What a glorious day! Sunshine all day, light breezes, and temps in the mid-50s. The scenery along my several hours of driving today was beautiful, with abundant fall colors all around.
Today was Remembrance Sunday, a British national day of remembrance honoring members of the armed forces and civilians who died in wars and conflicts, particularly the two World Wars. A two-minute silence is observed at 11:00 AM, followed by a large march-past of veterans. People wear red poppies as a symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poppies that grew on the battlefields of World War I.
Armistice Day (Nov 11), like our Veteran’s Day, is also observed on the actual anniversary of the 1918 armistice ending World War I, and a two-minute silence is observed across the country at 11:00 AM in workplaces, schools, and railway stations.
Towns and villages across England hold their own local church services, wreath-laying ceremonies at community war memorials, and parades involving youth groups like scouts and guides.
1066 Battle of Hastings
The Battle for England – On October 14, 1066, armies led by King Harold of England (Saxons) mand Duke William of Normandy (Normans from France) fought for the English throne. Descended from Viking invaders and settlers, the Normans were wrriors, rulers and builders who transformed medieval Europe and changed England forever. William the Conqueror’s victory over King Horold of England marked the end of Angio-Saxon England. The Norman Conquest introduced a new ruling class in church and state, and new landowners, laws and architecture.
Battle Abbey
The Benedictine monastery (abbey) was founded around 1071 by William the Conqueror. Even though the pope supported William’s invasion of England, William caused extraordinary bloodshed. Establishing a new abbey was a way for the now King William to atone for his sins. It was a major symbol of his power and victory. The monks at Battle gathered for eight church services a day, where they remembered William the Conqueror and all those who died. It was said that the high altar of the new abbey was placed on the spot where King Harold fell. Over the years the abbey became rich and important, and the town of Battle grew around it.
“I make a vow on this very battlefield I shall found a monastery for the salvation of all, and especially for those who fall here, to the honour of God and his saints, where servants of God may be supported: a fitting monastery, with a worthy liberty. Let it be an atonement: a haven for all as free as the one I conquer for myself.” — William the Conqueror in the Chronicle of Battle Abbey
After the abbey was closed in 1538 by Henry VIII during the Suppression of the Monasteries, it became a country estate. It remained in private hands until 1976, when it was bought for the nation. Today parts of the abbey are used as a private boarding school.
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
“Birling Gap is part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. One minute you can be walking on ancient downland, the next you could be rock-pooling below towering cliffs of chalk. Spectacular, unspoilt views of the seascape can be safely enjoyed from the viewing platform at the top of the steps.
The Sisters are a series of seven white chalk sea cliffs on the East Sussex coast between Seaford and Eastbourne, within the South Downs National Park. The seven named cliffs, running west to east, are: Haven Brow (the highest, ~252 ft), Short Brow (the lowest, ~187 ft), Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Bailey’s Hill, and Went Hill Brow. They are made of Cretaceous chalk laid down around 85 million years ago
Wow, the sisters were awe-inspiring, and especially on a day so sunny and beautiful.
And after returning to Dover, a delicious antipasto dinner!
Tomorrow morning it’s on to London!
Just a bit more…
A map shows where to go; curiosity decides why.
