English Weather 2 - Ariana and Lachlan 1; Making the most of our Bank Holiday weekend

---

This weekend is a long weekend in the UK, or what they refer to here as a Bank Holiday weekend. No, no, everyone gets a holiday- not just the banks. So it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get out and about. But, like any good Bank Holiday weekend (as we’ve been told) the weather is a write off except for a small window of opportunity on Saturday morning. Not to let a little bad weather spoil the whole weekend (a little rain never hurt anyone- right?) we got up bright and early on Saturday morning and caught the train to Lincoln!

We headed straight up the super steep cobblestone road to the top of the hill, only stopping once to get heckled by a pikie (think Brad Pitt in Snatch) passing us on his way down. When we reached the top, only a little out of breath, we realised the steep climb was well worth it as we found Lincoln Castle 20 metres to our left and Lincoln Cathedral 20 metres to our right! Eenie meenie minie mo- castle first.

Arriving just in time for a guided tour we were entertained by numerous stories of the Castle’s past. From its’ 11th Century beginnings (by William the Conqueror no less) to its’ near destruction at the hand of Cromwell during the Civil War and finally its’ purpose as a prison and Crown Court (which is still being used today). The Knights Templar were apparently imprisoned in the medieval Cobb Hall and we were able to see the religious figures they scratched into the stonewalls in the cells. The Castle also houses one of only four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta!

The Cathedral was equally incredible. It was first built at the beginning of the 11th Century and amazingly much of the original stonework remains. The Nave and the Chapter House were most impressive and were chosen for the filming of the Da Vinci Code after the filmmakers were refused entry into Westminster Abby. Fortunately, the Chapter House of Westminster Abby was modelled on the Lincoln Cathedral Chapter House making the alternate location all the more convincing once a replica of Sir Isaac Newton’s Tomb was in place.

As a side note, famous Lincolnshire locals include Sir Joseph Banks (of Banksia fame) and Mathew Flinders (think the Flinders Ranges) so we made certain to visit the Joseph Banks Conservatory before the clouds came over, the wind picked up and we were hurried to our warm train ride back to Nottingham.

Unfortunately the weekend weather has continued in much the same vain, which is why we’re currently holed up inside updating our blog. It has to clear up soon- right?

---

Photos

Lincoln Castle
The walls were 20 feet higher before Cromwell got to them!

Lincoln Cathedral
The semi-circular arches are Norman while the pointed arches are Medieval- we're actually learning a about architecture!

The street leading to the Cathedral
Photo taken during Sal's visit.

Comments

[Hayley]

Magna Carta!!
Hey Ariana and Lachlan - your travels have made me learn another new thing. I had never heard of Magna Carta - so I looked it up! I feel so knowledgable - now I know about Pol Pot and Magna Carta!! I love reading your entries - I am soooo jealous! Luv YA!!!