Known as an unfinished masterpiece, Beaumaris Castle was the last castle built in Wales by King Edward I of England. Construction began in 1295, with Edward’s ‘master of the king's works in Wales' James of St George overseeing the project. James is intrinsically tied to Beaumaris Castle, and it is considered “Britain's most perfect example … Continue reading Beaumaris Castle
Category: Recommendations
Conwy Castle
On our way to Anglesey, we decided to take a break in Conwy and see the famous castle. We hadn’t checked in advance whether it was open, and alas it wasn’t, so learn from us folks and check websites in advance! We had a second go at visiting later in the week and it was … Continue reading Conwy Castle
Caernarfon Castle
Since watching Dan Jones’ Secret of Great British Castles, I’ve been wanting to visit Caernarfon Castle. Earlier this year I finally achieved my goal and stood at Caernarfon Castle! It was built by Edward I and alongside nearby Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech castles is a World Heritage Site. For good reason too, as it is … Continue reading Caernarfon Castle
The Hidden Gardens of Anglesey
On the island of Anglesey is a little slice of heaven – the Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. As we drove up the winding drive (having to be careful of the many sheep wandering about!) it became apparent we were visiting a secret hideaway off the beaten track. After purchasing our tickets at the information cabin, … Continue reading The Hidden Gardens of Anglesey
‘Rex Unfinished’ Exhibition at Plas Newydd
I recently visited Wales for the first time, and on our first full day we visited Plas Newydd which is run by the National Trust. They are currently undertaking some works on the property that were sadly put on pause due to Covid-19, so not all the house was available to view. However, the staff … Continue reading ‘Rex Unfinished’ Exhibition at Plas Newydd
Nell: The Australian Heiress Who Saved her husband from Stalin & the Nazis by Susanna De Vries
Susanna De Vries biography on Nell Kerensky (nee’ Tritton) is a must-read, bringing to life this fascinating woman and the adventurous life she led. Nell Tritton (1899-1946) was born in Brisbane, Australia and was the daughter of successful businessman Fred Tritton and his wife Leila. Despite their privileged upbringing, the eldest four of the six … Continue reading Nell: The Australian Heiress Who Saved her husband from Stalin & the Nazis by Susanna De Vries
Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights Exhibition
“Today’s debates on women’s rights are rooted in a long history of activism. Women and their allies around the world have fought for gender equality with passion, imagination and tenacity. Despite their efforts, not all women enjoy the same rights, depending on their race, class, disability, sexuality or the way they express their identity. The … Continue reading Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights Exhibition
Treasures of the British Library Exhibition
During my recent London trip, I visited the British Library for the first time to see the Treasures of the British Library exhibition. It smashed all my expectations and I spent hours in the gallery! The exhibition does what it says on the tin, and showcases the most iconic records from the British Library’s extensive … Continue reading Treasures of the British Library Exhibition
Thomas Becket: The Murder and Making of a Saint Exhibition
“Very quickly you would turn your heart and favour away from me, which is now so great between us, and replace it with the most savage hatred” - Thomas Becket to Henry II in 1162 I recently visited the British Museum in London to see their current exhibition about Thomas Becket, who was the Royal … Continue reading Thomas Becket: The Murder and Making of a Saint Exhibition
Women and Power in the Kingdom of Heaven: Melisende and Sybil Lecture by Professor Helen Nicholson and Hayley Bassett
Earlier this week I attended the fantastic Eileen Younghusband Memorial Lecture Women and Power in the Kingdom of Heaven: Melisende and Sybil hosted by the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University. I’ve been interested in the queens of Jerusalem since picking up a copy of Queens of Jerusalem: The Women Who Dared to Rule … Continue reading Women and Power in the Kingdom of Heaven: Melisende and Sybil Lecture by Professor Helen Nicholson and Hayley Bassett
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