Old and New England with Green Gables.

[drron]

Cloud disappeared a bit west of the Danube.
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And when the cloud returns there is always beauty to fascinate you.
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[drron]

We had to circle east of LHR for ~ 20 minutes so instead of being 10 minutes early we were 10 minutes late.
A long walk to Immigration.We were given fast track passes and went straight through.A young lady was extremely pleasant so by far my nicest arrival into LHR.
Walked outside and hopped straight on an Avis shuttle which left as soon as we boarded.Being Avis preferred walked straight to our vehicle.Had booked a small Mercedes as only 40 GBP dearer than a mid size ford.Upgraded again to an Audi A5 40 TFS.Wouldn't accept this again as it really is hard to get into.My head has to be twisted around just to get in.My neck will probably ache for a month after we drop it back.

Anyway soon on our way to our first night's hotel-Marriott Chesthunt.Again the GPS supplied is hard to use and couldn't find this hotel or later a couple of stately homes we visited.Fortunately I always look on Google maps before each drive.So our room.
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It has obviously had a soft refurb but needs more.The view from the room.
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It had now been about 7 hours from our lunch so we had a quick dinner in their restaurant.Was quite OK.Mrsdrron had a Caesar salad with chicken and I the cod and chips.
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The cod was really nice and at least as good in Heston's pub in Bray but a lot cheaper.
Mrsdrron had a glass of sav blanc and I an Argentinian malbec from Mendoza.Picked on name as I wished to let Michael continue to be able to buy colourful jackets.
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[drron]

Our first full day in England with a simple plan.drive to St.Albans to see the cathedral,a slight detour to Hatfield house and then straight up the A6 to Stamford.First part worked well.The cathedral is worth a visit.The oldest Norman church tower in England and the only one built with Roman bricks.
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[drron]

A pictorial history for the school holidays.
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Quite amazing the loyalty to some commanding officers in the 1800s.
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And the futility of the Great War.
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The shrine of St.Alban.
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Faded frescoes.
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So totally altered in 1890.

 

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And this is the peaceful park where you could get burnt at the stake.
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The bishops of St.Albans are buried beside the cathedral.
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Including one who married Charles and Diana.
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[drron]

A lovely restaurant next to the cathedral with a famous tree in front.
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It wasn't lunch time so instead we went to Starbucks on the main street and looked out on some obviously old buildings.
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Eleanor of Castille was the wife of Henry 1.Obviously a true love match as she went everywhere with him even to the Crusades.So when she died he accompanied her body back to London.There were 12 stops for night-thank goodness it was December.At each stop Henry had erected a Cross of Eleanor.Only 3 survive but not those in St.Albans or Stamford where we are headed.
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[drron]

Now off a short distance to Hatfield House.Crowdsof people with kids everywhere-school holidays.So we had a long walk from the car park to the house.
Their own church.
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We get to the main entrance and it is closed for filming.So looked at the shops.You could buy lots of R M Williams gear.
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We thought we might have a light lunch.To the left of that last photo is a River Cottage deli.Thought that should be fine.Well everything apart from fish and chips came with chilli or other hot stuff.This didn't appeal either.
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So off we walked back through the outbuildings.
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[drron]

So now we set off for the night's hotel-the William Cecil hotel,Stamford.A straight run up the A6.
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Our room,an upgrade.
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And the view!
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Looked nice but an old building so squeaky floors,a paucity of power outlets and most behind heavy furniture,none in bathroom.Glad it wasn't 2 nights.
We arrived at 1445 and room not ready so a complimentary drink in the bar-1 sav blanc and 1 G&T.Most welcome.

 

[drron]

I then went for a couple of hours walk around the town.Lovely place and the weather was perfect for a walk.Lots of old buildings and interesting churches.
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St.Martins the most important in Stamfords history.
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The tomb of Sir William Cecil Elizabeth 1's Treasurer who built Burghley House starting in 1555.
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[drron]

more of St. Martins.
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Disraeli often stayed at Burghley house and attended church here.
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Across the road the offices of the Burghley estate.
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Then a walk beside the River Welland.
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Then back into town.
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Now the Catholic Church.
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Now to the CBD.
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And in the middle of the CBD a church that has become commercial.
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But the cemetery is still there.
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The All Saints Anglican church.
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