London Calling

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling

<span style="font-weight: bold">Rochester Cathedral info from their home page:</span>

<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">The Second Oldest</span> - Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest, having been founded in 604AD by Bishop Justus. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk, Gundulf, in 1080. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England, make this an inspirational place to visit. The Cathedral is blessed with some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14th century Chapter Library door. Hidden from view (although it can be viewed by special appointment) is one of the oldest doors in England.

604 Saxon Cathedral built - King Ethelbert donates land
1083 Bishop Gundulf began building the Nave
1201 Pilgrims visit shrine of murdered William of Perth
1215 Cathedral was plundered and later desecrated
1340 Hamo de Hythe redecorates Quire
1872 Major restoration by George Gilbert Scott
2004 1400th anniversary of cathedral and diocese

<span style="font-weight: bold">A Place of Pilgrimage</span> - The Cathedral became a major place of pilgrimage in the 13th century, following the death of William of Perth, a Scottish baker who was murdered nearby. His body was brought to the Cathedral and at his shrine, of which no trace remains, miracles were reported. Modern pilgrims who journey to the Cathedral still climb the Pilgrim Steps, now worn by the many thousands of medieval pilgrims visiting the shrine, often lighting candles at the William of Perth prayer-station in front of the oratory. Visitors who journey to the Cathedral today are direct descendents of those early pilgrims.

<span style="font-weight: bold">John the Baptist's Fresco</span> - The first real fresco to be created in an English Cathedral for 800 years was dedicated on St John the Baptist's Day 2004. The fresco is on the theme of baptism. Its creation is the first step towards creating a baptistery in the north nave transept. The fresco was painted by Sergei Fyodorov, the Russian iconographer, and the richness and size of this narrative painting draws visitors from near and far; some to admire its artistry, and others to use it as a focus of meditation and prayer. </span>

As I said earlier, the guide told us that William I was a bloody and brutal King. He sanctioned the French monks to build the cathedral to ease his guilt for all the blood he had spilt.

Beautiful church. Many, many tombs are throughout the building. You are walking over many people's resting places as you make your way thru the cathedral.

Admission is free but a donation is appreciated.









One of the tombs beneath the floor that I mentioned.





Where the choir sits. My cousin says it is magical to hear Christmas songs being sung inside here.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling






People back them were short You forget this when you try to squeeze you 21st century sized butt thru some of these doorways



Again, lighting was tricky for me on this gloomy day







Pulpit from which the priests/bishop speaks from

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling




The pillars that support the church are made from limestone. Really beautiful up close. Interesting point is that the pillars you would assume are solid but they are actually hollow. The black marks you see on the pillars are from fires that have occurred in the cathedral over the centuries.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


another angle of the Bishop's tomb



You are permitted to go underground thru the cyrpts. Children's Sunday School is held down here.



We finish exploring the church and head thru the gates to High Street in Rochester. Quaint store fronts along the way. There is a WWI memorial just outside the Cathedral gates on your way.

This is the village that Charles Dickinson lived and wrote his many well known books.



Mr Nylah said the gate showed the 3 British seals for the Navy, Army and I forget the 3rd





I may have posted this picture before but here it is again in case I didnt. This is the WWI memorial that apparently many Canadians still visit each year.



Walking towards Rochester's High Street

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


Inside the local candy store. My cousin and Mr Nylah were speaking a language that only they could understand Both have sweet-tooths and bonded over recalling childhood memories along with the candies...or sweeties as they call them

I just rolled my eyes and bought some lemon curd



My pix along the way didnt turn out so well so you will have to check the video I posted earlier.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling

<span style="font-weight: bold">Rochester Castle</span>

directly across the street from the Cathedral. Built in Norman times by another William King.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The ancient city of Rochester has a distinguished history which can arguably rival any other in modern Britain. The famous Roman road, Watling Street, crosses the River Medway here on its way from London to Dover via Canterbury, and since that time, Rochester has always been regarded as an important strategic stronghold. However, it's the medieval castle and cathedral which attract the attention of the modern visitor, both built within the old Roman city walls, they have resisted siege and destruction for over 900 years.

The first castle was raised here at the time of the Norman Conquest and is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. This early fortification was rebuilt for King William Rufus between 1087-89 by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, and was one of the earliest castles in this country to be fortified in stone. Much of the documentation on Rochester survives, along with the many dramatic details of its military history - which saw the castle suffer three major sieges within two centuries of its foundation.

Early records suggest that after the conquest, both the City and Castle of Rochester were awarded to the half-brother of King William, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. The first Norman fortification built here would have been a standard motte and bailey design of timber and earth, and would have almost certainly been erected very soon after the conquest in 1066. Before his disgrace and imprisonment in 1082, Odo was a dominant figure in Norman England and was awarded the earldom of Kent by William after the conquest. He is also said to have been responsible for the making of the Bayeux Tapestry, yet it was Odo who was the principal cause of the first great siege of Rochester Castle in 1088, shortly after his own release from confinement.</div></div>

See http://www.castles-abbeys.co.uk/Rochester-Castle.html for more information on the castle.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


Still shots of the abandoned church in the countryside.



Side of the church









I love this picture. Sick as I was that day, I was the only one that got out of the car. I just stood there for a few minutes and took in the view and the ambience.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling



That was all we were able to see in Kent that day. Evening was fast approaching and it also started to snow heavily The fog rolled in even thicker than in the picture and it made to sense to continue since the points of interests you literally could not see.

We all headed back to my cousin's home in Chattham, and warmed up by the fire and had supper with his family. His wife was a great tour guide just like Mr Nylah Mr Nylah and I headed back to the city late evening feeling contented and rested despite all of my sneezing

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


<span style="font-weight: bold">The Day at Brixton Market.</span>

I made my famous drunken French Toast with clotted cream and maple syrup, for breakfast that morning. The kids loved it especially since it contains nuff liquor in them



<span style="font-weight: bold">Welcome to Brixton</span>.....Or that is what it used to say when you drove under than infamous bridge. Nuff race riots and such happened here a couple of decades ago. It used to be called &quot;Little Jamaica&quot; Still heavily populated by Jamaicans but other ethnic groups have moved into the area. Mainly of muslim or Eastern European descent







Parking is at a premium in the area. There used to be a car parkade for market goes but it is closed now. You have to find parking on the street which will cost you 2.30 pounds per hour

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


I liked Brixton market All things Jamaican, Caribbean and African can be found here. The sights and smells remind me of JA.



Part of the market is covered and then a couple of blocks are outside. I can only imagine how busy and crowded it is in the summer





This African fabric store had beautiful fabrics in them I was going to buy some material since there was a sale, 10 pounds for 6 ft, but I didnt like how the owners stayed. Treated me like a criminal when I was in there and would barely acknowledge me when I spoke to them

Too bad for them, there is another store with pretty much the same fabric just up the way, and I spent my money there













Chicken foot, cow hoof, pig's tails, etc.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


now this man at a Sierra Leone store sold this stuff as calalloo. Mum was so excited to find some in good condition at a good price and planned to have calaloo and saltfish for Sunday breakfast. We get home with it and my auntie and uncle say, no way this is calalloo



aie sah

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


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[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


Working on a carnival float.

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling

[Nylah]

Re: London Calling


I found another great stone jeweler that sells in the market.

Veronique Designs had some serious. &quot;oh my God!&quot; pieces Expensive but you can see the quality that goes into each peice to make it worth it


From her accent, I would guess that she is from a French speaking African country. Sorry I didnt have a close up pix of her stall but it is on the main street just past the bridge.



More items that I bought at a next vendor kiddy corner to Veronique's. All clothes are handmade by Doris and Doris

bought this in burgandy



and this dress in lime green



Most frequented Jamaican bakery in the market. When we arrived the line up was down the street.