England: Quaint Villages, Lakes, Stone Circles and more

The Lake District

Lakes, a stone circle, waterfalls, a slate mine, a town, green valleys and great views all encompass the beauty of the County of Cumbria are known as the Lake District in the North West region of England.

Bonnie and I arrived Sunday afternoon after a long day’s drive from Glasgow, Scotland. We crossed into England with no fan fare as we said good-bye Scotland and hello England.

Our introduction to England was overcast skies that seemed to fade away the second we turned into the parking lot of our home for two nights, the Langdale Chase hotel. I think Bonnie, my travel mate, and I looked at one another and gasped because our accommodation was this wonderful English manor.

Yes, the lakes tour we took today and the views are stunning but the place I found to be the most captivating was the Langdale Chase hotel with its own impressive lake view of the Windermere.

So, here’s the Lake District and the Langdale Chase in the County of Cumbria located in England.

I have to start and end this post with the Langdale Chase Hotel our home for two nights in the Lake District a region of North West England. This large Elizabethan gabled house was built as a private home in 1891, however there are carvings and artifacts brought into the building which date from as far back as 1664. This house/hotel has surprisingly been an enchanting place to hang out in. (July 22, 2019)

It’s called Surprise View in the Lake District of North West England and the view is breathtaking but also a dangerous. A very small sign warns about the cliff edge, which has no barriers. (July 22, 2019)

Surprise View in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The town of Keswick in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The Pencil Museum in the town of Keswick, County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Inside the Pencil Museum in the town of Keswick, County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The Cumberland Pencil Co. in the town of Keswick in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District in the North West of England. The exact date for the discovery of graphite, or ‘wad’ as it is known locally is vague but is presumed to be around the 1500s. The first pencil factory in Keswick opened in 1832. This second factory was started in the 1920s and completed in 1950 (it closed in 2007 when the owners moved production to Workington). Legend has it that in the early 1500s, a violent storm in the Borrowdale area of Cumberland led to trees being uprooted and the discovery of a strange black material underneath. This material turned out to be graphite, and shepherds began using it to mark their sheep. (July 22, 2019)

Ullswater, the second largest lake in the County of Cumbria, called the Lake District is about nine miles long and less than a mile wide. (July 22, 2019)

Looking into Newlands Valley in the County of Cumbria, the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The Moss Falls in the County of Cumbria in the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Ambleside, a town in the County of Cumbria is situated at the head of lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake in the Lake District. (July 22, 2019)

Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District National Park was built around 4,500 years ago. (July 22, 2019)

Me at the Castlerigg Stone Circle in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District National Park in England. (July 22, 2019)

The inner stone circle of Castlerigg Stone Circle in the North West of England was built around 4,500 years ago. (July 22, 2019)

Castlerigg Stone Circle in the County of Cumbria in England was built around 4,500 years ago. (July 22, 2019)

Buttermere lake in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District National Park in England. (July 22, 2019)

Buttermere lake in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District National Park in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The Honister Slate Mine in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District National Park in the North West of England is the last working slate mine in England. Quarrying for green slate has been around since 1728. (July 22, 2019)

The clouds dropping down over the mountains by the Honister Slate Mine in the County of Cumbria in an area called the Lake District National Park in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The Langdale Chase hotel facing Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District National Park in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Our second floor lake view room at the Langdale Chase hotel at Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Windermere lake in the County Cumbria Lake District in the North West region of England and the view from the Langdale Chase hotel where Bonnie and I stayed. The Lake District has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its landscape and beauty. Windermere is the largest lake in England at 10.5 miles long and 200 feet deep in places. (July 22, 2019)

The colorful tile at the front door of the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The parlor or main room inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The gorgeous staircase in the parlor or main room inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The art work at the parlor or main room inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Under the staircase and by the fireplace of the parlor or main room inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The stain glass windows of the parlor or main room leading upstairs inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

A hallway area from the parlor inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

The piano room inside the Langdale Chase hotel overlooks the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Views of the Windermere lake from the piano room of the Langdale Chase hotel in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

This gorgeous light-filled and view-filled area is where Bonnie and I hung out for cocktails at the Langdale Chase hotel overlooking the Windermere lake in the County of Cumbria of the Lake District in the North West of England. (July 22, 2019)

Our lake view room, on the second floor, but in Europe the second floor is actually the first floor, at the Langdale Chase Hotel in the Lakes District in North West England. (July 21, 2019)

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds in England with its single lane country roads traversing through rolling hills and farm fields bring you to honey-colored, stone-built historical towns and villages that simply spew quaintness.

That’s where we got to hang out for two nights. Between the unexpected heat wave and the driving, my mind was a blob of mush. And, sleep, not posting was my first order of business once we got settled.

Although our accommodations were small, the location, just a couple minutes walk, onto the High Street of Bourton-on-the-Water, it was enough of a central location to enjoy this Cotswolds village, take in Blenheim Palace, the birth home of Sir Winston Churchill and see the Neolithic Rollright Stones.

The Cotswolds encompasses about 800 square miles over five counties in England: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.

Here’s a little peek into the varied looks and treasures in England’s Cotswolds.

Me on the west facade of Blenheim Palace near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. The principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, it is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the palace title. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, the home of his grandparents, in 1874 and spent a lot of time here as a boy while visiting often visiting throughout his 90 years of his life. (July 24, 2019)

The grand east gate of Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, with its wrought iron gates that date from the 1840s. (July 24, 2019)

The west facade and gardens of Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, with its towering stone belvederes ornamenting the skyline. (July 24, 2019)

The entrance to the Great Hall in Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. It was originally intended to be a reward to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for his military triumphs against the French and Bavarians in the War of the Spanish Succession, culminating in the Battle of Blenheim. The land was given as a gift, and construction began in 1705, with some financial support from Queen Anne. (July 24, 2019)

The Great Hall ceiling art in Blenheim Palace, near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, painted 1716 by Sir James Thornhill shows the Duke of Marlborough being presented with the plan for the battle of Blenheim to Britannia. The palace land was given as a gift, and construction began in 1705, with some financial support from Queen Anne. (July 24, 2019)

The Red Drawing Room inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Green Writing Room inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

This huge room with its murals on the wall and ceilings is now the State Dining Room used by the present Duke of Marlborough and his family on Christmas Day every year inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Blenheim Palace’s grand reception room which is now the State Dining Room. This ceiling mural is an allegorical picture showing the 1st Duke of Marlborough on a chariot holding the sword of victory and restrained by the hand of Peace. The Blenheim Palace is near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Second State Room inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Long Library with a pipe organ at the far end inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England.People dubbed it a siren suit though. When the sirens in London warned about bombers during WWII, Winston Churchill and citizens of London would swiftly put on a lightweight one-piece suit, “the siren suit,” before going to a bomb shelter. (July 24, 2019)

A display of Coronation robes and garments worn by servants in attendance in the Long Library at Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Long Library inside Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The pipe organ at one end of the Long Library at Blenheim Palace near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The Chapel inside Blenheim Palace, near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, with a monument dedicated to the 1st Duke and Duchess and their two sons. (July 24, 2019)

A close-up of the monument coffin of the 1st Duke of Marlborough along with successive dukes and their wives in the Blenheim Palace Chapel, near the town of Woodstock. (July 24, 2019)

A view of the water terraces from inside of Blenheim Palace located near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

Winston Churchill’s small room and where he was born Nov. 30, 1874 off the Great Hall in Blenheim Palace near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. It was the home of his grandparents, the 7th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the son of Lord Randolph Churchill and Jennie Jerome. (July 24, 2019)

A portrait of Winston Churchill in his siren on display at Blenheim Palace. Dubbed the siren suit by the people because when sirens warned about bombers during WWII, Winston Churchill and London citizens would swiftly put on a lightweight one-piece suit, “the siren suit,” before going to a bomb shelter. (July 24, 2019)

A comprehensive portrait depicting the life of Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) hangs at Blenheim Palace, near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. Churchill was a British politician, army officer, and writer. He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, when he led Britain to victory in the Second World War, and again from 1951 to 1955. He was born at Blenheim Palace, the home of his grandparents, in 1874 and spent a lot of time here as a boy along with visiting often throughout the 90 years of his life. (July 24, 2019)

A close-up of the comprehensive portrait depicting the life of Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) hangs at Blenheim Palace, near the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. (July 24, 2019)

The King’s Men Stone Circle, one of three monuments that make up the Rollright Trust stones near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. The stone circle was considered a gathering place for Neolithic people around 4,500 years ago. It is built of natural limestone boulders that were found locally. It originally formed a complete ring of stones with an entrance opposite the tallest stone marked by two ‘portal’ stones. (July 24, 2019)

The King’s Men Stone Circle, one of three monuments that make up the Rollright Trust stones near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. (July 24, 2019)

My hand selfie touching one of the stones of the King’s Men Stone Circle, one of three monuments that make up the Rollright Trust stones near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. (July 24, 2019)

The Three Fairies Dancing Sculpture at the Rollright Stones near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England, are made of woven hazel, willow, ivy and lime, by sculpture David Gosling. (July 24, 2019)

The walking path to the Whispering Knights, one of the three Rollright Trust stone monuments located near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. (July 24, 2019)

The Whispering Knights, one of the three Rollright Trust stone monuments, located near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. (July 24, 2019)

A close-up of the Whispering Knights, one of the three Rollright Trust stone monuments, located near the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton in England. (July 24, 2019)

Me standing by the iconic British red telephone box or as the General Post Office named it, Kiosk No. 2, on a street in Stow-on-the-Wold, a Cotswold village in England. Although this one had a telephone in it, other of these telephone boxes or booths are being retooled in imaginative ways, including as defibrillator sites. (July 24, 2019)

The thatched roof houses of Broad Campden, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England. (July 24, 2019)

The manicured hedges at Broad Campden, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England. (July 24, 2019)

St Lawrence Church in the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water in England. A part of it was built in the 14th century but major modifications were made in the 1780s and in the late 1800s. (July 24, 2019)

The interior of the St Lawrence Church in the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water in England. (July 24, 2019)

Views of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, with the River Windrush running runs through High Street. (July 24, 2019)

View of the honey-colored buildings along High Street in Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds villages in England. (July 24, 2019)

Views of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, along the River Windrush. (July 24, 2019)

Cottages Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, along the River Windrush. (July 24, 2019)

Views of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, with the River Windrush running through High Street. (July 23, 2019)

Views of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, with the River Windrush running through High Street. (July 24, 2019)

Views of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the villages of the Cotswolds in England, along the river Windrush which is crossed by five low, arched stone bridges. They were built between 1654 and 1953, leading to the moniker “Venice of the Cotswolds.” (July 24, 2019)

The Old Rectory Coach House in Bourton-on-the-Water, a Cotswolds village in England. (July 24, 2019)

Avebury

On the way to Tintagel, we made a stop in Avebury to see the West Kennett Long Barrow, a chambered long barrow consisting of a sub-rectangular earthen tumulus used as a burial space of humans and animals over a period of several centuries beginning around 3600 BC. Today it survives in a partially reconstructed state.

The walk through a wheat field to the West Kennet Long Barrow Neolithic tomb in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

Walking through wheat fields to get to the West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic tomb in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. The Barrow began about 3600 BC, which is some 400 years before the first stage of Stonehenge, and it was in use until around 2500 BC. (July 25, 2019)

The West Kennet Long Barrow in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

The entrance to the West Kennet Long Barrow Neolithic tomb in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

Inside the West Kennet Long Barrow Neolithic tomb in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

Looking down from on top of the West Kennet Long Barrow in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

The view from on top of the West Kennet Long Barrow neolithic tomb in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. (July 25, 2019)

Tintagel, Boscatle and Duloe in Cornwall

Tintagel is a village in the southwest tip of England’s Cornwall region steeped in the legend of King Arthur. Although small in scope, Tintagle has become quite a magnet for tourists with more shops than I remember it having 11 years ago. But it was still nice to stroll the streets and reminisce.

Plus, along with seeing a familiar face from years ago, I enjoyed some new adventures in Boscastle with a visit to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, the village of Duloe with its stone circle and medieval church plus just the adventure and exhaustion of driving through towering hedges of one-lane winding roads for both directions. Here’s Tintagel, Boscastle and Duloe in Cornwall, England.

Bonnie and I ran into Roger, whom we met 11 years ago at King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagle, volunteering at the Visitor’s Center. (July 26, 2019)

The quaint village of Tintagel, Cornwall, England, before the tourists invade the shops. (July 26, 2019)

Another view of the Old Post Office in Tintagel, Cornwall, England, which dates from around 1380 and is a rare example of a medieval hall-house. (July 26, 2019)

I saw some of the Tintagle Castle ruins 11 years ago, but was unable at the time to explore it fully and was looking forward to it this time. The site of Tintagel Castle has been inhabited at least since the late Roman period, and a community flourished here in the 5th to 7th centuries. In the 12th century Tintagel gained literary fame when Geoffrey of Monmouth named it as the place where King Arthur was conceived. These Arthurian associations may have inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build a castle at Tintagel in the 1230s, and the enduring legend still continues. Work on a new footbridge for the crossing from the mainland to the headland of the castle, began last year and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks and until then, access to the castle ruins is closed. (July 26, 2019)

This is the hilltop Camelot Castle Hotel in Tintagel where we stayed for two nights and was a much less than expected experience. Formerly, this was the King Arthur’s Castle Hotel that opened in 1899. I won’t show photos of our room because other than the sea views, the room had nothing going for it. And, the bathroom was basically an installed porta potty that smelled. I very seldom complain and try not to have too many expectations but I felt like this would be a special place to stay and I was so wrong. (July 25, 2019)

The common area inside Tintagle Castle looks good our room had a port-o-potty bathroom that smelled. (July 25, 2019)

The King Arthur and the round table inside the common area of Tintagle Castle in Tintagle makes the place look authentic but the rooms, at least ours sucked. (July 25, 2019)

The elaborate staircase inside Tintagle Castle in Tintagle, England. (July 25, 2019)

The new footbridge being completed at the Tintagle Castle in Tintagle for visitors to cross from the mainland to the headland of the ruined castle areas. The project began last year and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks and until then, access to the castle ruins is closed. (July 25, 2019)

The Atlantic sea coast views from hilltop of the Camelot Castle Hotel in Tintagel, Cornwall, England. The only redeeming quality about staying at the Camelot Castle Hotel were these views. (July 25, 2019)

The Avalon was where we stayed some 11 years ago when we were first in Tintagle when Peter and Julie were the owners. Unfortunately we thought we were moving up by choosing to stay at the Castle, but turns out, we were wrong. Good to see you Avalon. (July 26, 2019)

Originally the Trevena House built in the 1860s on Fore Street in Tintagle with its reputed 19 bedrooms has been King Arthur’s Great Halls since 1933. Eccentric millionaire and Tintagle resident, Frederick Thomas Glasscock. Glasscock, who made his fortune from custard powder, was fascinated with the Arthurian legend after visiting the area on holiday. Originally, in 1927, it was the headquarters for Glasscock’s social organization known as the Order of the Fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table to promote Christian ideals and Arthurian notions of medieval chivalry. The Great Halls, with its bookstore and Arthurian legend souvenirs, may seem hokey or touristy, and it is touristy, but the art work, particularly the stained glass is rather stunning. (July 26, 2019)

The entrance of King Arthur’s Great Hall in Tintagle where a variety of books, video tapes and souvenirs are sold. (July 26, 2019)

The crowning glory of the King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagel are these stain glass windows, about 72 of them by Veronica Whall from around 1930 that illustrate the Arthurian tales. The windows are recognised as fine examples of Arts and Crafts workmanship, together with being one of the finest examples of stained glass outside of a church. (July 26, 2019)

This coat of arms stained glass, one of 72 by Veronica Whall, is King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table coats of arms in the long narrow hallway of King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagel. The coat of arms, specific to each knight, was worn and given to them by King Arthur as part of being made a knight. This Pendragon emblem represents King Arthur. (July 26, 2019)

Another stained glass window illustrating the Arthurian tales by Veronica Whall inside the King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagle, Cornwall, England. (July 26, 2019)

And just one more stained glass window, because they are so stunning, illustrating the Arthurian tales by Veronica Whall inside the King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagle, Cornwall, England. (July 26, 2019)

The largest hall of the King Arthur’s Great Hall in Tintagle includes a wooden Round Table and throne. (July 26, 2019)

Me sitting on the huge Polyphant granite throne, weighing almost six tons, in the large hall of King Arthur’s Great Halls in Tintagel. (July 26, 2019)

I slowed down long enough to take this photo of the narrow roads for both direction driving seemingly throughout various Cornwall, England, villages. No lane lines but towering hedges and small indentures where a car can pull over to the left to allow a car coming in the opposite direction to pass. Talk about driving really slow around these narrow curves in an effort to not meet another car coming in the opposite direction head-on. (July 26, 2019)

The medieval and fishing village of Boscastle in Cornwall, England, was just a simple backroads drive along narrow single car lanes from Tintagle. (July 26, 2019)

The village of Boscastle in Cornwall, England, with a view of the path leading to its Elizabethan harbour. (July 26, 2019)

The exterior and entrance to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in the village of Boscastle, Cornwall, England, is dedicated to European witchcraft and magic. It houses exhibits devoted to folk magic, ceremonial magic, Freemasonry, and Wicca, with its collection of such objects having been described as the largest in the world. (July 26, 2019)

An exhibit of the Wise Woman’s Cottage inside the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall, England. You can actually hear the wise woman, or Joan as she is known, speaking to the visitors and introducing herself as a “pillar”…the Cornish name for a cunning person. The cottage resembles an 18th or 19th century Cornish charmer’s home with its flat stone floor and open fire. She has a number of things to help her practice her craft including her pestle and mortar to grind herbs and her glass fishing float which enables her to divine the future or get a glimpse into another world. (July 26, 2019)

A display of natural healing items in jars at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall, England. (July 26, 2019)

A close-up of the display of natural healing items in jars at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall, England. (July 26, 2019)

This statue of Diana at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, England, states that “DIANA was first created before all creation; in her were all things, out of herself, the first darkness, she divided herself, into darkness and light she was divided. Lucifer, her brother and son, herself and her other half, was the light…DIANA was not known to the witches and spirits, the fairies and elves…the bowlines, as their mother; she hid herself in humility…but by her will she rose again above all. She had much passion for witchcraft, and became so powerful therein, that her greatness could not be hidden. And having made the heaven and the stars and the rain DIANA became Queen of the Witches…” From Aradia, the Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland in 1899. I’ve seen statues of the Roman Goddess Diana of the hunt, but this is my first of seeing her (my name, not me) as a Queen of the Witches. (July 26, 2019)

Inside the the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall, England. (July 26, 2019)

A public footpath to the Duloe Stone Circle in Duloe, England, a megalithic stone circle monument consisting typically standing stones arranged more or less in a circle. (July 26, 2019)

The eight white quartz Duloe Stone Circle, located in a Duloe wheat field results from a last century restoration when a burial urn of the late Bronze Age (2000-500 B.C) was found at the base of one of the stones. (July 26, 2019)

The Duloe Stone Circle in Duloe, Cornwall, England is of the late Bronze Age and are aligned to the points of the compass, indicating that this was a ceremonial or religious site. In 1861 a Bronze Age burial urn was discovered. (July 26, 2019)

The Duloe Stone Circle in Duloe, Cornwall, England is of the late Bronze Age. (July 26, 2019)

The medieval St. Cuby Church in Duloe, England, across the street from the Duloe Stone Circle, was consecrated in 1321 and built on a circular mound which was probably an Iron Age Fort and later it became a Celtic Christian sacred site. Saint Cybi, or Cuby, was a 6th century missionary, said to be the son of a Cornish king. According to legend, Cuby was raised as a Christian, and as a young man he went on a pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem. He felt that his calling was so strong that he entered the priesthood, and was anointed a bishop. When St. Cuby returned to his native Cornwall he found that his father had died and he was now King of Cornwall. Refusing the throne, he instead set out on a missionary journey through Cornwall, preaching the Christian gospel and founding churches. (July 26, 2019)

Inside the St. Cuby Church in Duloe, Cornwall, England, looking toward the parclose screen is the 15th century Coleshull chapel built by the Coleshull family. The chapel was built onto the north end of the chancel, and the parclose screen separates it from the body of the church. To the right of the chapel is the church altar. (July 26, 2019)

Inside the St. Cuby Church in Duloe, Cornwall, England, inside the Coleshull chapel is this effigy of Sir John Coleshull who died in 1485. He established a chantry, a medieval era trust fund, with a bequest for priests to say daily masses for his soul. Sir John was said to be the second-richest man in Cornwall at the time of his death. It was believed such masses would speed the deceased’s soul through its undesirable and indeterminate period in Purgatory onwards to eternal rest in Heaven. (July 26, 2019)

This bowl-like font dates from around the 6th century inside the Coleshull chapel of the St. Cuby Church in Duloe, Cornwall, England. This font supposedly received water from the Holy Well nearby for centuries until the 1820s when vandals or, as was reported at the time, piskies (a mythical creature of folklore) rolled it to the bottom of a steep road. It was found and returned in 1959 and sits atop a number of grave slabs. (July 26, 2019)

The grave slab of Anna Coffyn who died in 1592, hangs inside the Coleshull chapel of the St. Cuby Church in Duloe, Cornwall, holding a book and pair of gloves. There are several of these wonderful 16th century memorials carved in extremely high relief In the Coleshull chapel area. (July 26, 2019)

More Cornwall – Port Issac, St. Ives, Lostwithiel & Bodinnick

Here’s a quick overview of various villages, historical sights and the beautiful terrain of Cornwall, located on England’s rugged southwest tip. It forms a peninsula encompassing wild moorland, quaint fishing villages, sandy beaches and historical gems. Check out Port Issac; St. Ives; the Jamaica Inn made famous by author Daphne du Mauier; Restormel Castle and ending our time in Cornwall in the the towns of Lostwithiel and Bodinnick.

Views from the north cliffs and gardens area of Port Issac, a small fishing village in Cornwall, England. Port Issac plays the fictional village of Portwenn in the British television series “Doc Martin,” But a sign on a couple of billboards want visitors to be informed about their town and the welcome sign says: “We hope you enjoy your time in Port Issac. If this is your first visit, chances are you have come because you have seen the village on TV in the “Doc Martin” series. But as regular visitors and the local community will tell you, there is a lot more to Port Issac than being a TV set. One of the remotest villages in the UK (United Kingdom), Port Issac was first registered as a fishing village as long ago as 1338…and it is still a fishing village today with a small fleet of boats working out of the harbor.” (July 27, 2019)

The gorgeous hillside village of Port Issac in Cornwall, England, is where the British television series “Doc Martin” is filmed. One of the cottage’s on the hill is the fictional home of the main character and village doctor in the “Doc Martin” British series. (July 27, 2019)

This is the fictional home of the main character and doctor in the television series “Doc Martin.” In reality, this is “Fern Cottage” in Port Issac, England. (July 27, 2019)

This was a warm day and people were out on the white sand beach and turquoise waters of St. Ives in Cornwall, England. (July 27, 2019)

St. Ives bay at the harbor in Cornwall, England. (July 27, 2019)

Along with its sandy beaches and harbor, St. Ives in Cornwall, England, the old fishing village is a jumble of cobbled lanes and quaint cottages along with shops and restaurants. (July 27, 2019)

Along with its crowded beaches, St Ives in Cornwall, England, is a working harbor surrounded by art galleries, shops, restaurants and a lot of tourists. (July 27, 2019)

The old fishing village of St. Ives in Cornwall, England. (July 27, 2019)

St. Ives, considered one of Cornwall, England’s, most famous destinations with its working harbour surrounded by beaches, art galleries, restaurants and shops. (July 27, 2019)

The cottages along Alexandra Road in St. Ives, Cornwall, England. (July 27, 2019)

The stunning landscape, sea and sky views in Cornwall along the B3306 dual lane road on our way to a remote but highly recommended place for creamed tea and scones. (July 27, 2019)

Along with stunning landscapes, sea and sky views, while driving on the B3306 road, were the cows dilly dallying and roaming the farmlands on Cornwall roads. (July 27, 2019)

The Jamaica Inn on the Bodmin Moor near Bolventor in Cornwall, England, where we spent the night, enjoying a pretty descent dinner at the Smugglers Bar. The infamous smugglers inn was made world-famous by English author and playwright Daphne du Maurier’s novel, Jamaica Inn. The current building still includes the extension of a coach house, stables and a tack room added in 1778. Located just off the A30, near the middle of the moor close to the hamlet of Bolventor, the inn was at one time, used as a staging post for changing horses. (July 28, 2019)

The Jamaica Inn museum, to the left, is mainly dedicated to smuggling which was prevalent in Cornwall, England. It is often commonly thought that the inn takes its name from the smugglers who smuggled rum into the country from Jamaica and stored it at the inn. However, the name of the inn is actually said to derive from the important local Trelawney family of landowners, of which two family members served as Governors of Jamaica in the 18th century. And the building to the right is the entrance to the Smuggler’s bar and restaurant. (July 28, 2019)

Inside the Jamaica Inn’s Smugglers’ bar on the Bodmin Moor near Bolventor in Cornwall, England. The bar retains its 18th-century feel with its large granite fireplace in the bar and dark wood beams. The bar area contains many old bank notes on the walls and various items such as brass or copper kettles and urns. (July 28, 2019)

Inside the Jamaica Inn’s Smugglers’ museum on the Bodmin Moor near Bolventor in Cornwall, England, are the three main characters from Daphne du Maurier’s acclaimed novel, the Jamaica Inn. Mary is a courageous young orphan girl who comes to stay with her Auntie Patience and Uncle Joss, the landlords of the Jamaica Inn. The Vicar, Frances Dave is a wolf in sheep’s clothing who pretends to be Mary’s friend, but he is really the leader of the band of murderous wreckers. And, Joss Merlin, the landlord of the Jamaica Inn, is a drunkard and a bully. He belongs to the band of wreckers who lure ships onto the rocks and murder he sailors as they try to escape. (July 28, 2019)

Inside the Jamaica Inn museum on the Bodmin Moor near Bolventor in Cornwall, England is an exhibit dedicated to English author and playwright Daphne du Maurier along with this glass covered room featuring photos along with her books, writing desk and typewriter. Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel Jamaica Inn, which was made into the film Jamaica Inn in 1939 by Alfred Hitchcock. Du Maurier was inspired by her stay in 1930 at this, the real Jamaica Inn. The plot follows a group of murderous wreckers who run ships aground, kill the sailors and steal the cargo. (July 28, 2019)

The Restormel Castle near the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England, is notable for its unusual well-preserved example of a circular shell called a keep. This rare type of fortification was built during a short period in the 12th and early 13th centuries. (July 28, 2019)

Me in the interior of the ruined Restormel Castle near the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England. The castle is considered an unusually well-preserved example of a circular shell called a keep. This rare type of fortification was built between the 12th and early 13th centuries. (July 28, 2019)

Looking across the courtyard inside Restormel Castle near the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

Views from the top floor of Restormel Castle near the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

The town of Lostwithiel overlooking Fore Street in Coldwall, England, situated in a wooded valley by the River Fowey. (July 28, 2019)

St. Bartholomew’s Church on Church Lane in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, dates from the 13th century. The spire was added in the early 14th century, and the rest of the church dates from the later 14th century. (July 28, 2019)

The old Duchy Palace The Stannary Palace, also known as the Duchy Palace in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, was built by Edmund Earl of Cornwall in 1292. In 1337, when the Black Prince became the Duke of Cornwall, he made the Palace his administrative centre, where the Courts, Treasury, Maritime offices and the tin industry were run from. The building, made from local stone, once reached along the quay or river bank much further than today. The remaining Convocation Hall at the became a Freemasons’ temple from 1878, when the last upgrade was carried out, to 2008. Additional renovation work is now underway. (July 28, 2019)

Families enjoying themselves by the 12th century bridge across the River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

The drive, through narrow lanes with towering hedges, but the views were simply spectacular throughout Cornwall through Port Issac to St. Ives and ultimately to Bodinnick, which was where our stay in Cornwall came to a lovely end. (July 28, 2019)

The views across the river to Fowey from the Bodinnick side in Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

A painting, at the Old Ferry Inn, with views across the river to Fowey from the Bodinnick side in Cornwall, England, is similar to the photo I took from a similar area. (July 28, 2019)

The ferry terminal at Bodinnick in Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

The car and pedestrian ferry leaving Bodinnick and heading across the river to Fowey in Cornwall, England. (July 28, 2019)

English author and playwright Daphne du Mauier wrote many novels while living at Bodinnick, Cornwall, England, in the blue trimmed and cream colored house along the river bank. (July 28, 2019)

The red telephone box or booth along the steep lane down to the riverside in Bodinnick, Cornwall, England, is now being used as a community library. (July 28, 2019)

The ferry service that operates between Bodinnick and Fowey gives its name to the Old Ferry Inn in Cornwall, England, where we stayed with calming views of the river. The 400-year-old building of the Old Ferry Inn sits on the steep lane down to the riverside. (July 28, 2019)

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