A Day out in Caerphilly

 

Checking the menu outside the pub where we had our first lunch back in 2013,

before moving on to see the castle again.  A small castle was built here in 1268 by an invading Norman Lord, which a Welsh Prince destroyed in 1670. Why didn't he keep it for himself? Tap the image to read a very concise account of its history. learn never cross a Welsh Lady.

This beautiful image belies the purpose for building it. Spot the man trying to stop the tower from falling over.

The West Wing.

Passing by Caerphilly's son, Tommy Cooper,

time for lunch, but not at the Kings Arms,

one with a view of the Castle, of course.

The Court's Porch Repaved

 

Timely for the summer bloom.

The Plot

 

Tai Chi in the Park

Out of the sun. Very unusual.

Uni Days

Jackie and Richard my Uni mates, when Richard and I shared a flat in our 3rd year there.

 

Dingle Pathway

 

The Dingle Path was formed in 1883 by the Windsor Estate to provide access from Penarth town centre and the railway station, which opened in 1878 , to the Windsor Gardens entrance on Bridgeman Road. 

Turning left out of the Courts garden gate

towards the first bridge,

passing the steps up to Park Road, recently cleared by guys from the council. Good job, well done. 

Thank you.

This, the first bridge crossing the Dingle stream, 

was completed in 1911, replacing the original wooden one,  and tested with a 20 ton load under which it deflected by 1/64 of  an inch,

when it was then opened to the public. 

Slightly over engineered I would say.

OK, onward and upward, through the invading Dingle ground cover and trees,

to bridge number two, crossing back over the stream

and on to the Dolly Steps. 

A photo from the Edwardian era, judging by the gentlemen's attire. The small step was to accommodate Victorian ladies and thier long, wide dresses.

The top at last,

then up to Plymouth Road on the way to the railway station and town centre.

On the way Home

 

Wakehurst House,

surrounded by Kew's Royal Botanical Gardens. 

A lovely place to explore, 

or just sit and enjoy. 

A walk to

the meadow.

I of W - Day 4, Osbourne House

 

On the drive over to Osbourne House,  we dropped  into the hertitage railway station

to do a bit of trainspotting, 

and check out the 1st class carriages for our next visit to the island.

The House, Queen Victoria and Abert's home and later Victoria's retreat. 

A welcoming cannon greets you

warning you to behave yourself in this lush abode.

Albert and Victoria had nine children for which  some interiors were clearly created. This house, inspite of its overpower Royal aura, was clearly a family home. 

Astonishingly this was painted by her Majesty.  

A gift from India, made from ivory mounted on wood.

The connection with India was not just about 'The Empire'.  It was very personal.  This is one of many portraits in the house of people from the country she never visited, which fascinated her as its Empress 

The Swiss Cottage Albert had built in the growns to teach the children to be self-sufficient. Even growing vegetables that they then sold to their father for their pocket money.

Pose 1, overlooking the formal garden.

Pose 2, in the walled garden.

Pose 3, in the walled garden.

Pose 4, on the estate's beach 

I of W - Day 3, Rained In

So time to finish the puzzle, all 27 x 20 inches, of it 

I of W - Day 2, Drive Out

 

A morning spent trying to solve a 1000 piece puzzle

before setting off for a drive around Bembridge. Completed in the early 1700s, in 1795 a young  JMW Turner paid a visit and, of course, did a water colour of it.

"That's where we are going next Daddy."

 The Earl of Yarborough's obelisk.

Back in 1665, Bembridge was almost an island on its own. A stunning view east along England's south coast.

Getting there.

Built in 1849,

the family court of arms includes their pets. 

Around the corner,  The Beacon, used to warn of the approaching Spanish Armada in 1588,

used in 2025 for an opportune selfie.