Warwick and York
A visit to Warwick Castle this morning and will be in before the generall public so we the whole place to ourselves!. We only had a short drive from our hotel and could see the castle from a distance. When we arrived, our tour Guide Aaron, told us that a family named Greville owned the castle before they sold it to Madame Tussauds who have restored and decorated it for visitors to admire.
So much history here The front gate was how they actually protected the castle. If the castle was attacked , gates were lowered, trapping invaders inside and then oils and hot water were poured on them. Very successful way to protect themselves from invaders!.
Aaron told us that one of the most important things for a family to have in mediaeval times was the weaponry to show their wealth and power. Warwick Castle was famous for its weaponry and all of the armour was made on site. They even have one small piece of armour for a six-year-old boy who eventually became Prince Charles. On display there are many types of weapons swords, spears with catapults outside in the grounds. The Castle was famous also for the fun and entertainment and sociality side of life in those days. There is even a great big pot that holds 35 gallons of wine back from the 16th century that is still in the great Hall.
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Leaving here we are travelled thru Leicestershire shire and John told us that the remains of King Richard were discovered under a car park here and there is a bit of an argument about whether Leicestershire or Warwickshire actually have claim to his body.
About an hour and a half drive we arrived at York where we had a bit of the tour around and after seeing York Minster we walked along the Shambles where the window sills were used by the butchers to display and sell their meat. Lovely little markets to browse through and then a walk down the river and onto the walls we could have a lovely view of the city. A very historic and well maintained city and one not to be missed.
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