STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: THE BIRTHPLACE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(The Façade of the restored 16th-century 2 storey house of

England's National Poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare)

I felt the sudden rush of cold in my body and it gave me chills...

It was the itsy-bitsy raindrops first before the imposing cottony snow flakes came to the scene. Thereupon, the frigid condition and the pearly appearance of snow materialised on my way out of the busy London; I was heading up to the green fields of West Midlands. Coincidentally, as I was on the train zooming its way up, the nippy condition outside was getting extreme. As a result, the unexpected chill was gently creeping inside the carriage through the glass clear windows.

From my seat I felt the developing cold and when I looked outside, the snowfall was getting substantial and thicker. Delightfully speaking, it resulted to the unveiling of a vast field blanketed in accumulated white flurry snow. Then, I became less fidgety on the train as the feeling of the shivery winter season was intensely sensed by my delicate skin. Consequently, I whispered in my mind and I quote, “this isn't the weather condition I'm expecting. I'm anticipating the warm breeze of fresh Spring slapping on my face. Then, I breathed out heavily with a tight hug of my shawl wrapped around me”.

I arrived on time at my destination and the night after...

On my second day in West Midlands, we routed down miles away by car onto the motorway and headed into the abyss of Stratford-upon-Avon. My usual habit of taking pictures of the outside surroundings, whilst in the car, on our way to Stratford-upon-Avon was apprehended by the weather condition. It should have been a great journey on the road if I were able to take a few snaps of the boundless calm fields. We were all snugly wrapped-up as the intermittent presence of sunshine didn't grace my visit. Promptly, we arrived at our destination in the county of Warwickshire, England and were resolute to enjoy exploring the market town village under the steadily drizzly weather condition. It was snowy cold yet a sensationally refreshing jaunt!

The gently sprinkling of fine drops were subsiding when we approached one of the specific access avenues at the town centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. It was called Henley Street which had an elongated road with architecturally levelled cobblestones, low kerbs and flat pavements (making the whole town wheelchair-friendly). It was bordered and brightened up with diverse low-rise buildings which were occupied by their preserved local stores and the pervasive chains of commercial shops. Moreover, it also served as the alternate passageway to Windsor Street or onto the roundabout for Union Street, Bridge Street, High Street and Wood Street. Yes, there were lots of street names to guide you and for you to memorise, too!

(The Erected Visitors Guide Map)

(The Henley Street)

From the ingress of Henley Street, I easily noticed a restored 2-storey rectangular house with a sturdy pitched gable intersecting roof and contemporary loop level spear top metal fence. Historically speaking, the house was built in 16th-century using the traditional half-timbered method and constructed in wattled and daud around a wooden frame. To be more specific, the façade of the house had a woven lattice of wooden strips infixed with a combined sticky material of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. For the past years or ever since it was owned and managed by the Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust, this eminent house has been a small museum open to the public and a popular visitor attraction. Moreover, it has been acknowledged as a Mecca for all lovers of literature for it's believed to be the Birthplace of England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare.

In spite of the fact that the renowned Shakespeare's Birthplace is a small museum open to the public, the out-and-out admission is still not free of charge. When we decided to explore the innermost Birthplace of England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare, we bought upfront our Shakespeare's Birthplace Adult Tickets. Customarily speaking, the ticket itself gave us an entire access from the interesting museum at Shakespeare's Centre; the spruced-up tender rear garden; a significant snoop of Joan Hart's Cottage on the ground floor of the house; the innermost of the main restored 2-storey rectangular house of William Shakespeare and his family; the added 17th century rear wing and ending up to the matter-of-fact detached Gift Shop.

(William Shakespeare's Phrases and Sayings)

(The 1988 Oil in Canvas of William Shakespeare in the Globe Theatre by Philip Sutton, R.A.)

(William Shakespeare Life's Chart and Family Tree)

(The Parlour on the Ground Floor of the Restored House)

(The Dining Area with the Corner Fireplace on the Ground Floor of the Restored House)

(The Childhood Bedroom with a Chimney of William Shakespeare
on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The Birthroom Window with Henry Irving's Name
on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The Adequate Room on the Second (Attic) Floor of the Restored House)

(William Shakespeare's Parents, John and Mary, Bedroom on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The First Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Door on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Fireplace on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Food Storage Room on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Tender Rear Garden in the Rainy Day)

(The Back End Perspective of William Shakespeare's Birthplace

with the Angular View of the Rear Wing)

(The Detached Gift Shop of Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust

and the Souvenir Coin)

The modern Shakespeare's Centre greeted us with noticeable phrases & sayings onto the walls and warmly took us back in time by featuring his creative collections of plays, sonnets and poems. It also gave us an insight into his colourful theatre life on a canvas painting and communicated to us through the detailed summary of his life's chart.

Personally speaking, when I stepped in at the centre I thought that it was a terrible enterprise in acknowledging the life of William Shakespeare and where he lived. It was indeed a radically designed contrast to the adjacent well-preserved 16th-century half timbered house. However, the succinct state-of-the-art approach in establishing how William Shakespeare became England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" turned out to be brilliantly and symmetrically beautiful!

THE UNHERALDED FOGGY DAY TO CANTERBURY

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The sky was clear and the sun was shining bright which revived the wilted grasses and became green once again. In the car, we were full of joy and happiness and from the window, handsome trees on the verges of the road resembled robust twigs. Their leaves disappeared but underneath their bald features was healthy living trees. Gradually, the clear blue sky was replaced by developing misty clouds and by heavy fog. On the way to our destination, thick lying clouds covered the road and everything visible became challenging to our naked eyes. We drove very slowly and then, I felt we were driving through an eerie ghost town. What a creepy experience and shuddersome imagination of mine! 

When we were in the heart of the Cathedral city, Canterbury, the challenging cottony cloud increasingly became clearer and thinner. We followed the street signs but our noviceness around the city directed us to inaccurate routes. We laughed and drove back until we found our way going on to their High Street via Rose Lane and Parade.

I was very excited to know more of Canterbury because tourists had various views about their one day escapade. Driving for hours in this chilly weather will make you weary and also, you would long for a hot drink. That is why, we picked the first restaurant we found and had our chosen brunch meal with hot drinks. We sat and stretched our legs after that foggy journey.

There were cobblestone alleys with local and known corporate retail stores. We walked on Burgate which guided us to locate the Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral's Precincts. A regal designed arched doorway built in 1517 with a sturdy ornate bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ which I read was a replacement as the original was damaged; 12 beautiful figures of angels and delicately restored carved miniature castle banners/flags. Apart from the precincts' well-preserved beauty, an elevated 20-foot tall stone monument cast with crucifix on the very top, valour dignitaries and banners was erected outside and enclosed by a metal fence. These were the extravaganzas of the Cathedral located on Sun Street, Strada and infront of the Mercery Lane. 

( Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral's Precincts)

(20-foot tall Stone Monument)

 

I wasn't able to explore the inside of Canterbury Cathedral as to see its historical and majestic beauty wasn't free. They posted a notice and read as “The Cathedral Precincts' Entrance Charges” which ranges from £8.00 to £32.00. I was down in the mouth for a little while but noted that the pretty penny charges has been keeping the Cathedral in pristine condition. On the other hand, you can still enter for free if your main reason for visiting the Cathedral is to pray solemnly. 

The disappointment soon vaporised and was replaced with excitement as we ventured around the rest of the alleys. It reminded me of York but the thought of comparison wasn't a great idea at all. For me, Canterbury as a Cathedral city offered frustrating and shocking revelations as it offered less breathtaking buildings and wasn't so awe-inspiring. Yes, they have the Cathedral which was barricaded with charges before you could see its illustrious majestic beauty. There are also cobblestone roads which reminded me of strong horses pulling and carrying carriages in the earlier periods. On the contrary, their elongated high street starting from Fenwick Building on St. George's Street up to Heraldic arched passageway of Westgate Towers was occupied mostly by the uniformity of known corporate high street brands. It was akin to the bustling Oxford Street in Central London.

(Heraldic Arched Passageway of Westgate Towers)

  

Yes, the letdown feeling vanished for awhile but it transpired when I couldn't find more awe-inspiring and wondrous gems in every alley we traversed through. In my own opinion, the city upholds and shelters nothing apart from their famous Cathedral, Royal Museum and Free Library.

Generally speaking, there is nothing bad about corporate retail store brands who have been injecting money into the council's pot and the city itself. They bring-in people and attract consumers which make a high street/ town centre livelier and more buoyant. Sad but true, known brands have been successful in the trading business as more and more people are getting conscious about the labels over quality. Isn't it preferably right? 

I didn't dream of shattering my day nor would kept on sulking while wandering around the city because of frustrations. That is why, I looked for something delightful and uplifting to make most of my day worthwhile. I found an admirably handsome tree just next to a brick & flintstones- wall which was over towering with branches like a witches' broom or an octopus' tentacles. There was also the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge known as the central museum, library and art gallery of the city. A listed building designed by the architect and City surveyor A.H. Campbel in 1897 and was opened to the public on the 11th of September 1898. What I liked more about it was the welcomingly unpretentious Tudor revival facade. Yes, the Cathedral city has free gems after all which were erected on the verges of their high street. 

(Admirably Handsome Tree)

(Beaney House of Art and Knowledge)

 

We sat in a cafe after hours of exploring and relaxed with hot drinks on our table. We were on the first floor of the cafe's building which had narrow windows for us to see the outside aerial view of the city. It was heartwarming on such a cold misty day to see loving families together and jovial students enjoying the company of their closest friends.

I haven't explored everything in Canterbury especially the world renowned Cathedral (maybe I will go to pray!). I am sure that there are lots of gems waiting for me. That is why, I will venture further next time especially when the sun is shining; when the twiddling humming bees are basking around and the colourful flowers in fully bloom.

WELCOME TO THOMAS'S OF YORK PUB

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Turn to the right of St. Leonard's Place or go straight ahead to the Museum Street? That was the choice we had after visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in northern Europe, York Minister. We were looking for a local pub to rehydrate our thirsty throats. Yes, we were quite weary and tired after traversing from one street to another. I must say we were wowed with the town centre’s magical beauty in which most streets astonished our expectations. There were well- preserved historical buildings occupied by big commercial establishments; known hotels; affordable yet unique inns; friendly local eating places and also, well established pubs. Like the Thomas's of York Pub managed and operated by Kelly and the Toy Team. 

Travelling can be exhausting and rewarding at the same time too... 

There is a Red House Antique Centre occupying a detached building which is painted in the shades of red (almost salmon) and white. It is indeed brightly conspicuous for visitors and the like! The façade of the building featured a common 2-storey edifice but inside, it had 3 floors without the inclusion of its basement. It had wooden staircases and mezzanines to reach each floor and view the stored classic/ vintage collectible items. A place to explore and if you couldn't find what you are looking for, why not warm yourself up at their cafe & tea room while thinking about their collections that are on sale. Without a doubt, you will find this antique centre easily as it's next to the Saint Wilfrid's Catholic Church on Duncombe Place. 

I stood on a hoisted pedestrian refuge island surrounded with leafy concrete boxes. For a few minutes, I was transported back to the Victorian period because of the vintage and rustic street signs. Can you imagine the sound of galloping horses pulling heavy commercial carriages? If you can, I am sure that you will be ensorcelled, too! Yes, it was a mesmerising occurrence and eventually the street signs guided us through to stay away for awhile from the madding crowd. 

 

 

We crossed over Blake Street and walked on the verge of Museum Street. Adventitiously, we entered a brick-made building with a personalised train station pub's name, ornate Victorian entrance, rows of chimney pots and restored sash windows. Literally, the front windows had on them prints of the local and known recipes as well as posted cut out images of illustrious royalties and renowned actors. 

At long last, we found a local pub with a warmth and jocund ambiance. We walked through the door and on the right side was a stately cosy room with the hanging portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a union jack flag throne chair, too. Apart from those, the interior of the room has an enlarged fixed picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with her subordinates onto the wall with the 16th-century's Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate name above it. Can you now guess the name of the room? It's labelled and known as The Queen's Room! 

 

There was also a staircase leading onto the first floor which was sheathed with unique menu wallpapers and unconventional hanging objects. You will never fail to find their toilets, too! We stayed on the ground floor and went down a short plight of steps to order our refreshments. Sadly, they didn’t serve my choice of non-alcoholic drink which is why, Kelly (the manager) suggested a drink I might like to sip. I thought I would end up having a glass of lime and soda but her suggestion was satisfying! 

We sat and relaxed snugly for an hour on their eye-catching contemporary patchwork sofa which was placed conspicuously on the dance floor area. After that, we moved to another elevated room which was only separated from where we were by a glass unit containing fragile items. The elevated room was interiorly designed with artworks brightly displayed and philosophical sayings on the walls. A very flamboyantly bare-faced section of the pub indeed! I didn’t walked around like I would normally be which would mean examining each floor and even entering 'No Trespassing' rooms. As far as I can vividly remember, it had quarter-turn stairs with newly painted wooden banisters, a huge double hung paned window with half-moon designed and a kelham hall up chandelier. 

  

In the daytime, Thomas's of York Pub is an affable drinking/eating place operated by Kelly and the Toy Team. It is a local pub with a contemporary twist and quaintness which has been valued as a cherished rendezvous for all types of gender. The pub itself has been managed smoothly for years and withstood the test of time because of the management's full and special support to the LGBTQI+ community. When night falls and specifically on Saturday night, this pub becomes a bustling bar boosted with the appearance of special artist(s) and whooping sound systems producing state-of-the-art music. Generally speaking, it is a welcoming place to meet new friends, greet amiable people and connect with the lovely ones; either with a drink in your hand or just simply enjoying the disco- dance rhythms. If ever you plan to visit York, visit and connect with Kelly and the Toy Team who will make you loose and care-free while at Thomas's of York Pub. 

 (With Queenie)

 

 

  (With Alex, Mike and Darren)

We were fully energised and zoomed our way back into the madding crowd. I just couldn't believe that York had lots of gems; places to relish and all reached on foot. The experience of this great city was especially warm because of the conviviality of the local people.