Travel back in time with me to another stop on my 2009 Europe trip, central England! I visited Andy’s family in the Midlands and bounced between Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham while enjoying the company of his parents Fliss and Harry, twin sister Elizabeth and her family, and older sister Helen.
The main attraction of the weekend was a day at Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire to participate in a Sealed Knot battle reenactment. The battle was between English Royalists and Parliamentarians. Before I knew that which side we were on, Andy instructed me to yell ‘God Save the Queen!’ or some nonsense, and that might have been what led to this:
Really, I should have known better than to listen to him.
Wait, let me show you a full-length shot so you can see my costume in all its glory:
I’m sorry, I can’t explain that face. Can I use the excuse that I was 26?
We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather on that English spring day: warm, sunny, and blue skies, much like this week was here in New York. I was a designated water carrier, so most of the time I was on the sidelines. That was fine with me, I just loved taking it all in and snapping photos.
Some victims of the battle right inside the castle walls.
My in-laws and I! I couldn’t have had a more lovely visit with them.
Andy’s dad in full uniform- they look so much alike!
When the battle and tomfoolery were over, we hung out in Elizabeth’s caravan, where we ate lunch and I presented Fliss with a bottle of her favorite beverage.
Andy’s twin sister and her husband in front of their caravan.
Bailey’s!
Then we toured the castle:
Hi Harry!
Helen
A random woman in medieval dress inside the castle.
The view from the top was spectacular:
It was so much fun to be thrown right in to this event on my first trip to England! And of course, the Milfords are all so welcoming and kind. They treated me like family even when Andy and I were on a break, which was more than I could have hoped for. I’m so blessed to have two loving and supportive families!
Andy and I are both looking forward to when we can finally travel together to the UK- there’s so much more I need to see!
Harry and Fliss, Andy’s parents
Have you ever taken part in any kind of historical reenactment? Do you have a favorite part of the UK you think I should visit?
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This is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Today’s theme was E for England. Coming up next week are posts on fear, gratitude, Harrisburg, and more. Thank you so much for visiting!
Beautiful post…it looks like you had a jolly time in merry old England! What was Nottingham like?
Thanks, Michael, I did have a fun time. Nottingham was wonderful, as well- look for that in a future post!
Christy, that view is spectacular. What fun! It reminds me of the castles in Spain. Europe has such a rich history. We tend to forget here in the U.S. that we’re mere babes in the history of civilization. So much fun to relive history through these sites. It looks like your trip was fabulous! Cheerio! 🙂
Ooh, I haven’t been to any castles in Spain yet! You’re right, traveling in Europe really gives the sense of how young the U.S. is. 200+ years is nothing!
This looks like so much fun. I can’t believe I haven’t been before!
It was a big production, for sure. Then again, when we first arrived and were taking in all the soldiers in uniform, Elizabeth said ‘It’s a small do, really.”, so what do I know? 🙂
This looks like wicked fun.
And Andy’s dad does look so much like him! Or he looks like his dad?
It was SO much fun, and something I never would have done if not for Andy’s family!
Those pictures are wonderful. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. I’d love to go to England someday. I have never taken part in a reenactment….sounds fun though! You are blessed with a great family…enjoy!
Thank you, Anne!
Fliss has good taste – I love Bailey’s too! You’re lucky to enjoy your in-laws’ company so much. They look like a lovely family!
You know, I love Bailey’s as well, but for some reason I barely drink it. Time to change that! And yes, they are a lovely family- in fact, Andy and I are excited to see his sister and brother-in-law when they visit in just one week!
Lovely pictures, dear! I smiled alot looking at them, and reading a bit more about that trip! Milford merriment!
Looking forward to more Milford-style merriment next week!
Great shots! Feels like I’m back on the Kings and Queens period.
ben recently posted…Jamestown, Virginia – A City Filled With Historic Places
Thanks Ben 🙂
what a lovely time it seems you all had. I worked in a pioneer village for a while and have visited several such establishments and it is always fun.
It must have been such an interesting experience to work in a pioneer village!
This was hysterical, I smiled reading the whole thing. I have never done anything like this but should think about it since it seems you had a wonderful time. I don’t know what I’d think about re-living having my head chopped of though.
Haha, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! We did have fun- and the stocks were just used for punishment, no head chopping I promise!
How awesome! I love exploring old castles. History excites me.
Amber recently posted…Inside Natalie’s Closet: Nautical Outfits
Yes, I love old castles too! Thanks for visiting, Amber!