Out and about . . .
Many English town, village, and hamlet names include geographical references to rivers, hills, roads, and other settlements. The closest town to Brailes is Shipston-on-Stour, four miles west. Like the Spanish, English folk put the noun before the adjective: River Stour rises in these eastern Cotswolds and joins the River Avon at Stratford. We visited Shipston often to shop and guzzle.
Just between Brailes and Shipston stands Barcheston’s old house of worship with its slightly nonperpendicular spire. In the churchyard here rests Lou’s mum.
The Cotswolds are an elevated region further defined by an escarpment that separates them from surrounding areas. Locals call this change the Edge, and we enjoyed an excellent view off Edge Hill. An English Civil War battle was fought here in 1642. A replica castle from 1749 serves ales and provides accommodations.
Just up the lane, Ratley boasts a cute church and two (count ’em two) more pubs.
Good for what ales us!
A swift drive through Winderton got us back to Brailes just as twilight deepened.
Comments
Edgy? ‘splain, please. The stone churches are stunning. Did you stay at the Castle Inn? Tell me where you posted the map of your trip. On an earlier blog?
I expect to ck on the figs this week.
yur frend
ymh
‘Edge’ is the local name for the escarpment that separates Cotswolds from adjacent lower lands. We’ve found great views in most directions. We enjoyed a pint at the Castle Inn. No map yet . . .
– HR
Linda, I want to tell my blog when you’ll be in the Lake District and Beatrix Potter stomping grounds. You staying in her home—did I understand that right? I want to be able to report it correctly.
Beauitiful photos.
Mark
Just saw the Austin Gilbert and Sullivan production of “Yeoman of the Guard” last night, set in the Tower of London, 16th century.
We have come and gone but are behind on the blog. The Lake District is fabulous. Lou and I walked and walked and walked through the hills, farms, and mountains, usually for 4-5 hours a day. The Yew Tree Farm where we stayed is an old traditional working farm, sheep mostly, but we were treated rather posh-ly! Tea in the afternoons, a huge farm breakfast before our walk, port wine in the evenings . . . quite luxurious. We are blogging over the next few days before we set off for London, then Munich, so we should get some photos up soon. It was heaven, and I got a picture of myself in the doorway of Hilltop just like BP!
I love that Stour River Bridge and would like to see CU details of the stonework. Gorgeous . . .
Steve
Hey Linda! Love the photos—it looks so deliciously coooool! Great time to escape . . .
Have fun,
Cheryl