Union Jack flags and bunting around suburban Shirley for VE Day 75

While the VE Day 75 Bank Holiday Weekend was never supposed to be like this (on lockdown during a pandemic), locals have still decorated the outside of their homes with Union Jack flags and bunting. Such as in Shirley, Solihull (just over the Metropolitan Borough border from Birmingham in Hall Green). Saw these on my Saturday afternoon daily walk in the warm weather on the 9th May 2020.

It has been 75 years since World War 2 ended in Europe. Victory in Europe Day was held on the 8th May 1945 (when Germany surrendered). While WW2 in the Far East didn't end until August 1945, when Japan surrendered (VJ Day). While the 75th anniversary commemorations are a bit more muted then they were supposed to be, households all over the country have decorated the front of their houses with Union Jack bunting and flags. Some may have even had tea on their front drives on the 8th May 2020. This daily walk the day later on the 9th May 2020.

For my Saturday afternoon daily walk, in the warm weather, walked down Solihull Lane from Robin Hood Island in Hall Green, Birmingham. Crossed the border into Solihull on Streetsbrook Road in Shirley, Solihull. Saw these Union Jack bunting and flags on the way.

dndimg alt="Streetsbrook Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Streetsbrook Rd (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Streetsbrook Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Streetsbrook Rd (May 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

We left Streetsbrook Road at Olton Road and walked towards the Stratford Road in Shirley. Then back towards the Robin Hood Island. Saw a Union Jack flag, and one house with Lest We Forget.

dndimg alt="Olton Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Olton Rd (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Olton Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Olton Rd (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Olton Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Olton Rd (May 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Earlier saw this Union Jack flag on Shirley Road in Hall Green.

dndimg alt="Shirley Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Shirley Rd (May 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At Robin Hood Island on Solihull Lane was this Union Jack flag and a hat outside of Keith Emery Butchers (while customers were socially distanced 2 Metres apart from each other).

dndimg alt="Solihull Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VE Day 75 Solihull Lane (May 2020).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

Gloriana Historical Dance at the Council House for Birmingham We Are (14th January 2020)

For quite a lot of hours, Gloriana Historical Dance, performed Tudor or Elizabethan style dances in the Banqueting Suite at the Council House, during Birmingham We Are's annual event on Tuesday 14th January 2020. I only saw them in here. Didn't see them elsewhere in the Council House, or pop into BM & AG. Thank you for coming.

They have a public Facebook group here Gloriana Living History and Historical Dance.

First dance in Venetian style masks.

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dndimg alt="Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana BWA CH 140102020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Masks off. Partnering up.

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dndimg alt="Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana BWA CH 140102020 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Going up those sticks with leaves on them.

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dndimg alt="Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana BWA CH 140102020 (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Jonathan Bostock introduces the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mohammed Azim to Gloriana.

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham (for 2019-20) poses for photos with Gloriana.

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got Jonathan in shot as well.

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lord Mayor and Gloriana" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloriana meets LM of Bham 14012020 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Thank you very much for coming. After this they went to other parts of the Council House and into the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. I didn't head to BM & AG as I needed to have a late lunch. And to sit down after standing around for over 4 hours.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are award winner 2020.

Coventry Evening Telegraph van for the Birmingham Mail

Most of the time I see the Coventry Evening Telegraph van used by the Birmingham Mail at Aston University during the weeks that they have graduations on. Such as in April or July. I once also saw it over at the Tyseley Locomotive Works during an open day I went to. Reg no: H1 CET. Bonus photo at the end of a Birmingham Mail van once spotted in the Austin Village, Northfield.

I first noticed the Coventry Evening Telegraph van for the Birmingham Mail at Aston University during July 2017. That week was the graduation week, where they put up a marquee on the lawn, and have Johnsons coaches to take graduates and their families to Birmingham Town Hall.

dndimg alt="CET Birmingham Mail van" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coventry Evening Telegraph Birmingham Mail Aston University (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Graduates can get a copy of the paper and their name in the Birmingham Mail of the list of Aston University graduates. This was also July 2017.

dndimg alt="CET Birmingham Mail van" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coventry Evening Telegraph Birmingham Mail Aston University (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In the years since, keep seeing it on campus, and kept resisting taking more photos of it. Took a new photo of it during the July 2019 graduation week. On the hottest July day of the year so far! Was hitting 33°C as I went through the campus.

dndimg alt="CET Birmingham Mail van" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coventry Evening Telegraph Birmingham Mail Aston University (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I've also see it at the Tyseley Locomotive Works. This was during the September 2018 open day, when Vintage Trains was celebrating 50 years of the museum and works being open. Here the Birmingham Mail were giving out goody bags.

dndimg alt="CET Birmingham Mail van" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coventry Evening Telegraph Birmingham Mail Tyseley Locomotive Works.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Bonus photo taken during April 2012 in the Austin Village near Northfield. When I saw this old The Birmingham Mail van. For G. & H. Purcell Newsagents & Tobacconists. Licence plate no: HPG 98.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Mail van in the Austin Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Mail van Austin Village.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

BRUM! at the Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Do you remember watching BRUM! back in the 1990s (if you were a kid back then like I was). The little car BRUM! travelled in the episodes from the Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-in-the-Water in Gloucestershire towards the Big Town (aka Birmingham). You would see Centenary Square and Brindleyplace as they were in the '90s! I went to Bourton back in August 2014.

Back in August 2014, had a day out in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, and that including a must see visit to the Cotswold Motoring Museum, the home of Brum!

BRUM is seen inside the museum where he starts his journey in each episode heading to the Big Town! (as in Birmingham). Eyes lit up.

dndimg alt="BRUM!" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BRUM Cotswold Motoring Museum (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

He got up to many advetures in the Big Town. Objects may end up inside him!

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They had a clip of the title sequence on the TV behind BRUM.

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Getting BRUM from many angles. There was other full size cars in here too.

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BRUM from the back.

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The museum from the outside. This view might be familiar to viewers of BRUM!. The bridge that BRUM! drives over in the title sequence. The view of the museum and bridge with the River Windrush. The bridge is Grade II listed and dates from the 18th century.

dndimg alt="Cotswold Motoring Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cotswold Motoring Museum Bourton on the Water (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closer up to the Motor Museum from the bridge on the River Windrush.. At the time was various classic cars outside including some Mini's.

dndimg alt="Cotswold Motoring Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cotswold Motoring Museum Bourton on the Water (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Home of Brum". This sign confirms that I was at the right place. Areas of the museum include "Car Heaven", "Memory Lane" and a "Toy Collection".

dndimg alt="Cotswold Motoring Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cotswold Motoring Museum Bourton on the Water (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In the show, BRUM would driver out of the museum this way, then cross the bridge to the right on the way to the Big Town (Birmingham). More of those classic cars on display back in August 2014.

dndimg alt="Cotswold Motoring Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cotswold Motoring Museum Bourton on the Water (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This balloon outside celebrating BRUM being on TV for 20 years. BRUM was first shown on CBBC in 1991 in it's original run. There was 5 series between 1991 and 2002 (not every year). It's now 28 years since BRUM first started on the BBC. It was developed by Ragdoll Productions. The museum owner Mike Cavanagh the real life museum owner was a character in the show (usually at the beginning and end of the show). He owned the museum until 1999.

dndimg alt="BRUM balloon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cotswold Motoring Museum Bourton on the Water (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Fountains around Birmingham (past and present)

There has been many fountains and water jets in the City Centre. Not all are still on or working. With the new one in Centenary Square going on. Time to look at other Birmingham fountains. When they were working (some of them are now off for a variety of reasons). Some got replaced and others went into storage.

Centenary Square

The new Centenary Square was officially opened on the 3rd July 2019, along with a big area with water jet fountains. Which people can walk into or have fun in. I popped along on Sunday 7th July 2019 to see what all the fuss was about! Along with the new lighting columns, the various buildings are reflected in the water.

This view: Symphony Hall, The ICC, The REP and Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Water jet fountains Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Water jet fountains Centenary Square (July 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of The REP, Library of Birmingham, Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory towards Paradise Birmingham.

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This isn't the first time a water jet fountain has been in the square. From about 1991 to 2009, the Spirit of Enterprise fountain by Tom Lomax. Seen below during April 2009. It was removed to storage and is still at the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre. Unlikely to ever return, which is sad.

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise (April 2009)" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise Centenary Square 2009 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was such a nice fountain. This view towards Symphony Hall and The REP. This is now the site of the Library of Birmingham Amphitheatre. I believe there used to be another fountain in the gardens that preceded the 1991 Centenary Square, but not sure what happened to that. It didn't end up in the Peace Garden like the Colonnade did.

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise Centenary Square 2009 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Victoria Square

The remodelling of Victoria Square which was opened in May 1993 by the late Diana Princess of Wales included the bronze sculpture everyone knows as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. But officially called River and Youth. They were made by Dhruva Mistry. Seen in November 2010 in one of the periods when the Council got the fountain working. This view looking up to the Council House.

dndimg alt="Floozie fountain Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floozie fountain Victoria Square Council House (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

But in recent years, there has been a leak that they have been unable to repair. So by 2015, the Council had plants and flowers put here instead. This view towards Chamberlain Square when Birmingham Central Library still stood (closed in 2013, demolished in 2016).

dndimg alt="Floozie fountain Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floozie fountain Victoria Square Council House (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Chamberlain Square

The Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square also has it's own fountain. Seen below during April 2009, when Birmingham Central Library and Paradise Forum were still open. In the late 1960s, the pools around the fountain were removed, but in 1978, to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee, The Birmingham Civic Society designed and paid for the pools to be reinstated. The Portland stone spire underwent a major clean in 1994. Expect the area to change when Paradise Birmingham eventually reopens the square in the future.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial Chamberlain Square (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of the pool in front of the Chamberlain Memorial with the small water jet fountain (this was also April 2009). Lets hope that this is opened up again sooner rather than later (at this rate the early to mid 2020s?).

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Close up taken during February 2010. Obviously the original pools before the 1960s redevelopment was much bigger, and this replacement was much smaller. Will Paradise Birmingham have room to have the Chamberlain Memorial back to it's 1880s glory? Only time will tell.

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Brindleyplace

The water jet fountains seen in Central Square, Brindleyplace back in May 2009. Near Three and Two Brindleyplace. You can walk down the steps towards the Central Cafe (Costa Coffee). This fountain is still on, and regularly maintained by the Brindleyplace Estate.

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This view towards Two Brindleyplace and Six Brindleyplace with Costa Coffee to the right. It is still like this over 10 years later.

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Bullring

There used to be a Three Cubes fountain sculpture in the Bullring from about 2003 (when the Bullring reopened) until about early 2011 (before the Spiceal Street redevelopment took over this part of the Bullring). This view from April 2009, looking towards Borders and Starbucks Coffee (both no longer there, but there is now a Starbucks further around to the right).

dndimg alt="Three Cubes Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Three Cubes fountain Bullring (April 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By December 2010, got this nightshot of the Three Cubes. Borders had been replaced by Jamie's Italian (they have recently closed down due to Jamie's Italian going into administration). The Spiceal Street redevelopment resulted in a new fountain near the new steps.

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The Three Cubes was replaced by this artwork when the new Spiceal Street development opened in late 2011. Seen here in August 2013. Heading up the step from St Martin's Square towards the statue of Horatio Nelson. Quotes here include "Warms the walls of our city. And will do again".

dndimg alt="Bullring Spiceal Street fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Spiceal Street Brummie quotes fountain (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up the steps during July 2019. The water trickling down the wall is a bit more clear here. More quotes include "Thrums to a different beat beneath our feet".

dndimg alt="Bullring Spiceal Street fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Spiceal Street Brummie quotes fountain (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Eastside

Another lost fountain. This one was near Millennium Point in Eastside close to Jennens Road. I would say that it was probably built in 2001 when Millennium Point was went up. These views from September 2009. Years later it was switched off. And the site was later used to build the new Birmingham Conservatoire for BCU (now the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire).

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It was only a small fountain, but had water jets and a small waterfall. If you go there now you will only see the Conservatoire, and the path leading to the rear entrances of Millennium Point. Aston University is still on the other side of Jennens Road (in 2009 the student residences were still under construction).

dndimg alt="Millennium Point fountain near Jennens Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point fountain Jennens Road (September 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Eastside City Park opened in 2012 and it included fountains. Near Millennium Point and the Parkside Building of Birmingham City University was this fountain canal. Seen during April 2013, before it got rusted for the water jets being continually on. The Parkside Building wa under construction at the time.

dndimg alt="Eastside City Park fountain canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eastside City Park fountain canal (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In this nightshot view from December 2014, the fountains down here were already showing signs of rust on the white walls. More recently on my walks through the park, and out of Millennium Point, I've noticed that this has been turned off, and no water in the canal.

dndimg alt="Eastside City Park fountain canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eastside City Park fountain canal (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was one more fountain in Eastside City Park, on this area near The Woodman pub. This view from June 2013. Used to see kids playing in these jets. But more recently it has been turned off (perhaps when the Big Wheel was here last Christmas). Normally see a group of skateboarders doing tricks around this area.

dndimg alt="Eastside City Park water jet fountains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eastside City Park fountain water jets (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In this April 2014 view you can see the water jets towards The Woodman pub and Curzon Street Station. With the viaduct on the railway lines into Birmingham New Street Station. This was similar to what we now have in Centenary Square, but on a much smaller scale.

dndimg alt="Eastside City Park water jet fountains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eastside City Park fountain water jets (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Aston University

We will finish off here with Aston University. I see this one in the lake at Lakeside most days of the week. It's the Peace sculpture by William Pye, made in 1985. This view from May 2009 towards what is now the Matthew Boulton Campus of Birmingham Metropolitan College (formerly Matthew Boulton College). You would usually see Canada geese around this area.

dndimg alt="Aston University fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Aston University fountains (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the main building at Aston University is Tipping Triangles by the sculptor Angela Conner. Commissioned in 1987, started to be made in 1989, then unveiled in 1994. Stainless steel. This view from March 2014. I'm not sure if this is fountain or not as I've never seen water coming out of the sculpture, but obviously the pool below has water.

dndimg alt="Aston University fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Aston University fountains (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closer to the main entrance to Aston University if this fountain / water jets. Looks like flowers spitting water out in every direction! Observed during April 2017. There is a regular water jet behind the two sprouting flower fountains.

dndimg alt="Aston University fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Aston University fountains (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Châteaux in France

I've been to several Châteaux in France on a couple of Riviera Travel holidays. In July 2009 to the Loire Valley, where most of them are located. Also in June 2017 in Burgundy (but not as many there - only visited the one). I could also see some from the coaches I was on, and on the Loire Valley holiday was a couple of photo stops for some of the Châteaux!

Loire Valley

First up with the Chatateax visited in the Loire Valley during July 2009, with Riviera Travel. On this holiday they took us to two Châteaux for a visit. As well as a couple of photo stops. Others I saw from the coach.

Château de Villandry

This château is a grand country house located in Villandry, in the département of Indre-et-Loire, France. We came for a morning visit, arriving after 9am, and leaving by 11:30am. This château was built around the original 14th century keep where King Philip II of France once met Richard I of England to discuss peace. Jean Le Breton, France's Controller-General for War under King Francis I acquired it in the early 16th century and a new château was constructed. It remained in the Le Breton family for two centuries. In the early 19th century Emperor Napoleon acquired it for his brother Jérôme Bonaparte.  It was designated a Monument historique in 1934. Like the other châteaux of the Loire Valley, it is a World Heritage Site. There was some nice French gardens here!

dndimg alt="Château de Villandry" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chateau Villandry (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Château de Chenonceau

An afternoon visit to this château, arriving just before 1:30pm and leaving by 3:30pm. At the time, part of the building has scaffolding on it. Nice gardens to visit and plenty of history here. It spans the River Cher, near the small village of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley in France. This château was built between 1514 to 1522. Diane de Poitiers, who was the mistress of Henry II of France lived from 1547 to about 1555. It also became the residence of Catherine de' Medici in the 1560s. Mary Queen of Scots may have had a brief spell living here during 1559-60 as the wife of Francis II of France. You can visit the inside of the building as well as explore the gardens! One of the most famous châteaux of the Loire valley.

dndimg alt="Château de Chenonceau" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chateau Chenonceau (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Château d'Anet

We had a coach stop here so that our group could take some photos of this château. Bit hard to see behind the walls, but the some of the buildings close to the wall were visible. I'd say that we were here for around 5 to 10 minutes? It is a château near Dreux, in the Eure-et-Loir department in northern France, built by Philibert de l'Orme from 1547 to 1552 for Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II of France. There is statues here of Diane de Poitiers as Diana, goddess of the hunt, by Jean Goujon.

dndimg alt="Château d'Anet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chateau dAnet (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Château d'Ussé

Another photo stop. This time from the other side of the river near the bridge. Another 10 minute coach stop. It resembles or was the inspiration for the castle from Sleeping Beauty (the Disney version). It is a castle in the Indre-et-Loire département, in France. Close to the Chinon forest. Was mostly built in the 15th century. You can see how well it resembles the famous Disney castles!

dndimg alt="Château d'Ussé" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheateau dUsse (July 2009).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Château du Clos Lucé

The visit to the final home of Leonardo da Vinci (from 1515 to his death in 1519). A visit inside of the house as well as the grounds where there was many full size models of Leonardo's inventions! It is a a large château in the city of Amboise, France. It is 500 metres from the royal Château d'Amboise. Charles VIII of France aquired it in 1490. Francis I later used it in the early 1500s. The museum also includes a copy of the Mona Lisa, painted in 1654 by Ambroise Dubois. I saw that painting, but didn't take a photo of it!

dndimg alt="Château du Clos Lucé" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheateau Clos Luce (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Château d'Amboise

The walk down from Clos-Luce into Amboise and you can see this château on the right on the hill above. We only visited the City and not this château itself.  It is a château in Amboise, located in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley in France. King Charles VIII died at the château in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel. Many French King's liked this place including Francis I (the sponsor of Leonardo da Vinci). Mary Stuart lived here as a child when promised to Francis II.

dndimg alt="Château d'Amboise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chateau Amboise (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Château de Chinon

I saw this chateau near the end of a walk around the town of Chinon. We did not go up there, but was nice to see! It is a castle located on the bank of the Vienne river in Chinon, France. Henry II of England, a member of the House of Anjou took it in 1156 and he later died here in 1189. It was his favourite residence. It was founded by Theobald I, Count of Blois. In the 11th century. There was a major restoration project here between 2003 and 2010.

dndimg alt="Château de Chinon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chateau Chinon (July 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Île-de-France

Next up we head to Fontainebleau near Paris. On the Loire Valley holiday of July 2009, this was the day before we went back to Paris and caught the Eurostar back to the UK. A big Palace where many of the French King's and Emperors lived!

Château de Fontainebleau

Also known as the Palace of Fontainebleau or Château de Fontainebleau it is 34 miles south east of the centre of Paris. Located in the commune of Fontainebleau, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. It started as a medieval castle and subsequent palace served as a residence for the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. Francis I and Napoleon I had the most influence over the palace. It was here in 1814 where Napoleon abdicated as French Emperor, and inside I saw the table and chair that he signed the instrument of abdication. Of course he later returned for the 100 days in 1815! The castle dates back as early as 1137. And there has been many additions over the centuries. The château was used as a prison for Pope Pius VII from 1812 to 1814. It is now a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Burgundy

The Holiday to the historic Burgundy region of France with Riviera Travel was during June 2017, including 3 days in Lyon. After we left Lyon, we headed to the next hotel in Beaune. But before we got there, we went to the Château in Cormatin.Many of the other châteaux I saw in the region was from the coach on different days.

Château de Cormatin

Our visit to this château lasted around 2 hours. We had an exclusive guided tour organised by our tour operator.  Cormatin is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne in eastern France. This was my first château visit in around 8 years! It is built on an island of the Grosne river. It resembles a moated manor house (similar to Baddesley Clinton in England). This building dates to the early 17th century. Although Henry du Blé has built a fortress here in 1280, on the road to Cluny Abbey (we also visited that on this trip). This used to be a complete quadrangle with a inner courtyard but two of the wings was demolished. The West Wing was lowered after a fire in 1812 and the South Wing collapsed in 1815 during its conversion into a textile factory. Jacques du Blé built this château from approx 1620 to 1626.

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I spotted many chateaux from the coach during this particular holiday. Some are now part of vineyards.

Château de Sercy

I saw this chateau from the coach after we left Cormatin and headed to our next hotel in Beaune. This could have been a coach stop, but am sure that we didn't get off the coach here. It dates between the 12th to 15th centuries. Sercy is in the Saône-et-Loire region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. It was along the Route du Château, seen from near the River Grosne. It has been declared a historical monument in France since 1974. The castle is private property but is open to the public.

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Château de Châteauneuf

I saw this château from the coach window on the journey back to our hotel in Beaune from the Autoroute du Soleil - A6 (having earlier visited Fontenay Abbey,  Semur-en-Auxois and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain). This château is also known as the Château de Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, and dates to the 15th century. About 43km from Dijon. It dominates the valley of Canal de Bourgogne. The earliest construction dates back to about 1132 by Jean de Chaudenay for his son Jehan, who took possession of it in 1175 and became Jean I de Châteauneuf. Philippe le Bon, duke of Burgundy in 1457 offered it to his advisor Philippe Pot, also of the Order of the Golden Fleece. It is now a protected historical monument in France.

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Château de Brochon

I saw this one from the Route des Grands Crus as the coach took us back from a day out in the city of Dijon back to our hotel in Beaune. This whole region is scattered with vineyards, and vines as fas as the eye could see! Very scenic to travel through! This chateau dates to the 19th century and is a Neo-Renaissance castle in Brochon, Côte-d'Or, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. In the 14th century, Philip the Bold , first Duke of Valois of Burgundy donated the land to the Order of the Carthusians. It's had many other owners over the centuries and is now a vineyard producing wine, from 1962 by Lycée Stéphen-Liégeard.

dndimg alt="Château de Brochon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Château de Brochon Route des Grands Crus (June 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Italian Lakes

A selection of photos from the Italian Lakes (also going over into Switzerland). Lake Garda was an amazing lake to visit with many towns around it. Lake Como was also nice with many towns and places to visit. Lake Maggiore had a palace on an island that you can visit. Lake Lugano goes between Italy and Switzerland. Many of these lakes have ferries and boats that you can go on.

Lake Garda

The following photos were taken during July 2010 in Northern Italy.

Boats seen from the town of Garda, this was where we were based during that week on Lake Garda. World flags.

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Bardolino was not too far from Garda. More boats and more world flags. The visit to this town was on a free day.

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Boats seen in the town of Castelletto. That day we went all the way around Lake Garda on the coach and we had certain stops at certain points, to have a look around.

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You could get ferries across Lake Garda, and one day we went past Salo on a ferry. A few days later we headed to this town. Boats seen on the coastline. The day of this visit was during the coach tour of Lake Garda. We were following the holiday rep towards the main square in Salo.

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The view from the Apponale Tower at Riva del Garda. This town is at the top tip of Lake Garda. The visit during the day of getting the coach all the way around the lake. The cost to go up the tower was €1. In Italian it is called La Torre Apponale. The tower dates to at least 1273 or earlier. It is 34 metres high.

dndimg alt="Riva del Garda from the Apponale Tower" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Riva del Garda from the tower on Lake Garda.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Castello Scaligero is a 13th century castle in the town of Sirmione. It is at the bottom tip of Lake Garda. It was built by the Scaliger family. Construction started in 1277 by Martino della Scala. The town was an important military centre until the 16th century. Sirmione was a part of the Republic of Venice from 1405 until 1797 when the Austrians took over. Sirmione became a part of a unified Italy in 1888. The visit to Sirmione was by a car ferry, a journey which started at Garda, then went over to Salo, then down to Sirmione.

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This is one of the views from Castello Scaligero di Malcesine in the town of Malcesine. You get amazing views of Lake Garda from up here. It was built by the Lombards during the middle of the first millennium, and destroyed by the Franks in 590. It was rebuilt by 806. It became property of the Scala family from 1277 until 1387. Over the centuries it has been occupied by various different powers such as the Republic of Venice, later the French and Austrian Empires. The Austrians had it until 1866 when it was handed to the Italians after reunification of Italy. The visit to Malcesine was also on a free day.

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The car ferry called Brescia seen arriving at Garda. This was the boat that we travelled over one of the days on Lake Garda. This view below was during our final morning on the lake before we returned to Verona Airport. The usual thing with these holidays is that you have to wait around at the hotel for hours before your coach comes to pick up up to take you back to the airport.

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This view from the car ferry we were on was of the hydrofoil boat named Goethe. The day we headed to Gardone Riviera to visit a garden. The boat was probably named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesmen. Goethe was caught doing drawings in Malcesine and was arrested as a spy during his visit in 1786.

dndimg alt="Goethe hydrofoil boat on Lake Garda" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Goethe hydrofoil boat on Lake Garda.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lake Como

The following photos were taken during June 2016 in Northern Italy.

We arrived at Bellagio on a small boat (seen below) from Villa del Balbianello (after a tour of the villa). Was a wet day, but had stopped raining by the time we got to the wonderful town of Bellagio on Lake Como.

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Bellagio's splendid architecture seen with Lake Como. Plenty of restaurants and shops here. We got the car ferry Adda later back to our hotel at Cadenabbia from near here.

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View of Cadenabbia from the car ferry Adda we travelled on from Bellagio back to our hotel. You can see the dock where the boat will eventually stop. Plenty of hotels and bars along that coastline in Cadenabbia. Many mountains around too!

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On our free day, we travelled down to the City of Como on a hydrofoil boat from Tremezzo (after a morning at Villa Carlotta). It was very fast. The boat was named Citta di Como.

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Arriving at the City of Como on the hydrofoil boat. Not far from Piazza Cavour. Wonderful historic architecture here. Lots of fountains. Plenty of restaurants and shops. They also have a railway station here. We later left not by boat, but by bus (much slower journey) to return to the hotel at Cadenabbia.

dndimg alt="Como from Lake Como" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Como from Lake Como.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tremezzo was a short distance away on foot from the hotel in Cadenabbia. Plenty of bars down here. Plus lake side swimming pools! You can also visit Villa Carlotta down here, or get the ferry.

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Kept seeing this road train around the towns of Lake Como. The Trombetta Express seen not far from outside of Villa Carlotta near Tremezzo. At this point it was outside of the Oratorio Sommariva (The Sommariva Oratory). While we didn't ride this road train, did days later on a visit to Lugano in Switzerland go on the road train there, while near Lake Lugano.

dndimg alt="Road train at Tremezzo" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Road train at Tremezzo(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A visit to Villa Carlotta. It is between Cadenabbia and Tremezzo on Lake Como. It was built for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690. It was completed in 1745 and remained in the hands of Marquis Clerici until 1795.

dndimg alt="Villa Carlotta" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Villa Carlotta.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Stunning views of Lake Como and the mountains around it from the balcony at Villa Carlotta. Was also some nice gardens to explore during the visit here as well.

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A visit to Villa del Balbianello for a guided tour of the villa. I did not take any photos inside (not sure if that was allowed). The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery for the Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. There was wonderful gardens here. On our visit there was a torrential rain storm, so wasn't much chance to fully explore the garden before leaving on the boat to Bellagio.

dndimg alt="Villa del Balbianello" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Villa del Balbianello (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days later on a day with beter sunny weather, got this view of the villa from the hydrofoil boat we got down to the City of Como. Plenty of mountains and trees on both sides of Lake Como.

dndimg alt="Villa del Balbianello" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Villa del Balbianello (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Lake Maggiore

The following photos were taken during June 2016 in Northern Italy.

A couple of boats on Lake Maggiore seen from the town of Stresa. Earlier that day we had got a boat from Stresa to Isola Bella to visit Borromeo Palace. We didn't go onto Isola Madre like some people did, and instead returned for a look around Stresa in the afternoon.

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A road train seen in Stresa.This one was called The TourisTic Tour. From DottoTrains. It was on the Corso Umberto I at the time near the Hotel Milan Au Lac.

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A view of Lake Maggiore from the coach heading towards Stresa. Mountains around this lake too!

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Isola dei Pescatori seen from the boat on Lake Maggiore. We were heading towards Isola Bella. It's name means Fishermen’s Island. We did not visit that island. There is restaurants on the island providing fish caught by the local fishermen.

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Approaching Isola Bella for a visit to the Borromeo Palace. From this view the Teatro Massimo (Theatre Maximum) is seen to the left. The palace and the gardens was well worth a visit, at such a unique location!

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Exterior of the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella after our visit. The entrance was round to the right. It dates to the 17th century and was built by members of the House of Borromeo.

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A view of the Teatro Massimo (Theatre Maximum) from the gardens of the palace.

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Lake Lugano

The following photos were taken during June 2016 in Switzerland.

The coach journey from Italy into Switzerland along the coast of Lake Lugano. This lake is in both countries. Lots of tall mountains along the way. Was tunnels at the border control.

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The approach to the city of Lugano on the coach, with Lake Lugano to the left. Architecture was very Italianette here.

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One of the first things we did in Lugano was ride on the Lugano City Tour (road train). They accept Euros or Swiss Francs. A nice tour around this Swiss city. The tour starts near to the Piazza Manzoni. This view from the road train I was on, the Red Arrow. View of the starting point, also where it later ended.

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Boats on Lake Lugano seen from the Lugano. Didn't go on a boat trip while we were here though. Went to an art gallery while we were there.

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Would assume that you could hire these boats? The walk along the lake front towards a park. They have a lot of nice pieces of public artwork here too. Many of these lakes have small beaches. There was a beach here to the right of this view below.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Landmarks of Liverpool, Nottingham, Norwich and London

A look at a small selection of landmarks I've seen in Liverpool, Nottingham, Norwich and London. In the past have been on weekends to these cities. Although Norwich was during a couple of weeks holidays in April 2010 and July 2011. Liverpool was October 2013. Nottingham was November 2014. Various weekends to London between 2009 and 2016. Too much to see in one weekend.

Liverpool

This is the Three Graces in Liverpool. They are near the Liverpool Waterfront at Pier Head. Seen during October 2013. From left to right: the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and The Port of Liverpool Building. Two of them are Grade II* listed buildings while one is Grade I listed. They are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City.

The Royal Liver Building was built from 1908 to 1910 by Aubrey Thomas. Has a concrete frame with granite cladding. 8 storeys and 2 storeys of attics. Was built as the head office of the Royal Liver Assurance Company. It is a Grade I listed building. There is a pair copper sculptures on top of the liver birds.

The Cunard Building was built from 1913 to 1916 by Willink and Thicknessse. Portland stone with 6 storeys. It is a Grade II* listed building

The Port of Liverpool Building was built in 1907 by Arnold Thornely. Made of Portland stone with 5 storeys and a basement. It is a Grade II* listed building

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A look at one corner of the Albert Dock in Liverpool.  Also known as The Royal Albert Dock. The dock was designed by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick and opened in 1846. It is on the Liverpool Waterfront and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Was the first structure in Britain to be built of cast iron, brick and stone with no wood. It gained it's Royal status in 2018. All parts of the dock are Grade I listed buildings. The dock was used for TV's This Morning from 1988 to 1996. In this photo is Warehouse D and E. The Merseyside Maritime Museum is in Warehouse D (on the left), while the Edward Pavilion is in Warehouse E (on the right).

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Nottingham

The Nottingham Council House is located in the Old Market Square in Nottingham. Seen in November 2014 while A Nottingham Winter Wonderland was on (Nottingham's equivelant of a Christmas Market and ice rink). The Nottingham Express Transit (tram system) runs up and down the South Parade to Cheapside. There is a tram stop at Old Market Square. It is a Grade II* listed building and also includes a shopping arcade to the back. Built from 1924 to 1929, the architect was T. Cecil Howitt. It was built for Nottingham City Council. Built in the Baroque Revival style. It was built on the site of Nottingham's Exchange Hall (which was built there from 1724 to 1726).

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The Theatre Royal is on Upper Parliament Street in Nottingham. It is a Grade II listed building dating to 1865. The original architects was CJ Phipps for W & J Lambert. It was remodelled in 1897 to 1898 by Frank Matcham for Robert Arthur and Henry Moss. A later restoration and remodelling took place during 1976 to 1978 by the Renton Howard Wood Levin Partnership. The theatre closed in 1969 when the city council bought the theatre. It was reopened in 1978 after the restoration of the building. The theatre is near the Nottingham Express Transit, and Royal Centre tram stop is nearby. Seen below on a rainy day in November 2014.

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Norwich

A look at Norwich Castle. The castle was built in the early 12th century. But a castle was founded here in 1067 by William the Conquerer in the form of a motte and bailey castle. The castle is a Grade I listed building. It was refaced in the 1830s and converted to a museum in the 1880s. Now the home of the Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery. It resembles a Tower Keep. Castle Mall is also nearby to the castle and museum. Norwich Castle is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This visit to the castle was during April 2010.

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From the bottom of Elm Hill in Norwich. Seen during July 2011. It is a historic cobbled lane. Many buildings date back to the Tudor period. It is one of Norwich's famous landmarks. Elm Hill was almost demolished in 1926, but was saved in 1927 by the Norwich Society, who did a survey of the buildings and gave recommendations to the Norwich Corporation. Renovation works started that same year in 1927.

Seen here on the left is the Elm Hill Craft Shop near The Monastery. There is a plaque here for Father Ignatius who founded an independent Benedictine monastery here in 1864. After two difficult years it was dispersed. It is Grade II listed at 12 - 16 Elm Hill. A timber-framed building. Also rendered.

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London

A visit to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London during October 2012. A panoramic of the museum with both wings. The museum is on the site of the former Greenwich Royal Hospital School. It opened in 1937. The Royal Hospital School moved to Suffolk in 1933. The museum was founded in 1934. The museum was upgraded in 1999. A Grade I listed building. Built 1807 to 1816 by David Alexander. It is connected to The Queen's House. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site Maritime Greenwich.

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A visit to the British Museum during August 2015 on a rainy day outside (nice and dry inside). Panoramic of the museum exterior. It is on the Great Russell Street in Bloomsbury, London. The London Borough is Camden. The museum is massive, so many things to see, but eventually you would get tired, and it feels like there is too much to see in one go. The building is Grade I listed and was built from 1823 to 1847. The architect was Sir Robert Smirke and it was made of Portland stone. Built in the Greek Revival style.There is a East Wing (built 1823 to 1826), a West Wing (built 1831 to 1834), a North Wing (built 1833 to 1838) and a South Range (built 1842 to 1847). Montague House the original museum was demolished in 1840. The library was detached from the museum in 1973 to form the separate British Library. The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court opened in 2000.

dndimg alt="British Museum - Bloomsbury, London" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/British Museum Bloomsbury London.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Palaces in France, Italy and Spain

Photos of palaces that I've seen on various holidays over the years in France, Italy and Spain. In cities such as Lyon and Paris in France, Florence and Naples in Italy, and Seville and Granada in Spain. Some of them are now museums or town halls.

Florence, Italy

This building is the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, located in the Piazza della Signoria. The square is usually crowded with tourists. There is a replica statue of Michelangelo's David outside of the palace. The palace is the town hall of Florence. It's original name was the Palazzo della Signoria after the Signoria of Florence, the ruling body of the Republic of Florence. It has had several other names in the past. The Grand Duke of Tuscany resided there, until they moved over to the other side of the River Arno to the Palazzo Pitti (over there is where you would find Boboli Gardens). The Uffizi Gallery is nearby over to the right (had a visit to that gallery). The Loggia dei Lanzi which is full of classical statues is over to the right. Seen here in June 2018.

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Naples, Italy

This is the Palazzo Reale in the City of Naples in Southern Italy. Was formerly the Royal Palace, and was one of four residences for the Bourbon Kings of Naples during their rule of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies (1730-1860). Mostly built in the 17th century. It is in a square called the Piazza Trieste e Trento. These days the palace houses the Teatro San Carlo and the smaller Teatrino di Corte, the Biblioteca nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board. Seen here in July 2012.

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Verona, Italy

This palace in Verona, Italy is in the Piazza Bra, not far from the Verona Arena (Roman amphitheatre). It is the Palazzo Barbieri. It is a Neoclassical style palace. The palace was originally named the Palazzo della Gran Guardia Nuova and housed staff associated with the occupying Austrian Army forces. The building is now a town hall. It was built between 1836 and 1848. The visit to Verona was in July 2010.

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Seville, Spain

A look at the Real Alcázar in Seville. Seen shortly after walking into the courtyard, this area is the Patio de la Monteria leading to the Palacio Mudéjar. The Alacazar was a Moorish palace, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Almohades was the first to build a palace here on the site of the current Alcazar. You can see Islamic art all over this palace, due to the fact that at one point in history, much of Spain was ruled by the Moors, until the reconquest of Spain. Although the palace we see today, was mostly a Christian palace in the Islamic architecture style, as the previous Abbadid Muslim residential fortress was destroyed after the Christian reconquest of Seville. My visit to the Alcazar was during June 2014.

dndimg alt="Real Alcazar in Seville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Real Alcazar Seville.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Granada, Spain

Seen during a guided tour of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Was an Arabic palace and fortress built during the Islamic period of Spain. After the Christian reconquest the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. It was built during the decline of the Nasrid dynasty. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was during the tour of the Nasrid Palaces. At this stage I was at the Comares Palace - Chamber of the Ambassadors. Basically this was near the Throne Room. The palace here was the official residence of the king. As with the Alcazar in Seville, you can clearly see Islamic or Moorish art styles all over the palace, especially when exploring inside! Well worth a visit. I went on the guided tour during June 2014.

dndimg alt="The Alhambra in Granada" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alhambra in Granada.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Cordoba, Spain

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andalusia, Spain. This is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Spanish for "Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs". The fortress was one of the residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. In early medieval times this was the site of a Visigoth fortress. When the Visigoths fell to the Umayyad conquest, the Umayyad rebuilt the structure. They later fell to the Abbasid Caliphate. The surviving member of the Umayyad Dynasty fled to Cordoba and used the Alcazar as their palace. Christian forces reconquered Cordoba in 1236. Construction of the present building began in 1328. Only part of the Moorish ruins remained, but it mostly looks like an Islamic structure as Alfonso XI of Castileused the Mudéjar style. After a period for somewhere to garrison Napoleon's troops in the 1810s, The Alcázar became a prison in 1821. The Spanish government made it a tourist attraction and national monument from 1950. The visit to Cordoba was in June 2014 (half way between Seville and Granada).

dndimg alt="Alcazar in Cordoba" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alcazar in Cordoba.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Aix-en-Provence, France

This building is the Palais de l'Archeveche in the city of Aix-en-Provence in Southern France (formerly the Archbishops Palace). It now houses the Musee des Tapisseries (Tapestry Museum). It dates to 1650-1730. The architect was Laurent Vallon. The Tapestry Museum is on the first floor of the palace in what was the state apartments. The tapstries were hidden during the French Revolution, and were discovered 50 years later hidden in the roof. The visit to this museum in Aix-en-Provence was during May 2011.

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Lyon, France

This building was formerly a Benedictine convent of the 17th and 18th centuries, but is now the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon. It's name in French is Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. It is located in the Place des Terreaux in Lyon. The building was restored between 1988 and 1998 but remained open to visitors during that time. It has a range of exhibits from ancient Egyptian art to the modern art period. There is a garden within a courtyard as you walk in or out of the museum with statues. They also have a collection of artworks from the Impressionists such as Monet and Picasso. There is fine views of the square outside where you can see a fountain (it was being restored in 2017). The visit to this museum in Lyon was during June 2017.

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Paris, France

Seen from the opposite side of the River Seine on a coach tour of Paris was the Louvre. Originally it was the Palais du Louvre (Louvre Palace). A fortress built in the medieval period,it became a Royal Palace in the 14th century under Charles V of France. It was used from time to time as the main residence of the Kings of France. During the French Revolution is became the Musée du Louvre. The Old Louvre is on the site of 12th century fortress built by King Philip Augustus, while the New Louvre is the name given to the wings and extensions built during the time of Napoleon I and Napoleon III. Although this was originally the grand design of King Henry IV of France  in the late 16th century. When Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles as his main Palace in 1682, the Louvre was mostly left to display the royal collection. The Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres and the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture were in the building for 100 years from 1692 until the French Revolution. Passed through Paris on the way back from the Loire Valley in July 2009, before getting the Eurostar back to the UK.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. From different summer holidays (these weren't all in the same year).

Verona was in summer 2010. Naples was summer 2012. Florence was summer 2018. Seville, Granada and Cordoba was summer 2014. Aix-en-Provence was spring 2011. Lyon was summer 2017. Paris was summer 2009.