This was our last week in the UK and we still hadn't been to London! The train service is very efficient so tickets were booked on line for Monday and off we headed. It is just an hour from Northampton train station to Euston. From there we navigated our way through the Underground to Bank Station, which Jessica had thought we then just need a short walk to our first destination, Tower of London. If you come out of the Underground at a different exit than you plan it can be very disorientating, which of course happened to us. To confuse us even more crowds were starting to gather for what we found out later was the Olympians parade through London. In the end that was to our advantage as hundreds of thousands lined the streets during the day, keeping them away for the main tourist sights.
We eventually found our way to the Tower of London. We joined a Beefeater Guard's tour to start with and then made our way to the crown jewels. No queues here, and plenty of time for a good view. After having a good look around the other main exhibitions we walked along the Thames Path down to Waterloo Bridge, stopping to look at St Paul's Cathedral, and to walk out on to the Millennium Bridge. Stephen was keen to visit the Transport Museum which was in Covent Garden. While we spent an hour or so in there, I took the opportunity to browse the markets, window shop some of the upmarket shops and watch some street theatre.
Next stop was the National Art Gallery, which we had visited when we were here last time. We hadn't had enough time that day to see it all so thought it would be good to go again. The Art Gallery is in Trafalger Square and this had obviously been a very busy place in regards to the parade. There were still hundreds of people about enjoying themselves though most had gone by the time we emerged from the Gallery at 6pm(closing time) and the staging and fencing was being packed up.
We had arranged to meet Alice (Jim and Julianne's daughter) in a Tapa's bar at Kings Cross at 6:30 so it was back to the Underground to find our there. It spent a very pleasant evening with Alice, catching up with all her news, and enjoying a drink and some food. It is a short walk back to Euston Station to catch the train again and travel back to Northampton. It was a long day but certainly worth the trip.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Posted with Blogsy
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Norfolk and surrounds
After our visit to Hidcote we had quite a drive ahead of us over to Kings Lynn where we had a B&B booked for the night. We would have liked to have camped as the weather for the week was looking great but we weren't sure what time we would get there and as sunset is at 7:30pm these days and we had no desire to arrive in the dark to put the tent up. Our B&B was lovely and after weeks of sleeping on an air bed were looking forward to a 'real' bed. It was a lovely king sized one and very comfy but would you believe it neither of us slept that well. Not sure why. I think that it was a very warm night and we were on the third floor in a small room.
Kings Lynn is a very old town on the mouth of the River Great Ouse. When we arrived it was low tide with the river bottom being mud. Within a hour it had turned and the water was fair rushing in at 6 knots. Amazing to watch but quite difficult to capture and see on film. We enjoyed a lovely meal at a little restaurant on the quay and a wander around the town centre.
Our destination for the next day was Sandringham, the Queens holiday home! It was just six mile drive and we were there before it opened. A cuppa filled in the time and then we made our way to the gardens and museum. We had decided that we didn't need to see in the house as well and chose a guided garden tour instead. This was a good choice and we heard the history of the garden and how it had developed as well as getting to see the walled garden. This garden is no longer used to grow vegetables and fruit, with Prince Phillip saying that they are just as cheap to buy at Waitrose's or Sainsbury's. I suppose if you factor in the price of labour he is probable correct. And Prince Charles organic farm supplies much of Waitrose's anyway so it is still in the family so to speak. The museum was an interesting collection of mostly motor vehicles used by the royal family over the years, as well as some family history, a collection of artifacts from the old dairy and a few other treasures.
Our destination for the night was West Runton, where we planned to camp. The road was coastal along the northern part of East Anglia which we had hoped to have had good sea views as we went. Unfortunately the large hedgerows blocked our views for most of the trip. We did however make a stop at Wells by the Sea and walked out onto the beach. This was very much a holiday area with camping facilities close by, and facilities for swimming. However it was also very tidal on a river mouth and the tide was well out leaving the swimming area just as sand. It was possible to walk out across the narrow river channel but is very dangerous to be caught out there as the tide turns so a siren is sounded. I suspect the tide is similar to what we saw at Kings Lynn. In the distance was an off shore wind farm and as we moved around this area we saw several more both off and on shore.
Our camping experience was different this time. The campsite was difficult to find down a narrow road but obviously popular as it was well patronized. The mobile fish and chip shop was scheduled to visit at 7pm so we thought that we would try this traditional take away even though we had been warned they like what we get in NZ. First mistake is that we didn't join the queue at 7. It was quite long but even by 8 it wasn't much shorter. After about a 40 min wait, by now dark and getting decidedly cooler, got our meal. Back to the tent with only one lantern type light to eat by we were truly disappointed. The chips aren't cooked to order, but cooked ahead of time and kept in heated bin. I thought the cod was ok but was mostly batter. Even the mushy peas I tried did nothing for the taste buds. Not an experience we will be in a hurry to repeat. The following night we bought steak, new potatoes and salad from the supermarket and cooked a delicious meal on our little gas burner. And it was only 2/3 the price of the F&Cs.
I remember learning about the fens and broads in Standard Six so it was interesting to see this area. It is certainly very fertile and looks like a food basket growing area for the country. The only way to see much of the area is by boat so we went to Wroxham and took a trip on a replica 1920s launch that was electrically powered. It was so lovely and quiet and our skipper explained how the area of 'broads' is all man made, when the peat was dug out over many centuries leaving lakes or broads. These wetland areas are now protected and have become sanctuaries for wildlife.
These water ways are very popular with over 125 miles to navigate through. However they are also very narrow in places and we watched in horror in one place where this large gaff rigged yacht came around the corner too fast and slammed into another boat. No damage but it could have very easily been a nasty accident.
On our way to Cambridge on Friday morning we took a detour through Great Yarmouth. We were keen to see a seaside resort and this wasn't too far out of our way. A seaside resort is all set up for the British holiday maker and is quite a sight to behold with the piers and all the carnival and arcade type attractions. Of course school had just gone back so it was quite deserted. We strolled along the promenades, wandered through the town and paddled in sea.
We decided to spend the night in Cambridge as it was such a perfect late summer's day, ( and the car didn't have to be returned until 11am on Saturday). We pitched our tent and caught the bus into the town centre. It is an amazing city with all of its university colleges, each with such historically looking buildings forming the centre of the town. The river is a central draw card and the punts on the river bring back memories of Christchurch and the days before the earthquakes. Our choice of restaurant was decided on whether there was outside seating, and our choice of an Italien in the Market Square was the perfect ending to our week's break.
Saturday morning we were up early to shower, take down the tent and then head back to Northampton, an hour and a half away. We have had some great camping experiences ov rhe last few weeks and we certainly would be happy to travel this way again if we return to the UK for another trip.
Kings Lynn is a very old town on the mouth of the River Great Ouse. When we arrived it was low tide with the river bottom being mud. Within a hour it had turned and the water was fair rushing in at 6 knots. Amazing to watch but quite difficult to capture and see on film. We enjoyed a lovely meal at a little restaurant on the quay and a wander around the town centre.
Our destination for the next day was Sandringham, the Queens holiday home! It was just six mile drive and we were there before it opened. A cuppa filled in the time and then we made our way to the gardens and museum. We had decided that we didn't need to see in the house as well and chose a guided garden tour instead. This was a good choice and we heard the history of the garden and how it had developed as well as getting to see the walled garden. This garden is no longer used to grow vegetables and fruit, with Prince Phillip saying that they are just as cheap to buy at Waitrose's or Sainsbury's. I suppose if you factor in the price of labour he is probable correct. And Prince Charles organic farm supplies much of Waitrose's anyway so it is still in the family so to speak. The museum was an interesting collection of mostly motor vehicles used by the royal family over the years, as well as some family history, a collection of artifacts from the old dairy and a few other treasures.
Our destination for the night was West Runton, where we planned to camp. The road was coastal along the northern part of East Anglia which we had hoped to have had good sea views as we went. Unfortunately the large hedgerows blocked our views for most of the trip. We did however make a stop at Wells by the Sea and walked out onto the beach. This was very much a holiday area with camping facilities close by, and facilities for swimming. However it was also very tidal on a river mouth and the tide was well out leaving the swimming area just as sand. It was possible to walk out across the narrow river channel but is very dangerous to be caught out there as the tide turns so a siren is sounded. I suspect the tide is similar to what we saw at Kings Lynn. In the distance was an off shore wind farm and as we moved around this area we saw several more both off and on shore.
Our camping experience was different this time. The campsite was difficult to find down a narrow road but obviously popular as it was well patronized. The mobile fish and chip shop was scheduled to visit at 7pm so we thought that we would try this traditional take away even though we had been warned they like what we get in NZ. First mistake is that we didn't join the queue at 7. It was quite long but even by 8 it wasn't much shorter. After about a 40 min wait, by now dark and getting decidedly cooler, got our meal. Back to the tent with only one lantern type light to eat by we were truly disappointed. The chips aren't cooked to order, but cooked ahead of time and kept in heated bin. I thought the cod was ok but was mostly batter. Even the mushy peas I tried did nothing for the taste buds. Not an experience we will be in a hurry to repeat. The following night we bought steak, new potatoes and salad from the supermarket and cooked a delicious meal on our little gas burner. And it was only 2/3 the price of the F&Cs.
I remember learning about the fens and broads in Standard Six so it was interesting to see this area. It is certainly very fertile and looks like a food basket growing area for the country. The only way to see much of the area is by boat so we went to Wroxham and took a trip on a replica 1920s launch that was electrically powered. It was so lovely and quiet and our skipper explained how the area of 'broads' is all man made, when the peat was dug out over many centuries leaving lakes or broads. These wetland areas are now protected and have become sanctuaries for wildlife.
These water ways are very popular with over 125 miles to navigate through. However they are also very narrow in places and we watched in horror in one place where this large gaff rigged yacht came around the corner too fast and slammed into another boat. No damage but it could have very easily been a nasty accident.
On our way to Cambridge on Friday morning we took a detour through Great Yarmouth. We were keen to see a seaside resort and this wasn't too far out of our way. A seaside resort is all set up for the British holiday maker and is quite a sight to behold with the piers and all the carnival and arcade type attractions. Of course school had just gone back so it was quite deserted. We strolled along the promenades, wandered through the town and paddled in sea.
Saturday morning we were up early to shower, take down the tent and then head back to Northampton, an hour and a half away. We have had some great camping experiences ov rhe last few weeks and we certainly would be happy to travel this way again if we return to the UK for another trip.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Hidcote Manor Garden: A National Trust Treasure
Long before we arrived in the UK, during one of my research sessions to find places we might like to visit I came across Hidcote. It is only an hour's drive from Duston and it looked like a great place to visit. In fact you could camp out over night one weekend in August, with the opportunity of seeing wild life and I had thought that might well be on our list of things to do. So when we were sitting scrolling through the TV channels one night looking for something to watch a couple of weeks ago, my eye was drawn to a documentary about it.
After watching this programme our resolve to make the effort to get to see it was even stronger though we had long given up the idea of camping out. So on Tuesday we made a detour on our way to Norfolk, especially to visit it. The history is a story in itself, with it's owner and designer Lawrence Johnston, being nicked name The Quiet American Gardener. His mother purchased the property in the Cotswolds in 1907, with the intention of him becoming a gentleman farmer. However his interests lay in horticulture and garden design and much to his mother's dismay this is where his focus lay.
The garden is divided into a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own distinct style and character - from formal rooms to semi natural plantings found in the wilderness. The rooms are divided by hedges, ( over 2 miles of them) providing the shelter needed to grow the wide variety of plants found here. Johnston was also a plant collector and made several expeditions to collect unusual plants. There are several plants that bear his or the Hidcote name and include a climbing rose, a fuchsia, a verbena, a penstemon, a lavender and the popular Hypericum "Hidcote".
We wandered our way around the many 'rooms' before joining a gardener's talk about the history of the garden. It seems that Mr Johnston was rather a private man, never marrying and not always accepted by the mainstream horticulturists of the day. Before he died, he gifted his property to The National Trust and it is now one of the most influential gardens in Britain today.
We took copious photos of which I am still to transfer to the iPad but that will be a treat to come for those interested in gardens and design. It certainly is a garden that you could return to many times and each experience would differ depending on the season. We probably were just a little late in the summer as many of the plants were past their best, though we didn't feel this detracted from our experience in any way.
After watching this programme our resolve to make the effort to get to see it was even stronger though we had long given up the idea of camping out. So on Tuesday we made a detour on our way to Norfolk, especially to visit it. The history is a story in itself, with it's owner and designer Lawrence Johnston, being nicked name The Quiet American Gardener. His mother purchased the property in the Cotswolds in 1907, with the intention of him becoming a gentleman farmer. However his interests lay in horticulture and garden design and much to his mother's dismay this is where his focus lay.
The garden is divided into a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own distinct style and character - from formal rooms to semi natural plantings found in the wilderness. The rooms are divided by hedges, ( over 2 miles of them) providing the shelter needed to grow the wide variety of plants found here. Johnston was also a plant collector and made several expeditions to collect unusual plants. There are several plants that bear his or the Hidcote name and include a climbing rose, a fuchsia, a verbena, a penstemon, a lavender and the popular Hypericum "Hidcote".
Hypericum "Hidcote"
Hidcote lavender
We wandered our way around the many 'rooms' before joining a gardener's talk about the history of the garden. It seems that Mr Johnston was rather a private man, never marrying and not always accepted by the mainstream horticulturists of the day. Before he died, he gifted his property to The National Trust and it is now one of the most influential gardens in Britain today.
We took copious photos of which I am still to transfer to the iPad but that will be a treat to come for those interested in gardens and design. It certainly is a garden that you could return to many times and each experience would differ depending on the season. We probably were just a little late in the summer as many of the plants were past their best, though we didn't feel this detracted from our experience in any way.
Stratford Upon Avon
Since we missed out on Oxford, we decided to detour home through this town after our visit to the Motor Cycle Museum. What a lovely place it is. We arrived later in the afternoon so it wasn't too crowded. We walked around the narrow cobbled streets, taking in the sights including Shakespeare's house. We were too late in the day to make visiting this place worth our while but looked through the gift shop and out into the gardens to get the 'feel' for the place.
We made our way down to the Avon River and did a good walk along the banks before searching for a place to eat. It was such a lovely evening and would have liked a place outdoors but this wasn't to be found. Instead we opted for a restaurant, in a very old building with very low ceilings and beams, called Lambs of Sheep Street. Stephen had to be very careful to duck his head. The meal was beautiful and we left for Duston just as it was getting dark.
We made our way down to the Avon River and did a good walk along the banks before searching for a place to eat. It was such a lovely evening and would have liked a place outdoors but this wasn't to be found. Instead we opted for a restaurant, in a very old building with very low ceilings and beams, called Lambs of Sheep Street. Stephen had to be very careful to duck his head. The meal was beautiful and we left for Duston just as it was getting dark.
Blenheim Palace and an aborted trip to Oxford
Wednesday a week ago we decided was the day to head off In our latest rental a Fiat 500,very cute and ideal for tripping around the countryside. It is just over an hour's drive from Duston to Oxford and we thought we would do a full day trip, and take in Blenheim Palace on the way. Jessica had checked the forecast and she didn't think it looked flash but we decided to take the risk. Weather forecasts are not always accurate.
Andrew needed a ride to work that day as Jessica was taking the car to Leicester, and it was on our way so we set off just after 8am. We decided to go to Blenheim Palace first and then thought we would spend the rest of the day in Oxford, have a meal and return later in the evening.
As we pulled into the entrance to the Palace the first spots of rain started, and it turned cold and miserable. Our plan had been to walk around the garden/ park areas first as entry to the palace wasn't until 10:30am. So we made a made a dash the pleasure gardens, decked out in our raincoats and made a soggy trek around the area. There were interesting museum/sheds showing how early life had been for the gardeners, a large lavender garden, a butterfly house and an exhibition about the One Oak project which we found very interesting. The One Oak Tree website says that "We are bringing people closer to growing trees for wood, by following the full life story of one oak tree.". The 800 old year oak that was chosen for the project came from this estate. The tree has been studied, measured and then taken down. All parts of the tree have been used and some sculpture and furniture were being exhibited. To complete the cycle acorns had been grown and planted out by children to replace it. Further info is on their website if you are interested in following this project.
OneOak Project • following the life story of one oak tree
We then made a dash for the Palace and once inside at least it was warm and dry. This is the home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, it is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site.
Stately homes in England, Historic Houses and Days out Oxfordshire
We started with a tour, and our guide was playing out the role of the Head Gardener's wife (early 1900s period). She was meant to give us a tour with 'a below stairs' perspective and in particular the garden but as it was so wet it was all done from undercover looking out at the various parts of the castle and gardens. She was very informative and played her role well.
We then self guided ourselves through the rest of the Palace. There was a large exhibition dedicated to Winston Churchhill. He was born here (you see the actual bed)and even though it was his uncle that was the Duke Winston spent a good deal of time here, in during his childhood, with his Grandmother. The family tree clearly explained how the Churchill and the Spencer families are related. The Duke's surname is still Spencer-Churchill. The 1st Duke(John Churchill) had no male heir and so it went to his daughter. She remained childless so it was then passed to her nephew, a Spencer. The Churchill name was then lost for several generations and it was only bought back by the 5th Duke under Royal Licence.
The second exhibition was the Untold Stories of the Palace and a "virtual lady’s maid invites you to immerse yourself in the illustrious family history, seen through the eyes of the household staff. Meet some of the more colourful characters such as the wilful 1st Duchess of Marlborough and listen to tales of dramatic events that affected the lives of all who have lived here.". This tour is audio visual using the latest technologies and visual effects to guide you through 7 - 8 rooms. Finally we visited the state rooms and these were never built to live in but be a show place. Such wealth but certainly not what we could ever imagine or want for that manner.
We made our way back to the car, only to find that we were jammed in and there was no way we were going to be leaving until at least one car moved first. By this stage we were cold and my feet and shoes were very wet so we sat in the car, ate our picnic lunch intended for enjoying under a tree or by the river in Oxford, waited for a space to get out and then headed back to Duston for some warmth. Oxford would have to wait for another time.
This is a very well worth place to visit but you need a fine day and plenty of time to explore the trails and parks. This property is not part of the National Trust and entrance tickets are expensive (especially if you are converting pounds to NZ$). If you are visiting more than one of these "Treasure Houses" of England you can get a voucher for 2 for 1 entry which does help. Chatsworth and Woburn both come into this category.
Andrew needed a ride to work that day as Jessica was taking the car to Leicester, and it was on our way so we set off just after 8am. We decided to go to Blenheim Palace first and then thought we would spend the rest of the day in Oxford, have a meal and return later in the evening.
As we pulled into the entrance to the Palace the first spots of rain started, and it turned cold and miserable. Our plan had been to walk around the garden/ park areas first as entry to the palace wasn't until 10:30am. So we made a made a dash the pleasure gardens, decked out in our raincoats and made a soggy trek around the area. There were interesting museum/sheds showing how early life had been for the gardeners, a large lavender garden, a butterfly house and an exhibition about the One Oak project which we found very interesting. The One Oak Tree website says that "We are bringing people closer to growing trees for wood, by following the full life story of one oak tree.". The 800 old year oak that was chosen for the project came from this estate. The tree has been studied, measured and then taken down. All parts of the tree have been used and some sculpture and furniture were being exhibited. To complete the cycle acorns had been grown and planted out by children to replace it. Further info is on their website if you are interested in following this project.
OneOak Project • following the life story of one oak tree
We then made a dash for the Palace and once inside at least it was warm and dry. This is the home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, it is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site.
We started with a tour, and our guide was playing out the role of the Head Gardener's wife (early 1900s period). She was meant to give us a tour with 'a below stairs' perspective and in particular the garden but as it was so wet it was all done from undercover looking out at the various parts of the castle and gardens. She was very informative and played her role well.
We then self guided ourselves through the rest of the Palace. There was a large exhibition dedicated to Winston Churchhill. He was born here (you see the actual bed)and even though it was his uncle that was the Duke Winston spent a good deal of time here, in during his childhood, with his Grandmother. The family tree clearly explained how the Churchill and the Spencer families are related. The Duke's surname is still Spencer-Churchill. The 1st Duke(John Churchill) had no male heir and so it went to his daughter. She remained childless so it was then passed to her nephew, a Spencer. The Churchill name was then lost for several generations and it was only bought back by the 5th Duke under Royal Licence.
The second exhibition was the Untold Stories of the Palace and a "virtual lady’s maid invites you to immerse yourself in the illustrious family history, seen through the eyes of the household staff. Meet some of the more colourful characters such as the wilful 1st Duchess of Marlborough and listen to tales of dramatic events that affected the lives of all who have lived here.". This tour is audio visual using the latest technologies and visual effects to guide you through 7 - 8 rooms. Finally we visited the state rooms and these were never built to live in but be a show place. Such wealth but certainly not what we could ever imagine or want for that manner.
This is a very well worth place to visit but you need a fine day and plenty of time to explore the trails and parks. This property is not part of the National Trust and entrance tickets are expensive (especially if you are converting pounds to NZ$). If you are visiting more than one of these "Treasure Houses" of England you can get a voucher for 2 for 1 entry which does help. Chatsworth and Woburn both come into this category.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
The National Motorcycle Museum
Birmingham is the home to The National Motorcycle Museum and as this is only an hour's drive from Duston we decided to take a trip up to have a look. It was very easy to find - straight up the M6 and there it is right at Junction 4.
Tie website advertises it with the following:
The museum is home to over 800 British motorbikes so there is certainly plenty to see,even for the non motorbike enthusiast like m user! This link is to all the exhibits that can be viewed though bikes are often loaned from enthusiasts for varying periods of time so it is constantly changing. http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/museum/exhibits/
The first hall had an example of a bike from every year from 1898 to 1970s. It was interesting to see the development over the years with the early bikes being little more than bicycles with a small engine. Some had as little as 1/2 horse power.
There are five halls stacked with bikes, many with an information display as well. Stephen was particularly enarmoured with the BSA Bantam as he has one in the garage in Otatara that needs restoring.
There was a huge range of Norton,Triumph, and BSA and in fact the museum sits on the site of the Triumph factory. There was even a display of a AA motor bike and an officer dressed in khaki. There was even a McKenzie bike.
All in all it was an interesting place to visit and well worth the trip.
Tie website advertises it with the following:
It is a place where ‘Legends Live On’ and it is a tribute to and a living record of this once great British industry that dominated world markets for some sixty years.
It is a place where an older generation can once again view with nostalgia the machines they rode in days gone by, and younger generations can study the development of the motorcycle from its earlier days to the golden years of the 1930s-60s, when British motorcycles ‘ruled the world’.
The museum is home to over 800 British motorbikes so there is certainly plenty to see,even for the non motorbike enthusiast like m user! This link is to all the exhibits that can be viewed though bikes are often loaned from enthusiasts for varying periods of time so it is constantly changing. http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/museum/exhibits/
The first hall had an example of a bike from every year from 1898 to 1970s. It was interesting to see the development over the years with the early bikes being little more than bicycles with a small engine. Some had as little as 1/2 horse power.
There are five halls stacked with bikes, many with an information display as well. Stephen was particularly enarmoured with the BSA Bantam as he has one in the garage in Otatara that needs restoring.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
A Saturday outing at last (other than a DIY Store)
Today we downed tools after lunch and went to an open day at the local allotment in Harlestone Road. I was always keen to see behind the often large hedgerow type fences and maybe to meet a allotment gardener so this was the perfect opportunity. Jessica and Andrew also fancy having an allotment, even though they do have a small veg garden. So off we all went, squeezing into the Fiat 500 (the back seat is out of their car is out as it is usd for carting goods home from the DIY stores.)
This allotment garden has up to 185 allotments available for rent at £30 per year for a 10 pole plot (this equates to 250 sq metres). There seemed to be quite a number of allotments available so the open day was to increase awareness and hopefully sign up some new gardeners.
A quick search on the internet gave me a brief history of the allotments and the following piece is taken from the Northampton website:
"An allotment is a small piece of usually public land to rent for gardening -traditionally for growing vegetables. Each site usually has a number of individual allotments. In Britain the allotments originated from the 18th century Enclosure Act which took away common land from poor people and stopped them growing their food. The current national group is the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. There are similar systems in Europe where the origins were the recreational and in the USA where it is called community gardening."
I was also interested in the imperial measure of a pole. The following extract explains exactly how it came about. I don't think any modern gardener would be needing to worry about the pole being long enough to control his oxen while ploughing up their plot!
Rods, poles and perches are different names for the same unit. Medieval ploughing was done with oxen, up to 4 pairs at a time. The ploughman handled the plough. His boy controlled the oxen using a stick, which had to be long enough to reach all the oxen. This was the rod, pole or perch. It was an obvious implement to measure the fields, such as 4 poles to the chain. A BBC webpage about allotments says that "an allotment plot is 10 poles" and claims that "A pole is measured as the length from the back of the plough to the nose of the ox". I suppose that if you wanted to control the front ox, you needed a pole long enough to reach! The perch was used in the reign of Henry II (1154-1189), the pole since the 16C, and the rod since 1450. In the 16th century the lawful rod was decreed to be the combined length of the left feet of 16 men as they left church on a Sunday morning. In North Devon there is a tradition that fencing, that is to say the cutting and laying of a hedge, would be done at so much a land yard, which seemed to be about 5 paces or 5.5 yards, which would equate to a rod, pole or perch. An earlier name for a rod was a gyrd which is the derivation of a yard.
As we wandered around the allotments we could see a range of gardening skills, as well as a range of crops that were being grown. Some of the gardeners were on site and very willing to show us their gardens and talk about their efforts.
Many of the gardens were new,with only a couple of year's development on them. One lady we spoke to had only been doing their one two years. They got it in the October and spent the winter getting it ready for growing. It is quite an achievement to see how much they growing in such a short space of time. The following photo is of an area similar to what their 10 pole looked like when they started.
The next person we spoke to had started four years ago and also had a double plot. He was self sufficient in veg for his family as well as some fruit like berries, plums and some apples. He was waiting patiently for his asparagus patch to produce and was also pleased with his globe artichokes. Water is supplied but many were also collecting it off the roof of their sheds
One man was a pioneer and was only growing grapes. He had a double plot with 5 or 6 different varieties and over 200 plants. He was making up to 70 bottles of wine last season and we were suitably impressed with the tastings. He said that lots of people scoffed at him when he first started his project, a bit like Alan Brady at Gibson Valley in Central and look what happened there!
All in all it was a great wee outing, finishing with Jessica and Andrew putting their name down. We will watch with interest.
This allotment garden has up to 185 allotments available for rent at £30 per year for a 10 pole plot (this equates to 250 sq metres). There seemed to be quite a number of allotments available so the open day was to increase awareness and hopefully sign up some new gardeners.
A quick search on the internet gave me a brief history of the allotments and the following piece is taken from the Northampton website:
"An allotment is a small piece of usually public land to rent for gardening -traditionally for growing vegetables. Each site usually has a number of individual allotments. In Britain the allotments originated from the 18th century Enclosure Act which took away common land from poor people and stopped them growing their food. The current national group is the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. There are similar systems in Europe where the origins were the recreational and in the USA where it is called community gardening."
I was also interested in the imperial measure of a pole. The following extract explains exactly how it came about. I don't think any modern gardener would be needing to worry about the pole being long enough to control his oxen while ploughing up their plot!
Rods, poles and perches are different names for the same unit. Medieval ploughing was done with oxen, up to 4 pairs at a time. The ploughman handled the plough. His boy controlled the oxen using a stick, which had to be long enough to reach all the oxen. This was the rod, pole or perch. It was an obvious implement to measure the fields, such as 4 poles to the chain. A BBC webpage about allotments says that "an allotment plot is 10 poles" and claims that "A pole is measured as the length from the back of the plough to the nose of the ox". I suppose that if you wanted to control the front ox, you needed a pole long enough to reach! The perch was used in the reign of Henry II (1154-1189), the pole since the 16C, and the rod since 1450. In the 16th century the lawful rod was decreed to be the combined length of the left feet of 16 men as they left church on a Sunday morning. In North Devon there is a tradition that fencing, that is to say the cutting and laying of a hedge, would be done at so much a land yard, which seemed to be about 5 paces or 5.5 yards, which would equate to a rod, pole or perch. An earlier name for a rod was a gyrd which is the derivation of a yard.
As we wandered around the allotments we could see a range of gardening skills, as well as a range of crops that were being grown. Some of the gardeners were on site and very willing to show us their gardens and talk about their efforts.
It wasn't long before they rented the next plot too, so now like many others they have 20 pole,or a double plot. She spoke about being a novice but really enjoying it, as did her children and husband. Much better than cycling on a bike in a gym. Most people have built a shed on site and either a poly tunnel or glass house. Pests come in the form of grazing deer and pigeons so netting is used extensively.
One man was a pioneer and was only growing grapes. He had a double plot with 5 or 6 different varieties and over 200 plants. He was making up to 70 bottles of wine last season and we were suitably impressed with the tastings. He said that lots of people scoffed at him when he first started his project, a bit like Alan Brady at Gibson Valley in Central and look what happened there!
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