Southeast England

 We decided to commence our tour of England with a stay of six days in the Kent region because of its history, its reputation of having the loveliest countryside and most attractive villages in England, and the fact that there are numerous heritage sights.

Although the weather was mostly overcast we were able to appreciate the beauty of what is termed the Garden of England. However, from time to time, our view of the countryside was inhibited by the seemingly never-ending rows of yew hedges which lined both sides of the roads. The same hedges delineated the paddocks and created a patchwork quilt effect of green fields and fields under cultivation. The many fields of yellow canola added to the beauty of this scenery.

We got good value from our Heritage Pass when we visited stately homes, several castles, and the ruins of Bayham Abbey.

For our five nights of accommodation we chose Shirkoak Farm, Woodchurch. This lovingly restored 18th century Georgian farmhouse is ideally situated for touring the Kent region..

Our first day was in many respects a summary of what we were to see and do during our tour. In the morning we visited Leeds Castle, which is billed as " The Loveliest Castle in the World". Be that as it may, we found later that Hever Castle is of greater interest. Leeds Castle is built on two small islands and is protected by a beautiful lake which encircles the castle. It was once a Norman fortress, a royal residence, a palace to King Henry V111 and even a family home until as recently as 1974. We were fascinated to find a museum in the Gate Tower which houses the world's finest collection of dog collars dating back to the 16th century. Dogs having played a role in castle life since medieval times. As we wandered through the castle we became mindful that our tour was going to increase our appreciation of English history. After getting lost in the maze we visited the aviary where we were saddened to find a solitary Australian native bird, the Kookaburra, sitting forlornly on a leafless tree.

As we drove from the castle towards our accommodation, we diverted to Lenham. This was of interest to Patricia as some residents of this village had migrated to Australia and have a link with Patricia's family-tree. This was the first village we visited, and so we casually walked around it to look at the quaint dwellings and the village square. While admiring some pastry in a window, we had a chance meeting with one of the locals who, to our pleasant surprise, invited us back to her place for afternoon tea. Mary's home was away from the village and located in a rural setting. We had a good old chat and learned about her family and her neighbourhood.

Having settled into our accommodation we drove to the King’s Head, Shadoxhurst, for our first meal in an English pub. It was small by comparison with hotels in Australia and, in addition to a friendly ambiance, it had an old world charm about it. We enjoyed our meal and then topped off the day with a well earned sleep.

We participated in some of the activities of Tenterden, which is near our accommodation, and was the town we visited and passed through the most. During the Easter period we participated in the ecumenical Good Friday service and enjoyed a cup of tea and hot-cross bun in St Mildred’s Church of England parish hall where we spoke with several of the local people. Unlike Australia most of the shops were open. The motorists would have been frustrated as the police held up traffic while we followed the Cross along the main road. On the Saturday evening we attended the vigil Easter ceremonies at St Andrews RC church. After mass we attended supper and introduced ourselves to the parish priest and spoke with Peter who had just been received into the catholic community.

Chilham

As first time visitors to the UK, we were continually fascinated by the different styles of quaint houses and villages, and oast buildings with their distinctive chimneys. Touring is certainly an experience of visual delights. On our way to Canterbury we called into Chilham to walk the heritage trail. In a small area, Chilham displays a history of village life and the progress of house architecture over most of the past millennium.

We found that visits to churches, cathedrals and abbeys were significant not only for their architecture but also because they provided us with an insight into the evolving historical and cultural developments of Britain.

The Canterbury Cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishops of Canterbury from the time of Saint Augustine in 597,and was immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Like the pilgrims of old we approached the cathedral along Mercery Lane and entered the church grounds by way of the Christ Church Gate. We stood near the spot where Saint Thomas Beckett was assassinated, and marvelled at the beauty and workmanship of the Quire and the central tower with its elaboratly crafted fan vault.

The Tourist Information Centre of Winchester provided us with an excellent brochure for a self guided tour of the city. Towards the end of our walk we climbed the steep St Giles Hill where we were rewarded with a superb view of the city. Unfortunately, the overcast sky (again!) robbed us of the opportunity to take a photo.

A bronze statue of King Alfred (871-99) dominates the Broadway. It was King Alfred ,a scholar, soldier, and statesman, who restored Winchester after the Dark ages and made the city his capital. King Alfred was interred at the New Minster (replaced by the cathedral), one of England’s largest Saxon churches.

At the cathedral we took advantage of the services of a guide to gain an appreciation of the history and function of the cathedral, which has been a place of prayer for 900 years. During this tour a minister invited visitors to pause for prayer. This practice occurred from time to time at other churches during our tour.

The Great Hall is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle. It houses King Arthur’s Round Table which is actually a fake at only 600 years old. Of interest was the small art gallery and an exhibition giving an account of the history of Winchester and the surrounding region.