The Royal Shops

Across High Street from the castle grounds is the Windsor Royal Shops. This is a nice sort of mall, built as the sign says in 1897. 

Church Street and the Castle Walls

Were kit not for the modern chairs and trash cans, you might be tempted otherwise believe that is a scene from any of several centuries past.

Last of the Church, Back out on the street

For an externally modest church, this place has some very nice features The stained glass is quite nice. the altar is simple but well appointed. I suppose it helps that you are just down the street from the king/queen.

More Church Views

While I do not for sure, it seem likely that through the years the king/queen have been here a few times since it is within walking distance to the Windsor castle gate. As a result, this relatively simple church has some rather fancy adornments.

St. John the Baptist Church, Windsor

Our first house sit in England took up to Slough, a gritty working class town just north of Windsor. Needless to say, we visited Windsor multiple times. On our first trip, we started with a look around St. John the Baptist Church, just down the street from the Henry VIII gate entrance to the castle.

On Our Way to St. Paul's

Here's the backside of the Mary le Strand as we walked on down the Strand.

Off to London!

Once our house sit in Staunton was over, we left directly for Merry Ole England and a house sit there. The remodeling work on the house in Snohomish started later than expected and so we out exploring while we wait.

No visit to the big city is complete without a stop at the Borough Market. It has changed a good bit since we were there last. It is still great, but there is a slicker feel to it. Not quite so quintessentially English, rather more like a place designed for tourists. And it is still very busy.

The View from our B&B

And so we leave our visit to the Lake Country with a few views of the big industry here (after tourism)...cows and sheep.

Parish Church of St. Andrew, Coniston

In Coniston, we find the Parish Church.

Onboard the Gondola Barrow

The ship we ride in a pretty complete rebuild of the original. While some parts of the original remain, the hull, superstructure and steam engine are all new.

On Coniston Water

The Gondola Barrow plies the serene Coniston Water with passenger rides up and down the lake.

The Hills of Lake Country

Between the larger lakes are small lakes/ponds that add charm to the countryside.

Afternoon and Evening in Coniston

The serenity of this place is addictive. Even looking at this image, I feel I could sit by this lake and be happy even it I never did anything else.

Driving Through Lake Country

I realize that these are out of order, but that shouldn't matter. Before we arrived in Stratford-upon-Avon, we visited Lake Country, as I'm sure all you faithful followers recall. I realized that I have not posted the photos of the drive to Coniston. Driving through Lake Country on a day with clouds floating overhead makes it clear why everyone is taken with this part of England.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Along the Streets

Yesterday you saw Shakespeare's birthplace as a curious building. Today I bring it to you as you might see it, without all the people. this is most likely much harder to get during the season when the crowds abound. Nevertheless, I stood or several minutes to get a view with no one in sight.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Wandering Stratford, I found a few things worth a snap or two. I through this contrast with the little bin with the discarded umbrella in front of the upscale jewelry store to be interesting.

Kenilworth Castle - The Gatehouse

The gatehouse was built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, that you read about yesterday in the long excerpt.

Kenilworth Castle - In the Gardens

There were several gardens here, some small such as this one, and some very large. In late summer, we missed most of the good stuff but there were still some flowers to be found.

Kenilworth Castle

Most of the castles we've visited have been, in not downright small then at least compact. This place is really huge. It is spread out over acres and has many different structures in it.

Assumption of our Lady - III

In the shade of one of the many trees that surround the church, we find this 19th century graffiti adorning the wall.