Ye Olde Fighting Cocks St Albans UK

 Welcome to Britain's Oldest Pub!

Ye Olde Fighting Cock/ Geoff Sutton, 1980

It's not the only pub claiming to be the oldest but it is old and that's part of the charm.

How old? Well, sometime in the 700s there was a pub here. Today's pub dates from the 1,000s.

Where is it? Conveniently located across the street from St Albans Cathedral. There's underground tunnels to the Cathedral for the convenience of the monks. Google Map Link.

What's in a name? Cock fighting was here in the 1800-1900s. It was a popular activity for some 600 years. The Cock Pit was about 8 x 10 feet.

What about Celebs? 

It's claimed Oliver Cromwell slept here during the Civil War 91642-1651).

Part of the foundations link to the Palace of King Offa, King of the Mercians c793.

  

Address: 16 Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans, AL3 4HE UK

Items you might find in a British Pub

Adapted from the book, Mind the Gap, by Geoffrey Sutton

My website suttong.com

and my YouTube Channel

St Albans Fish Market

A book some might like...

MIND the GAP  Buy on Google
Language & Culture	A - Z	Family A- Z
KINDLE	KINDLE	KINDLE
PAPERBACK	PAPERBACK	PAPERBACK

Wesley Chapel London England

Wesley Chapel, London

The Wesley Chapel and Leysian Mission are located at 49 City Road in London. It's close to the Old Street Underground Station.

The chapel was built by John Wesley in 1778. The original pillars donated by George III were replaced on the 100th anniversary of Wesley's death in 1891.

Following repairs, the chapel was reopened 1 November 1978 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1989, the nearby Leysian Mission joined with the chapel. The mission opened in 1875 as a school. The mission began in 1886 and was led by former students concerned about the poor conditions for people in East London.

As of October 2019, there was no charge for admission.

John Wesley

John and Charles Wesley were clergymen within the Church of England. They were converted in May 1738.

Wesley Chapel Video from SuttonTravels on YouTube

John Wesley's house is next to the chapel and is a museum. The house is an example of a small Georgian house.

The photos are from inside the Wesley townhouse. The house was his residence for 12 winters. In the summers he was out on horseback visiting Methodist societies and preaching.

You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases. 

Mind the Gap on AMAZON  and  GOOGLE

Website https://www.wesleyschapel.org.uk/

See more placed to at VISIT LONDON ENGLAND


My website is suttong.com

St Paul's Cathedral London

St Paul's from Millennium Bridge 2004

St Paul's is a beautiful domed church with a long history. Roman artifacts have been found in the area, but rumors about a former Roman Temple on the site have not been substantiated.

The first church was built of wood in 604, which is nearly 200 years after the Romans left Britain in 410. Other churches were rebuilt on the site. Fire destroyed the first church in 675. In 962, the Cathedral was rebuilt of stone after the Vikings destroyed the second building. In 1087, Bishop Maurice began building a Cathedral that would last nearly 600 years. 

St Paul's was originally a Catholic Cathedral until the Church of England was established. Some early shrines and images were destroyed during the period of iconoclasm.

The Cathedral was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London, 1666. Sir Christopher Wren designed a replacement and work began in 1675. The work was completed 26 October 1708.

St Paul's Cathedral is not only an iconic church and symbol of London but it is clearly part of English history, a Museum, and an art gallery. 

A view of the choir and ceiling in St Paul's Cathedral.

Prints from yesteryear are available online. Such as this 1840s one on AMAZON

Visitors can purchase various tours. A guided tour and multimedia tour are available.

As with most places, guide books like this one are available in the cathedral's bookstore or online.

St Paul's Cathedral Guidebook

For those with a larger budget, the history and art are on display in this hardcover version.

You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases. 

Mind the Gap on AMAZON  and  GOOGLE

Of course, you can build your own album because photography is permitted with some restrictions- see the Cathedral photo policy.

See more about London England at VISIT LONDON ENGLAND

See also, Westminster Abbey

Links to Connections

My Page    www.suttong.com

  

My Books  AMAZON          and             GOOGLE STORE

 

FOLLOW   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

 

PINTEREST  www.pinterest.com/GeoffWSutton

 

Articles: Academia   Geoff W Sutton   ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton 

 

 

Osborne House and a Great Beach

Osborne House by Geoff W Sutton 2017

Osborne House is a beautiful mansion on the Isle of Wight, UK. If you have several hours, and enjoy Victorian art and furniture, English history, gardens, beaches, a pleasant picnic site,and childrens' play areas, you will probably enjoy the visit as I did.

There really is a lot to see and do at Osborne House, built 1845-1851 by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria as a retreat for them and their family.

You could spend a day here. The walk through the house is organised to move you through the available rooms. Staff offer insights into the contents of several rooms.

There's also an onsite guide at the Swiss Cottage, which includes children's activities.

Swiss Cottage for the children at Osborne House/ Geoff W Sutton 2017

I spent an afternoon and saw most of the estate but I had no children with me who might like the play areas.

Osbonre House Children's Play Areas

And there's a beautiful beach with places for a picnic.

Osborne House Beach Scene/ Geoff W Sutton 2017

There's also walking trails and well-kept gardens-- opportunities for exercise, birding, and relaxing.

I used public transportation from Ryde, which worked well for my needs.

There are large parking areas with many open spaces when I visited in April 2017.

Information about fees can be found on the website. It is an English Heritage site so there is no charge for members.

Location: York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight  PO32 6JX

See the Osborne House website for more details.