rich heritage and stunning landscapes Holidaymakers craving a magical getaway don't need to worry about the expense of flying abroad to find one - an "enchanting" haven sits right on Northumberland 's shoreline. Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island, boasts incredible history and is regularly celebrated as one of Britain's most breathtaking spots. The tiny population of roughly 160 residents in this small retreat swells to over 650,000 as visitors flock from around the world each year to witness its magic, the Lindisfarne website confirms. Travel experts at have identified the circular path around its coast as among Northumberland's most stunning, where plentiful wildlife and ancient monuments can be spotted along the way. For guests needing somewhere to stay while exploring this unique spot, numerous holiday homes are on offer for booking on Lindisfarne itself, reports Teesside Live. One charming choice is Deja Blue, an 18th-century dwelling dubbed "steeped in history and charm" - providing a perfect retreat in one of England's most historically significant locations. Sleeping up to five people plus a pooch, Deja Blue offers stunning views over the village green on Holy Island where Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree during her 1958 trip, and has earned acclaim as a "lovely home from home" from guests. The property is positioned directly in the heart of the village, just moments away from Holy Island's spectacular ancient landmarks, and remains incredibly popular with bookings fully secured until 2026. Starting at £582 for a week-long break, Deja Blue stands as one of only three cottages available for Holy Island on alongside Tidal Cottage from £819 for seven nights, and St Coombs Farmhouse from £1,305 for seven nights. Over on Sykes Holiday Cottages, visitors will find merely two properties on offer: Causeway Cottage from £575, and Curlew Cottage from £660, both accommodating up to six guests. Availability and prices might vary depending on the season and the time of booking. Holy Island's rich heritage remains vibrantly present today, with historical treasures dotted throughout the island, from the captivating Lindisfarne Castle perched above the shoreline to the 12th-century remains of Lindisfarne Priory, formerly home to medieval Northumbrian monks and saints. Under English Heritage management, admission to Lindisfarne Priory is priced at £9 for adults and £5 for children, with the organisation describing it as "among the most atmospheric of England's historic sites". English Heritage characterises Holy Island as having an "otherworldly aura", and describes Lindisfarne Priory: "It echoes with the memories of the monks and saints of Anglo-Saxon and medieval Northumbria. It also offers abundant wildlife and wonderful coastal views." Meanwhile, Lindisfarne Castle remains under National Trust stewardship, welcoming visitors throughout the week with tickets costing £12 for adults and £6 for children. What's more, the magnificent Gertrude Jekyll walled garden alongside comes free of charge, having been crafted in 1911 and exploding with fragrance and vibrant hues throughout summer. Lindisfarne offers far more than just historical appeal - its seaside location creates a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, whilst providing the perfect backdrop for spectacular scenery. Visit Northumberland captures it perfectly: "Words cannot describe the magic of The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, particularly as you cross the causeway, admiring staggering views as you go, and feel as though you are entering a secret world as you approach the island." It's precisely this enchantment that saw The Times crown Lindisfarne amongst England's most stunning locations earlier this year, describing it as a "mystical place" offering "a real sense of peace". The publication justified its choice by noting: "The island's name dates back to the time when this was an early outpost of Christianity, and whether you're a believer or not, it remains a place of serenity and contemplation, which puts daily life into perspective." If you're planning a visit to Holy Island, it's vital to check the tide crossing times, as the island becomes cut off twice daily due to the tide - leading to hundreds of drivers needing emergency rescue each year. Northumberland County Council strongly urges visitors not to attempt to travel to and from the island during a rising tide - a full list of safe crossing times can be found here.
Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Spectator
What's the score on ‘score'?
The courtship rituals of the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility last ten weeks. The consummation is a fiscal event, such as the Budget coming in the autumn, if we survive. Eligible young ladies used to have dance cards on which to enter the names of their suitors. The Treasury has a scorecard on which its proposed measures are drawn up for the OBR to score. The analogy is with the cricket field rather than the ballroom. The OBR score indicates its forecast for spending, receipts and public debt. It also takes into account knock-on effects of a policy change. This is called dynamic scoring. I had to ask Veronica about this and, since it's years since she split up with her unsatisfactory City trader, she might have got it wrong. In 2021 the OBR had to explain that the dynamic effect of a rise in tobacco duty was so large that 80 per cent of the increase was lost to the Treasury. After the increase, people changed their behaviour: some gave up cigarettes, some rolled their own and not a few got cigarettes from illegal sources. Is that where all those Turkish barbers come in? There was a response that benefited government coffers when it cut the top rate of tax from 50 to 45 per cent in 2012. The static effect would have cost the Treasury £3.8 billion. But behavioural changes, such as hours worked, meant the OBR's estimate of the loss of revenue was only £100 million. Dynamic scoring shares an etymology with the score cut in pork skin to make crackling – from a productive ancient Germanic word that also gives us shear, shard and share (used for ploughing). Dynamic scoring is also a variant of the scoring done by our Anglo-Saxon forebears cutting a score in a stick every time they'd counted 20 sheep. 'The days of our age are threescore years and ten,' says the Psalm, 'and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years, yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow.' We know the score.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
Britain's 10 best multi-day walks and hikes
South West Coast Path (1014km) Best for dramatic coastal scenery One of Britain's longest National Trails, the South West Coast Path runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, before finishing at Poole Harbour in Dorset. The path scales the tops of rugged cliffs, skirts the ruins of old tin mines and drops down into traditional fishing villages and secluded coves along the way. The South West Coast Path is partly based on trails created by coastguards patrolling the area for smugglers that once abounded in these parts. The full length can take several weeks, while various sections (such as the four to five days between St Ives and Penzance) can be done by utilising local bus routes to return to your accommodation after a day's walking. The South West Coast Path passes by the medieval church at Church Cove, Gunwalloe on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula. Photo / Andrew Marshal Coast to Coast Walk (306km) Best for enjoying England's national parks The late Alfred Wainwright, England's best-loved fell walker, once wrote that a walk without a goal is like life without ambition – aimless wandering. The 196-mile Coast to Coast Walk across northern England certainly has a goal, which is to cross an island and to gaze over another ocean. The countryside is astonishingly beautiful and varied, accompanying the walker on a roller-coaster of three spectacular national parks: The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors. Traditionally, the walk is completed west to east, starting at St Bees Head and finishing at Robin Hood's Bay, and takes about 12-14 days. A hiker climbs a stile on the Coast to Coast Walk on the first day's walking from St Bees. Photo / Andrew Marshall St Oswald's Way (156km) Best for history lovers keen on castles or Christian7th-century heritage Opened in 2006, this six-day hike links various sites with the life of St Oswald, the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king largely responsible for the introduction of Christianity to Northern England. The walk begins in Heavenfield (near Hadrian's Wall) and stretches to Holy Island on the Northumberland Coast. The trail traverses a range of landscapes from rolling farmland and heather moorland to sandstone crags and one of Britain most beautiful stretches of coastline dotted with ancient castles such as Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. Calderdale Way (80km) Best for industrial heritage and moorland views Officially starting at Clay House in West Vale, the route encircles the industrial mill towns of Ripponden, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Halifax and Brighouse, following ancient packhorse trails across the open gritstone hillsides, including a canal towpath section. Highlights include medieval settlements at Lumbutts and Mankinholes, the hilltop weaving village of Hepstonstall (home to the imposing ruins of the 13th-century St Thomas a' Becket church), the beautiful wooded valley of Cragg Vale, and panoramic views of Calderdale from the scenic lookout of Stoodley Pike. The walk can be comfortably broken down into four day-long sections of between 18.5 and 22km. Calderdale Way near Ripponden. Photo / Andrew Marshall Pennine Way (431km) Best for seasoned hikers chasing a rugged challenge Since opening in 1965, Britain's first National Trail has been known as England's toughest long-distance walk because of its infamous muddy peat bogs and notoriously inclement weather, but the upgrading of the path in recent years has tamed the beast. Starting in Edale in the Peak District, the trail runs up the spine of England to finish at Kirk Yetholm just inside the Scottish border. According to Wikipedia, the full length of the iconic route includes 204 bridges, 287 gates, 249 timber stiles, 183 stone stiles, with a total ascent greater than Mt Everest. Depending on fitness levels, the Pennine Way can be comfortably divided into 17 day-long stages. Cleveland Way (177km) Best for moorland solitude and striking seaside charm Showcasing Yorkshire's diverse scenery, this horseshoe-shaped long-distance path heads north from the attractive market town of Helmsley, arching east through the great expanse of heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, then hugs the coastline south to Filey Brigg. Key attractions include characterful fishing villages like Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay, and the historic whaling port of Whitby with its imposing 13th-century abbey and the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Whitby is renowned for its fish and chips, and the famous Magpie Cafe is one of the best places to sample them after a day's walking. Hadrian's Wall Path (135km) Best for Roman history buffs and ancient fort lovers Stretching coast-to-coast, from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the east, the Hadrian's Wall Path is especially for fans of ancient British history. The focus here is following Hadrian's Wall – a World Heritage site of epic proportions that marches 73 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, across some of the wildest and most dramatic countryside in northern England. Built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian between AD 122-128, there are 80 mile-castles, 160 turrets and 16 forts dotted along its length, with the best preserved example being Housesteads Roman Fort near Haltwhistle. West Highland Way (154km) Best for cinematic Scottish Highland landscapes Scotland's most popular long-distance hike heads north from the town of Milngavie in the Lowlands to the town of Fort William in the Highlands. The West Highland Way passes through some of Britain's most spectacular scenery, flanked by wild mountains, lochs and fast-flowing rivers, and employs old drovers' roads and old coaching routes. The trail is typically walked from south to north in about 6-8 days, with the final stage featuring the extremely picturesque valley of Glen Nevis, used as a filming location for movies such as Braveheart, Highlander and Harry Potter. Wales Coast Path (1400km) Best for those wanting to walk the coast of a country This is the big one. When it opened in 2012, the Wales Coast Path became the first in the world to follow a country's coastline in its entirety, from the border with England near Chester, all the way to Chepstow in South Wales. This is a journey through thousands of years of history with awe-inspiring views and a multitude of maritime landscapes from rugged cliff tops to windswept beaches and winding estuaries. Depending on fitness levels, it takes around six to nine weeks to complete the route, but more realistically, it lends itself to ticking off sections bit by bit while enjoying the journey at a slower pace. What to know before you go When to go: The summer months of June, July & August are the most popular months for Britain's walking trails with longer daylight hours and hopefully better weather, but early spring (April/May) and autumn (September/October) are quieter, less crowded with a better chance of securing accommodation. Accommodation: Bed & Breakfasts (or B & B's ) are a great British institution and offer walkers a warm bed at the end of a day's walk and a hearty breakfast to begin the next. Other accommodation options along or near walking trails include Airbnb's, local pubs and inns, youth hostels and backpackers. Many long-distance walks can be done with the assistance of 'packhorse' operators who book your accommodation in advance and transport your pack to your next day's accommodation so you don't have to carry it each day, such as Equipment: Worn-in hiking boots, a windproof/waterproof jacket and trousers, thermal tops and hiking sticks are key items to be considered for walks. Britain's weather is varied to say the least, so be prepared for cold and wet conditions at any time of year.
