City tour

---

Geo: 42.3663, -71.0544

Driving around with a tour commentary this morning. Added on a "Foodie Tour" in the Beacon Hill district and walked back to the hotel along the historical "Freedom Trail".

'Bawston' is a great city. They have capitalised on their geography, long pedigree and mix of cultures to produce a varied and exciting place. USA bucket-list material!

---

Photos

Boston Brownstones
These are treasured 19th-century residences that rarely come on the market. The street design was inspired by Paris architecture and visually it works really well.

Old North Church
Built in 1723, it is the oldest church in Boston and the tallest building of its time. On 18 April 1775, Paul Revere and others rode from Boston to alert the revolutionary militia of the route which the British redcoats were taking to the town of Concord to seize weapons and ammunition. The words of Longfellow's 1860 poem - 'Paul Revere's Ride' - "One if by land, and two if by sea" referred to signal lanterns to be placed in the church spire windows.

Old North Church interior
In the old days the church's congregation was closed (members only) and the members bought these Box Pews and that's where they sat when in church. The design minimised air flow and made the church easier to warm in cold weather. The wealthiest members owned the pews in the most favoured position and so there was also a social hierarchy element in the seating.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground
I can't recall any other city with so many old cemeteries dotted around. The gravestone inscriptions are now hard to decipher, partly because the language and spelling are slightly different, and because time has eroded the carvings.

Granary Burying Ground
This is where the rich and famous are buried - Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock to name a few.

Public parks
The 50-acre Boston Common was established in 1634, making it the oldest public park in America. Along with the adjacent Public Gardens it provides large recreation and leisure spaces in lovely settings.

Foodie Tour
After some savoury appetisers in an Italian Restaurant we went walking to other locations to sample chocolate, fresh roasted nuts, cupcakes and ice-cream. We had generously-sized samples that took care of lunch for most of us.

Comments

[Bill]

Great read Rob and Sel. So much history there.

[caz54]

Will add to the list!!!