July 2,
2013
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| Dover Castle |
After doing a little bit of research for the best bargain when
trying to see all the history that the United Kingdom has to, we purchased the
English Heritage Pass for $120 total. It allows us to see over 400 sites
throughout the UK. The pass is valid for
one year so we don't have to rush from one site to another. We decided to visit the Dover Castle since it
is in the top 10 things you must see in Dover.
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| Chapel on the grounds |
Throughout history it
has been the gateway to England because of its strategic location. This 11th
century castle has been repurposed multiple times from Napoleon through WWII.
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| Inside the chapel |
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| Sleeping Quarter |
Inside the keep was like entering a time
machine and coming out in the medieval period. From the king’s chambers to the kitchen the décor
was perfect to the era according to functionality; really immersing us in the
history of the castle and grounds.
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| Castle Kitchen |
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| The King's Throne |
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| The King's Chamber |
As we
walked from room to room audio recordings create background noise mimicking
what castle life was like for the royalty, their servants, and subjects. The king’s bed was no larger than a toddler’s;
while the kitchen was enormous.
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| The Feast Room |
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| WWII Propaganda |
The most memorable part of our day was spent in the secret
underground tunnels. They were used
during WWII and the Napoleonic wars. As we entered the interactive tour we
heard Winston Church’s famous address where he tells Britain that war with
Germany is eminent.
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Technology has changed so much,
a cell phone can do what it took the space of an entire room to do. |
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| Communication & Planning Room |
After the speech we
met our tour guide, who detailed the accounts of daily life for soldiers in
this elaborate maze underground. For the
next 50 minutes we were directed by an omniscient voice to different chambers
and down graffiti laid walls.
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| View from the Top |
Ross has been interested in the details of WWII since he was
a boy; therefore he thought it intriguing to see and hear the accounts, with a different
spin, through the eyes of the British. To his surprise he found it insightful because
as an American you are detached from the terror and heartbreaking occurrences
when war takes place on your soil. After 5 hours touring the castle and ground we left with a
wealth of knowledge just before the rain rolled in.
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| Zoey & Joey saluting the flag |
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| These little critters were everywhere |
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3 comments:
McRae and Ross,
Sounds so much like my cup of tea! I love English history, especially during the medieval periods. What a great idea to get the pass so you guys can see a multitude of historical places. We are so happy you all are having such a great time and learning experience, too!
Love,
Jerry and Penny
Hail! Hail! To the great King Ross Courage. Where is thoust Queen ? It seems a fair maiden is in the kitchen slaving over the hot boiling pot of possible laundry? You have mentioned that the sound of the castle were all around ( the days normal hubbub of running a a palace). It looks and sounds spooky since it appears that you and and Queen Mcrae where all alone with the ghost servants. Are you farming the giant snails for your next great banquet? They appear to be as big as a Turkey. Perhaps you cac send one for a our thanksgiving Escargo sublime change.
^^^^^
Imagine that ! \==/
~
Amazing that the Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC looks so very similar to the Dover Castle on the inside. Huge Kitchen, tiny beds
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