HMS Victory Portsmouth

HMS Victory by Geoff W. Sutton

HMS Victory was Lord Nelson's flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar 1805. On 7 May 1765m HMS Victory left the Chatham Royal Dockyard, The ship was active during the American War for Independence, the French Revolution and the war against Napoleon.

For the British, HMS Victory is remembered for the greatest naval victory led by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar when the British defeated the French and Spanish fleets.

The restored 104-gun-ship is an attraction at the Historic Dockyards, Portsmouth, UK. HMS Victory saw some service in the early 1800s. The ship was placed in permanent dry dock in 1922.

HMS Victory was manned by a crew of over 800. With a maximum of 37 sails (5,400 square yards), it could achieve a speed of 9 knots about 10 mph). The three heavy masts are too much for the ship to bear and will be replaced with lighter materials for the display. More than 6,000 trees were felled to build the ship--most were oak. The ship's cordage ran to 26 miles. The weight of the cannons is too much for the ship to support in dry dock.

The presentation at the Dockyards focuses attention on the Battle of Trafalgar 21 October 1805. Nelson led 27 British ships against the 33 ships of the French and Spanish. After a five-hour battle, the British destroyed 19 enemy ships and lost none; however, Nelson was shot by a French sniper and died within a half-hour. His grand funeral took place at St. Paul's in London and a statue was raised in his honour at Trafalgar Square.

Where Nelson fell

During the Battle of Trafalgar, the crew numbered 821, which included 31 boys. Most crew were seamen (500) who sailed and fought. The tour includes a look at multiple decks and reveals insights into the accommodations of officers as well as the work areas for craftsmen and other crew members. An audio guide describes the scene.

A selection of my photos follows.

Nelson's bed

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

Mind the Gap on AMAZON  and  GOOGLE

Winchester Cathedral

I attended services during Easter week and toured the Cathedral to get a sense of this sacred place that reveals so much of English history.

I was there in 2017 and viewed two special events. Near the entrance are storyboards illustrating highlights of the life of Jane Austen whose floor grave marker is near a brass wall plaque. The year marks the 200th anniversary of her death in 1817 at a cottage near the Cathedral. Jane had come to Winchester for treatment of a particular physician but her health declined and she died at age 41. She was buried in the cathedral. The marker did not celebrate her works but a wall plaque added later corrects this oversight. As her fame grew, a memorial window was added above the plaque.






The second event was a display of the 12th century Winchester Bible, which is the magnificent work of one scribe. One of the four volumes was available and opened to an example of the Latin script and colourful artwork. The Bible is thought to have been commissioned by the Bishop of Winchester, grandson of William the Conqueror, in 1160. Staff and storyboards provide more information. There's more available from touchscreen presentations. Photography was not permitted.

Near the Bible exhibit is the oldest section of the Cathedral. You can see examples of art on the walls. And not far away is the oldest area of floor tiles dating from the 13th century.

13th Century tiles, Winchester Cathedral

Also nearby is the crypt, which is open to the public.

Crypt, Winchester Cathedral

The Cathedral is rich in the history of English Kings and church leaders. The remains of many are identified throughout the tour. Perhpas the most famous is King Alfred (849 to 899) who was buried in the Old Minster. In one of the mortunary chests are the reported bones of King Canute (aka Cnut) and Queen Emma.

There is much beauty to be appreciated and photography is permitted with a few exceptions.

A few more photos and a short video clip.

There is a fee for the tour but not for attending services.

There is a gift shop and toilets.

Learn more at the website Winchester Cathedral.

Address: 9 The Close Winchester  Hampshire  SO23 9LS, United Kingdom

Hidden Jewel Tower London

A hidden jewel amongst the popular attractions of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Parliament is the Jewel Tower across the street from Parliament  (Westminster Palace).

The Jewel Tower was built for King Edward III 1365 to 1366.

It's a small site with a significant contribution to English Heritage. Kings had stored their treasures here.

But of more importance were the records such as the the death warrant for King Charles I  and the ban on the  slave trade by Britons.

Abolotion of Slave Trade

Copy: Death Warrant King Charles I

There are a few objects and storyboards on each floor.

Travel Notes

Great location for photos of Westminster Palace- obverse of Thames river view.

The staff were helpful.

There is a fee. 

Entry is free for English Heritage members.

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

Mind the Gap on AMAZON  and  GOOGLE

CHARLES DICKENS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM PORTSMOUTH

I recommend a stop at the Charles Dickens birthplace museum in Portsmouth. Check the website for opening days and times, then call. When I arrived on Friday, groups of French students were waiting their turn to enter the small house. I was told it was closed because of the groups but when I mentioned how far I had come, they let me in.

You enter below street level into what was the kitchen and is now reception and tiny gift shop. The desk staff mention a few words about the house and direct you upstairs. There’s a sitting room, dining room, and bedrooms. Multi-language cards are available to describe each room.

The furnishings are mostly from the early 1800s. Charles Dickens and his family lived here during his early childhood. You will see attention to detail in the wallpaper and curtains. There are a few portraits of Dickens on the walls.

Tips and suggestions

Because of the small house, its best not to enter as a large group.

Photography is permitted throughout except for one item-ask for information.

Credit cards are accepted but I had to wait for staff to end a phone call for processing on the one line.

There are toilets near reception. And they looked clean.

Website:    http://www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/

Mary Rose Warship, Portsmouth UK

The Mary Rose was the specially built warship of Henry VIII.  Built in the early 1500s, it was in use over 30 years until sunk off Portsmouth in the Battle of the Solent.

A panoramic painting and commentary describe the final battle.

Numerous artifacts from the ship are on display including shoes, tools, coins, and guns.

The Rose Symbol

The substantial remains of the ship are on display, which is augmented by an audiovisual presentation of battle action linked to sailors in different parts of the ship.

Travel notes

I consider it one of the best attractions in the Historic Dockyards and worth at least half the price of the multi-attraction ticket.

There are portable seats to use throughout the museum.
The gift shop has some interesting and reasonably priced gifts.

There's also a restaurant.

Mary Rose Museum

Morton Arboretum

I visited the Morton Arboretum in March so my view lacked Spring foliage and flowers, summer green, autumn colors, or winter snowscapes. I say this to give context to my perspective that this place is nice but the entry fee did not offer much more than can be found in many well-maintained parks.

I spent most of several hours on various trails through different treescapes. I appreciated the great variety of trees and saw a small variety of birds plus a few squirrels.

The Arboretum is worth a visit and I suspect it would be great to visit often if living nearby. 

In addition to the trails, there are educational programs as well as mazes and play areas for children. 

The store and cafe were inviting but as usual in similar places, the prices are not cheap. The toilets were clean and well-maintained. 

There appears to be plenty of parking. 

Check the website for details on  fees and events.

TOY MUSEUM BRANSON MISSOURI USA

The Toy Museum in Branson Missouri claimed it's the world's largest toy museum so we took a look.

In 2017, they advertised having over 1 Million toys. Considering their display cases from floor to ceiling, that seems believable. If you enjoy looking at toys from several decades past, you'll probably enjoy the visit. We are glad we went.

As you might guess, most toys are American but I did find a few British items reminding me of my childhood soldiers.

I'm not sure if the collection favors traditional toys for boys more than girls. There were many dolls from several decades and doll houses too. Even Alf shared his display. And my wife found a Dale Evans lunch box and thermos like the one she took to school.

I expected to see trains but the collection is small. An interesting diorama shows an attic scene.

One of the unique collections is a room full of Draughts aka checkers. There's a few tables where you can sit and play a game.





Tips and Notes

Cost: It is not cheap. We paid $18.92 each, which includes 11.6% tax. Look for discounts at visitor's centers.  Online ticket link.

It is family friendly. There are several areas where children can build things and draw.

Photography: Photography is permitted. The lighting and glass cases make it difficult to get some clear shots even without flash.

The Gift Shop has affordable toys and did not seem overpriced to us. We picked up some items for our grandchildren.

Parking- there seemed to be ample parking but we were there before the heavy season.

Location- It is on the busy route 76 near 376. Directions.

Restrooms- they appeared clean and well-stocked.

Religiosity- The collections include a wide range of toys that do not overtly link to any religion. Like many places in Branson, there are references to Christianity- in this case some Christian-themed toys, games, and signs.

Staff- all we met were friendly.

Website- There's a great introduction to the collection on the website, which may be worth a visit before you go.

Connections

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Publications (many free downloads)

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Ephesus Turkey

Grand Theatre, Ephesus, Turkey featuring Geoffrey W. Sutton

Permission granted to download the photos for personal use and not-for-profit educational use provided you acknowledge the source.

http://suttontravels.blogspot.com/2017/03/ephesus-turkey.html

Our visit to EPHESUS remains in our memories as one of the more outstanding cities. After a short cruise with island stops, we crossed the Agean Sea from Athens and landed at Kusadasi in Western Turkey. From there we took a bus to Ephesus where a guide provided a walking tour.

Depending on the source, a city has been here for about 4,000 years. An early settlment dates from the 11th Century BCE- founded by Androcles from Athens. Other groups ruling the city were the Lydians and Persians. Alexander the Great liberated the city in 334 BCE.

Egyptians and Syrians had their turn until the Romans arrived in 190 BCE. Much of the city was destroyed when the Goths invaded in 263 CE.

Constantine I rebuilt part of the city, which was ruined by an earthquake in 614 CE.

You can follow a route using many available maps.

Our route began near the Odeon. A small theatre for concerts and performances near the State Agora.

We walked along Curetes street past the Temple of Domitian. Although named as dedicated to the Roman Emperor, Domitian, more recent research indicates it was to honor Titus.

Temple of Domitian by Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's a monument to Memmius near the Heracles Gate. The Memmius memorial was reportedly ordered by Augustus in the first century CE to honour Caius, grandson of Sulla.

Memmius Monument by Geoffrey W. Sutton

You will pass the Trajan Fountain built in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan, second century CE.

Trajan Fountain by Geoffrey W. Sutton

Some columns remain of the Hadrian Temple built by Theodosius to honour his father in the second century CE.

Nearby is a favourite photo spot -- the Men's Latrines with a duck pond. Reportedly, these were public toilets. Water flowed beneath the benches.

Men's Latrines, Ephesus; Geoffrey W. Sutton

Duck Pond by Men's Latrines, Ephesus

Further along are the amazing remains of the Celsus Library built by Gaius Julius Aquila to honour his father in 135 CE. It is reported that thousands of scrolls could be housed at the Library. It is one of the most attractive buildings along Curetes Street.

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

Close to the Library are the local brothel, agora, and the Harbour Road. The brothel was reportedly dedicated to Aphrodite (Venus) and a statue of Priapus can be seen in the Ephesus Museum. Remains of the Agora (public square/marketplace) can be seen to the side of the road.

The Harbour Road, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's not much left of the Temple of Artemis. You can find a statue of Artemis in the local museum.

Statue of Artemis, Internet, Free to Share

Tradition has it that St. John was the designated carer for Mary, mother of Jesus. And that John and Mary ended their days in Ephesus. Nearby buildings are erected in their memory.

The Bible mentions the presence of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus during the first Century. For example, see Acts 19.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

   PINTEREST  www.pinterest.com/GeoffWSutton

Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)

City Palace Jaipur India

The City Palace includes several buildings and courtyards and is located in central Jaipur. The exterior wall was built by Jai Singh II. The complex was built over many years.


 The stunning pink colour was in honour of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. The colour has been associated with Jaipur known as the "Pink City."

The attractive entrance gate is reserved for officials.




The Chandra Mahal is the major seven-story building containing paintings and mirrors. Descendents of the former rulers of Jaipur live in the palace, which also serves as a museum.







The place of greeting the public (Diwan-i-Aam) is an attractive building with a marble floor and armoury.





A close look reveals the attention to details of the artisans.

There is a fee to enter the complex.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

   PINTEREST  www.pinterest.com/GeoffWSutton

Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)