Portugal
Arrived in Portugal on August 28th. It was so wonderful catching up with my sister and brother-in-law! They took us to a cute little town, named Caldas Da Rainha
Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor (Queen Leonor Spring Water Hospital, or Thermal Hospital)
According to Wikipedia, the Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor (Queen Leonor Spring Water Hospital, or Thermal Hospital), a medical spa offering physician-prescribed treatment in sulphurous waters, is managed by CHO.The hospital is the world's oldest purpose-built thermal medical institution. Among the non-medical holdings of the Centro Hospitlar–legacies of Queen Leonor–are the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas (Museum of the Hospital and Spa); the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Populo and Igreja de São Sebastião, churches; Parque D. Carlos I, a public park; and Mata Rainha D. Leonor, woods adjacent to the park. In 1512, Queen Leonor established the Santa Casa da Misericordia das Caldas da Rainha (Holy House of Mercy), a charitable institution dedicated to helping those in need. Having expanded to other cities, the Holy House continues its work to the present day.
It had a wonderful fresh market in the town square.
We couldn't buy much, because we were leaving the next day for to the Serra De Estrellas!
We had dinner at a friends home, Sandra, who gave a a feast. Her home commands a beautiful view
Our son and his girlfriend, Molly, arrived at my sister's home and joined us for our outing to the mountains. On the way to the hotel, we took a side trip to a castle.
Castelo de Almourol at Praia do Ribatejo
We arrived at the Castelo de Almourol in time to visit the castle for a half hour.
We had to take a ferry to the castle.
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| Great pic of Jeremy and Molly |
The Castelo de Almourol is a medieval castle located on an islet in the middle of the Tagus River, Portugal. It was built by the Knights Templar in 1171 and served in 1171 and served as a stronghold during the Portugeuese Reconquista. The castle is known for its impressive Templar military architecture, including high granite walls, nine circular towers, and a central keep.
Sabugal
We stayed two nights at Cro Hotel Rural, in Sabugal. We thoroughly enjoyed the thermal spa two evenings. We had to wear these sexy bathing caps.
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| Don't we look great in their robes and bathing caps! |
The pool was wonderful with magnificent massage spots.
After our swim, we had a great dinner!
We walked around the ruins of the historic termas do cro in Sabugal.
The hotel was so close to where the wild fires were, that they had to shut down for two days. We could still smell the wet hay. It was hard to imagine what animals used to be in the wild. We took a walk by some of the old ruins, and then by where the fire did its damage.
We were devastated by the destruction.
But we could still see beauty.
Serre de Estrela
On our way back we toured the Serre de Estrela. We ate lunch at Versatil, which is in a hotel, for the view.
We then stopped by the Burel Factory. They had an immense stock of quality products made with wool.
We then continued on throughout the Serra de Estrela.
We drove to the tallest point on the mainland. The clouds rolled in so quickly, you could look one direction and see only blue and the other and it would be gray! Either direction, it was cold!
Scotland
We spent several days in Edinburgh touring before meeting up with the choir. We walked around the gardens and Princes Street our first day to try to stay awake and acclimate to the time.
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| Artist making a dog out of sand on the sidewalk. |
World's First Floral Clock
It is said to be one of the best loved attractions in the city of Edinburgh. Horticultural art and timekeeper. It has been growing since 1903
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| St Andrew Square |
In the center of the square is the Melville Monument, commemorating Henry Dundas, the first Viscount Melville. There is controversy surrounding this monument in that Henry Dundas opposed immediate abolishment of slavery and favored a gradual reduction.
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| Roger found a friend! Mr Paddington! |
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| Sir Walter Scott Monument |
The Royal Mile
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| We just missed watching the Tattoo. |
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| Scotch Whisky Experience |
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| James Braidwood |
James Braidwood was a Scottish firefighter, man after my heart. He was the first Master of Engines in the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824.
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| View from upper tenement |
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| Writer's Museum |
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| Robert Burns |
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| Robert Louis Stevenson |
We walked around a bit!
Built in 1806 on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, our historic pub has plenty of tales to tell! The pub is named after one of the city’s most famous sons, Deacon William Brodie – one of the inspirations behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde. Born in 1741, Brodie was a deacon of a group of skilled carpenters known as the Guild of Wrights. By day, he was a respectable citizen and a member of the town council but, by night, he became involved in gambling and drinking. To pay off his debts, he had to resort to burglary and a life of crime and, by 1786, he had a small gang of criminals working in the city. Throughout the pub, you’ll see references to Brodie and his double life, as well as our fascinating, decorative wooden ceiling.
This is the halfway point of the Royal Mile. For much of Edinburgh's history. a protective stone wall surrounded the city. Residents had to pay a toll to pass, leading to the term, "The World's End" for those who couldn't afford it.
We stopped by the fudge shop and learned how to make fudge. Of course,
we had to stop by several times because it takes quite a long time.
(our favorite!)
John Knox House
The John Knox house looks so picturesque that people thought it was fake, however, it is Edinburgh's only surviving medieval mansion complete with its overhanging timber galleries. It is because John Knox lived their that it was not demolished.
The house was owned by Mariota Arres and James Mossman when John Knox lived their. Mariota brought the house into the Mossman family as her dowry.
The coat of arms is that of the Mossmans. The initials can be read vertically or horizontally.
The sundial shows Moses receiving the light of God as symbolized by the sun on Mount Sinai. When Jesus in the New Testament was asked what the most important thing in the Law of Moses was, he said, "Love God and your neighbor as yourself", which is carved on the facade in Scots.
James Mossman was a traditional Catholic. He was devoted to the Queen Regent Marie de Guise, and then to her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots.
The Reformation began in Europe and involved those like Erasmus, who remained Catholic; reformers as well as Protestants like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. The movement arose because scholars were rediscovering the languages and cultures of the past, so putting ideas in their in their original historical context.
The invention of the printing press, along with the spread of education in the growing towns, meant that debates on religion and politics became widespread. Protestants wanted everyone to be able to read the Bible for themselves in their own languages rahter than Latin.
There was a lot of animosity between Mary, Queen of Scots and John Knox. She was a woman in power and a Catholic. These things he could not abide. Below is a brief transcript of one of the many conversations they had.
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| Audio of conversation between Queen Mary and John Knox |
In the early 16th century, before the 1560 Reformation, Edinburgh was a wealthy and expanding town. The Mossmans were prominent in the city's economic life because of their goldsmith's craft.
The Mossmans often made jewelry for Mary Queen of Scots. In addition, the Mossmans acted as the royal assay, responsible for ensuring the coinage had the correct balance of precious and base metals.
A small study off the Oak room
When John Knox returned to Scotland in 1559 from exile in Europe it was to take part in a Protestant revolution against the Catholic and French rule of Marie de Guise. The aim was to depose Marie de Guise and abolish the legal authority of the Pope in Scots Law, along with the Mass.
This was achieved but Knox had wanted to go much further, establishing a godly society and using the wealth of the Church to set up schools and social security in every parish. He was frustrated because the nobility wanted the lands and wealth of the Church for themselves and Mary Queen of Scots maintained her mother's support for Roman Catholicism.
Knox became an icon of later Scottish values of education, equality and hard work.
Mossman's life and prosperity ended tragically in a civil war between supporters of the now exiled Queen Mary and supporters of the new Protestant regime of her infant son James.
Pawning the crown jewels to buy weapons, Mossman particiated in a three-year defense of Edinburgh Castle for the Queen and using his knowledge of minting he produced coins bearing Mary's head. These were both capital offenses. When the Castle fell in 1573 Mossman was among only three of the defenders selected for execution. James Mossman was dragged backwards up the street in a low cart and was hanged at Mercat Cross beside St Giles' Cathedral.
Crime and punishment were brutal realities of sixteenth century Edinburgh. The scold's bridle at the bottom of the case was the punishment for gossiping, slander, or verbal abuse. It was fitted over the gossiper's head and locked in place. Talking or eating were limited, since any movement of the mouth could cause a severe piercing of the tongue due to a spike inside the gag.
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| James V, Mary of Guise, and Mary Queen of Scots |
In this picture, James VI is praying at the grave of his father, Henry Darnley, along with his grandparents. He is wanting justice for Darnley's murder. believeing his mother and Bothwell to be at fault.
Canongate Kirk
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| Canongate Mercat Cross |
A close opens up into a courtyard
Scottish Parliament House
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| Arthur's Seat |
Holyrood Palace
The weather was great for our visit to the Palace.
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| The oldest section of the palace |
We were unable to take pictures inside the palace, only exterior pictures were allowed.
After touring the inside of the palace we toured the abbey.
We then toured the gardens.
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| Sundial |
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| Different view of Arthur's Seat |
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| Leaving the garden and Holyrood Palace |
Mary King's Close
This was called the real Mary King's Close because it is not a replica of the tenement but preserved. This was a very educational as well as entertaining tour, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
I made a friend at Mary King's Close!
1694- Mary King's Close is recorded in the Town Council minutes for the first time. Edinburgh's poulation is approximately 21,000 people.
1530- John Towris Close first recorded as an Edinburgh residence and was named after Touris of Inverleigh. The Close would later be renamed Mary King's Close after local resident Mary King.
1567- After surrendering to the victorious Confederate Lords at Carberry Hill, Mary Queen of Scots spends her last night in Edinburgh at the home of the Lord Provost in Stewart's Close.
I made a friend at Mary King's Close!
1629- Following the death of her husband, prominent local business woman Mary King moves into the Close with her four children.
1644- Towards the end of 1644, the plague breaks out in Edinburgh. Residents of the Close are treated by Edinburgh first Plague Doctor, Dr John Paulitious.
1694- Mary King's Close is recorded in the Town Council minutes for the first time. Edinburgh's poulation is approximately 21,000 people.
1753- Edinburgh's warren of Old Town closes are largely covered over by the new Royal Exchange. Although not successful as a merchant's exchange the building becomes the City Chambers in 1811.
We then take a train to Stonehaven.
A couple of pics on the way!
Stonehaven
"Stoneheaven"
Around the town and on the boardwalk
Roger is kicking back and having coffee while staring out the window.
This was our view!
The beach was full of rocks. Roger is in his hay place!
Because of the approaching storm, we were unable to go to the castle,
so we were directed to the harbor.
The storm passed over us and left beautiful skies!!
The sunrise, like all sunrise were magical!
Sorry, it was hard to pick. Believe me, I did eliminate several!!
Dunnottar Castle
The castle, perched on 160 foot rock surrounded on three sides by the North sea, was the home of the Earls Marishal Keith, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. This castle was an impregnable fortress that held rich secrets of Scotlands colorful past, including hosting some of the nation's greatest historical figures including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots. It is also famous for saving the Scottish Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell's army in the 1650's.
We had an absolutely gorgeous day to hike to the castle. The views continued to astonish us.
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Everywhere we looked was incredible!
We were assured we would continued to be astonished. We were not disappointed.
We finally reached the castle!
1593, George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal kept a pet lion here. According to legend, its life was short lived as its roaring kept the Countess awake at night. The symbol of the lion was the mascot of the Earl Marischal and was visible on his Coat of Arms and was a demonstration of his immense power and wealth.
The name of Keiths comes from lands in East Lothian, home to Sir Robert Keith who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Bannockburn. Robert the Bruce granted his friend lands in Aberdeenshire and created him Great Marischal of Scotland. It was Robert's grandson who built the keep at Dunnottar and his descendants were elevated to be Earls Marischal.
The Earl Marischal was one of the three great offices of state (along with the Constable and the Steward) and had specific responsibility for ceremonial events, the Honors of Scotland and for the safety of the King's person within parliament.
The Earls Marischal were amongst the most powerful families in Scotland in the 16th century. Both wealth and title were lost when the 10th Earl Marischal fought with the Jacobites in the rising of 1715 and was convicted of treason.
In 1392, Sir William Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland, builds the first stone castle at Dunnottar, now known as The Keep!
The kitchen had a magnificent firelace and would have catered for most of the needs of those working and living in the Castle until supplemented by the addition of a kitchen in the North Range.
Scene in and around the castle
Views up some chimneys
The forge was a mini industrial unit the output of which would have met most of the meeds of the Castle's occuants, including the horses. From bolts and hinges for doors, sconces for candles and torches, gardening tools to pans for the kitchens and brewhouse. In times of war, armor was repaired and weapons sharpened here and shot and cannon balls made.
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| Smithy (Blacksmith) |
Waterton's Lodgings were built in the 16th century by the 4th Earl for his son and daughter-in-law, was in effect a separate private residence. It is now named after Thomas Forbes, Laird of Waterton, who was a prominent Covenanter and in 1640's often stayed at the Castle.
The ground floor consisted of a hall nearest the Keep and a parlor or study opening onto a back entry way. A siral staircase on the north side ends in a square caphouse that gave access to the upper floor. Upstairs held two further rooms, and an attic with servants' quarters completed the building.
This building was a guard post where soldiers were stationed to keep watch over the seaward approach to the Castle. From here they manned the cannon positioned along the cliff edge, giving good coverage of the area to the East of the Castle.
Chapel
The chapel was consecrated in 1276 and apparently burned with an English garrison inside by William Wallace in 1297. It was rebuilt and two gothic windows of this original Chapel survive to this day.
Countess Suite was a place where the Earl Marischal's wife could relax and entertain guests. Adjacent to her bedroom was the Keith family library. The Countess Suite could also be reached by the outside stairs beside the Chapel which connected to a timber balcony.
Marischal Suite has an outer room which is the reception area. King Charles II slept in the Earl's bedroom in 1650. The triangular set over the fireplace in the bedroom is dated 1645 and shows the arms and mottoes of the Earl Marischal and his wife Elizabeth Seton.
Veritas Vincit- Truth conquers
Hazard yit Forvard- translated as "Through adversity we will move forward"
To the left of the pediment is a sundial that was moved to this pposition from one of the pends near the Castle entrance in the 1920's
Going down a path and around you find the thief's hole. This small secure area was used to house those convicted of minor offenses by the courts held in the Castle. Those unfortunate enough to be locked up here were usually held for a few days and would have no doubt thought twice about offending again.
Dining Room
The dining room was a spacious room with large windows on both sides to light the area. It has a small room to the side for a small privy (toilet) and a gun loop which would have looked out to the sea.
Drawing Room
The drawing room was where the owners would withdraw for more privacy. This room was restored in the 1920's by Viscount Cowdray including the anelled ceiling which includes the initials of King George V and Queen Mary, Lord and Lady Cowdray (the crossed C's) and George Ogilvy and Elizabeth Douglas.
The brewery was three rooms; a storehouse, a brewery and a bakery. The circular tub is what remains of the brewing vat, and at the far end the bakery retains its projecting oven in the end wall.
The Whigs and the Vault
1651-52- the Honors of Scotland- during the war between Scotland, England, and Ireland in the mid-1640s, known as the War of Three Kingdoms, King Charles II is a guest of the 7th Earl Marischal. The young King’s arrival to Scotland prompts an invasion by the Parliamentary Army, led by Oliver Cromwell. Dunnottar Castle plays a vital role in the safekeeping of the Scottish crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland.
1685-Over 167 Covenanters and Whigs are imprisoned within a cellar in terrible conditions at Dunnottar for refusing to acknowledge religious reforms imposed by King Charles II.
Kitchen
The kitchen had a massive fireplace where meals would be prepared and passed through the serving hatch to be taken to the dining room above. The large stone sink is placed next to a drain for convenient disposal of waste water.
War Memorial
The Memorial, which commemorates the First and Second world wars amongst others, is built on land gifted to the people of the District of Stonehaven by the 1st Viscountress Cowdray. Designed by Aberdeen born architect, John Ellis. The memorial has a deliberate "unfinished" or ruined look to represent the unfinished lives of those lost in the war.
We finally made it down the hill and strolled around the beach a little more.
What a great idea for keeping a place clean!!
A nice garden along the boardwalk on the beach.
Goodbye Stonehaven
We took the train to Glasgow and checked into the hotel in which we would be joining the choir. We had a great dinner with the Tatnall's and joined the Buchanan's afterward for a drink and became the Welcoming Party for the choir!
Before the choir arrived the next morning the Buchana's did a foodie thing and the we joined the Tatnall's for a tour of Miss Agnes Toward's Tenement House. It was like stepping into a time capsule.
Roger and I enjoyed attempting to identify all the items on the shelves.
It is believed this dress was worn by Miss Toward's mother on her wedding day in April 1884. As she was a dressmaker, it was probably made at home.
The dark color was common for brides as it meant they could wear the dress again and again.
In the bathroom, the tub was huge and deep.
I was quite impressed by this oven. It had six places for irons, since she was a seamstress, so she could keep all her irons hot when she needed them. She had one specifically for collars. It was quite impressive.
Miss Toward also had a lovely dinner setting.
The tour was quite enjoyable.
We were going to walk around and look at the the mural walking tour, but I was done in. I did see one mural on the way to the Glasgow Cathedral that I was able to take a picture of.
We walked around in circles trying to get to the cathedral and missed the choir visiting the cathedral but caught up with them at the museum. I took a Griswald tour of the cathedral!
This was the last thing I saw before joining the choir, which I thought was appropriate. With our love we were serving.
Scotland Choir Tour
This section of the blog will be a mixture of Roger and many choir members' pictures that have been shared on whatsapp.
We found our long lost sister in the airport. It was so wonderful to spend time with Chohee!
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| Glasgow Cathedral |
We received a wonderful tutorial on Bagpipes from this lovely young man.
We will never be able to listen to the bagpipes the same again.
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| St Bride's Church |
A rare shot of James! He likes to be behind the camera instead of in front!
Stirling Castle
Views from around the castle
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Our gardeners are in the garden! |
JamesV began building Stirling Palace in the 1530's, around the time of his first marriage. He designed the palace around an open rectangular courtyard on the site of an earlier building. The courtyard was designed to let light into the center of the building.
Queen's Inner Hall- honored guests would be granted a chance to meet the queen in this room. The stools and benches were for her ladies in waiting. The newly painted ceiling includes portraits of James and Mary, though it may once have been covered with carved heads.
Queen's Bedchamber- this room ws reserved for the queen and her most important visitors. The great state bed was symbolic- she slept in a small room nearby.
King's Bedchamber- only the most important visitors and personal friends met the king in the intimacy of his bedchamber. The monarch probably dressed, washed, and prayed here, while sleeping in a small room nearby.
King's Inner Hall- visitors had the opportunity to meet the monarch in this room. Access to the king was tightly controlled- it was a great honor.
King's Outer Hall- only people of some social standing were allowed into this room to wait for a possible audience with the king. Staff then decided who might be given the privilege of petitioning or conferring with the monarch. The chosen few were invited to enter the King's Inner Hall.
The Great Hall- where they entertained
Chapel Royal- during the Protestant Reformation, in 1559, a mob ransacked the Catholic chapel and its sacred compositions were declared profane.
More scenes around the castle
For us, the famous window where Roger learned to drive a round about.
Such a peaceful spot on the castle grounds.
The bird put himself in the line of fire...
then he wouldn't stop posing for us!
Elphinstone Tower- this was the hone to the constable, who looked after the castle when the royal family was elsewhere. His kitchen was probably in the basement, where a volcanic dolerite juts through the floor.
Loch Lomond
After touring Stirling Castle, we returned to Glasgow. The next day, we started towards Inverness and enjoyed a boat ride on Loch Lomond.
The weather was all over the place, it was cold, it was warm, it was dry it was wet- it was wonderful!~
Our wonderful Chohee
After our sail on the Loch, we continued on up towards Inverness. On the way, we were blessed with the beauty of the Highlands glory.
Sisters, sweet sisters!!
Inverness
Inverness was a wonderful city. It was a vibrant city and great to walk around.
Walking along the river is so relaxing, and we even get to pet dogs, as well as find statues of dogs!
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| A fishing pier |
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| Bicycle repair stand |
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| Inverness Cathedral |
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| Water Filling Station!! |
We now have to say goodbye to Inverness, as we cross over the Inverness Firth looking toward the North Sea.
Dunrobin Castle
We stop to visit Dunrobin Castle on the way to Aberdeen.
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| Snooker Table |
The detail in all the ceilings in these places amaze me.
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| Fire Extinguisher |
Walking around the garden was quite relaxing.
We got a wonderful tutorial in Falconry.
They are magnificent creatures
We toured the gardens briefly on our way back to the bus.
As we continued to Aberdeen we stopped to see the Sueno Stone.
Sueno Stone
This is the tallest monument of its kind anywhere in Scotland, standing over 6.5m high. It features powerful scenes of battle, execution and ritual.
Carbon dating reveals construction on the site around the late 800s, a period that saw conflict with Vikings and a shift from Pictish rule in eastern Scotland to the new Gaelic kingdom of Alba.
The name Sueno Stone dates from the 1720s or earlier. It probably refers to the Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard (963-1014), who briefly ruled England. But the carving is earlier that Sweyn, so the name derives from myth rather than fact.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between the haybales and the sheep!!
This is a replica, this original is in the museum of Perth. The Stone of Scone is what the Kings of Scotssat upon when they were crowned on Moot Hill until 1296 when Edward I took the stone to Westminster Abbey.
This beautiful peacock strutted around the grounds while we were being educated about moot hill and the stone of destiny!
The legend has it that Moot Hill became a hill because it was too dangerous for the king to travel throughout all his land to have the chieftains swear allegiance to him. But the chieftains did not want to swear allegiance to the king on anything but on their own land, so they carried earth from their own land in their shoe to Scone, and when it came time to swear allegiance, they would spill the earth on the land and step on their earth and swear allegiance to their new king. Hence, Moot Hill.
We saw so many rainbows, but every one of them magical!
St John's Kirk in Perth
The oldest church in Perth, St John's Kirk, may date back to the early 11th century. This was about 200 years before the town was granted the status of royal burgh in 1208. John Knox preached here in 1559, kindling the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. The burgh's graveyard surrounded the kirk until it became completely full in 1580. Five hundred years of burials raised the ground.
Trash cans had to be moved....
and tight corners had to be turned...
but we made it to the famous golf course!!
Golf Course and town
St Andrew's Castle
During the Scottish Reformation, the castle became a center of religious persecution and controversy. In 1521, James Beaton, then Archbishop of Glasgow, won the seat of St Andrews and took up residence in the castle. Beaton altered the defenses to enable the castle to withstand a heavy artillery attack, which was a threat as tensions grew between English Protestants and Scottish Catholics. A new artillery blockhouse was constructed. In 1538 James Beaton was succeeded by his ambitious and wealthy nephew, Cardinal David Beaton
Melodie welcomes us in!
Cardinal Beaton's strong opposition to the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots, with Prince Edward, the son and heir of Henry VIII, helped to spark renewed fighting in 1544. Scottish Protestants were increasingly viewed as dangerous turncoats who sided with the English. In 1546 David Beaton imprisoned the Protestant preacher George Wishart (1513-1546) in the castle's Sea Tower and had him burnt at the stake in front of the castle walls on March 1. In May the same year, Wishart's friends conspired against the cardinal. On May 26th, they gained entry to the castle by disguising themselves as masons when some building work was in progress. After overcoming the garrison, they murdered Cardinal Beaton and hung his body from his window on the front of the castle.
Roger loves getting the best pics of me!
Following the murder of George Wishart, the Protestants took refuge in the castle and formed the first Protestant congregation in Scotland. A long siege was ordered by the Scottish Regent, James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran. Although Henry VIII made plans to assist the Protestants within the castle, the invasion never came and his son Edward did not send aid.
During an armistice in April 1547, John Knox entered the castle and served as the garrison's preacher for the remainder of the siege. For a time Knox had the freedom to pass to and from the castle to preach in the parish church.
Bottle Dungeon
This rock-cut prison takes its name from its shape: it has a narrow entrance neck at the top and a broader chamber below. The body of the murdered Cardinal Beaton is said to have been stored in a chest of salt here during the siege of 1546-7.
Referring to the bottle dungeon the Scottish reformer, John Knox, wrote, "Many of God's Children were imprisoned here.".
St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews was a religious powerhouse. The canons met here daily to read a chapter of the rule by which the lived, and to confess their faults and receive correction. Moreover, it was where they discussed the administration and business affairs of the cathedral.
The prior was a powerful political figure, but his main duty was to run all the religious services. His officials supplied the canons' vestments, candles and incense and ensured the wafers and wine were baked and brewed.
Officials and their assistants also saw to the day-to-day running of the priory. They made sure the lay workmen were paid and the mills, bakehouses and brewhouses ran smoothly.
Every Sunday morning the canons process around the cloister. Led by cross bearers, they started at the high altar of the church. First the altars in the eastern end were sprinkled with holy water. Then the canons left the church and walked clockwise around the cloister.
Re-entering the church in the nave, the canons sprinkled the remaining altars before completing the procession in the choir.
In June 1559 during the Reformation, a Protestant mob incited by the preaching of John Knox ransacked the cathedral; the interior of the building was destroyed. The cathedral fell into decline following the attack and became a source of building material for the town. By 1561 it had been abandoned and left to fall into ruin.
Once again, we find a beautiful, peaceful spot fpr meditation.
Anstruther
On the way to Edinburgh, we stopped at Anstruther to eat some fish and chips. Anstruther is a lovely fishing town, and was a nice place to stretch our legs.
Edinburgh
Canongate Kirk
The second day, Roger walked up the Royal Mile to join the rest to tour the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
The cannon that shoots at one PM because it will not waste eleven cannon balls to signal at noon.
How Scottish!!
Edinburgh New Town Under Construction, 1793
The New Town is a masterpiece of Georgian planning. Together with the medieval Old Town, its elegant streets and terraces forms one of the world's most beautiful cityscapes and compromise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overcrowding within the Old Town's walls prompted the New Town's construction. The masterplan was drafted in 1766 by 26 yr old James Craig, with its first stage completed by 1820.
Back down the Mile towards St Giles
St Giles Cathedral
The official church of the Church of Scotland, St. Giles’ Cathedral and its famous crown spire tower over the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. With a history stretching back over 900 years, St. Giles is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows, ornate Thistle Chapel, and busy concert calendar.
The Cathedral was founded in 1124 by King David I and has been a working church for over 900 years. A backdrop to Scotland's turbulent religious history, St Giles has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been John Knox's parish church during the Reformation.
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| Jeffrey and Marcella renew their vows at St Giles. |
This was my favorite venue for so many reasons, one being we had a big music stand. It was terrific!
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| Our three tenors |
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| Two Sopranos |
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| John Knox |
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| Joe and Will going to see Harriett |
The National Covenant- by the seventeenth century, England, and Scotland were practicing different forms of Protestantism. Thanks to the manner of England's reformation under Henry VIII, Anglicanism was much more in line with Roman Catholicism, whereas Scotland was very similar to Calvinism.
Charles I was king of both England and Scotland. He wanted both his kingdoms to practice the same style of Protestantism and tried to bring Scotland into line with England. They were against a change to Anglicanism as they saw it as being too similar to Roman Catholicism.
They petitioned the King with the National Covenant od Scotland. The extracts show what the Covenanters (the people that signed the petition) were hoping to communicate to the King. Whilst the still wanted him to remain as King, they thought he had been badly advised and they did not like Anglicanism and would not accept it in Scotland.
Signed in the nearby Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh, parchment copies were made at the time for circulation throughout the country, so that people could add their signatures. The clash between the King and the Covenanters led to the Bishops' Wars of 1639 and 1640. The Covenant was written in the Scots language typical of the Seventeenth Century, in Secretary Hand (a style of writing).
1529- English Reformation begins
1558- Scottish Reformation Begins
1637- English Book of Common Prayer introduced into Scotland
1638- National Covenant drawn up
1639- Bishops' Wars begin
Going home.
Andy and Nancy stayed a while longer and conquered a bit more of Edinburgh before going to Andy's roots in England.
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| Meg looks quite relaxed and ready to continue her journey! |
