I have long been fascinated by the mighty Danube river. Maybe my interest comes from its passing through more countries than any other river in the world, ten in total. Or maybe I’m intrigued by its history, including the long period when it formed the north-eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. Or maybe I’m attracted […]
Written by Caroline Smith (A Runner-up entry in the Heritage Writing Competition.) The Isle of Man is the ultimate heritage island. Within just 220 square miles it boasts two Gothic castles, an abbey and a plethora of museums. Together, these tell the story of this remarkable island and one of the best ways to see […]
STE’s Holiday Editor, Tony Taylor, reports on his experiences on a Saga tour of Central America, commencing with Panama, the first country on the itinerary. Central America was unknown to me and my wife, other than a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Hence the Saga Holidays tour Contrasts of Central America appealed to us, […]
Written by Ann Rhodes (A Highly Commended entry in the Heritage Writing Competition.) Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, like any good garden, has colour, vibrancy, wilderness, some cosy corners and, occasionally, unexpected places where you feel the presence of an ancient magic. Ireland’s heritage is here in the mountains and coastline, museums and music, gardens and […]
Visiting a National Trust property on a showery day can make sense, in that you can look around the house (or shop and tea room) when it is raining, and tour the gardens and parkland between the showers. Well that was our idea when we visited Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire on a wet weekday in […]
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Heritage in Derbyshire: Hardwick Old and New Halls
The Halls at Hardwick on the eastern fringes of Derbyshire are lasting memorials to two formidable ladies, Bess of Hardwick (1527-1608) and Evelyn Cavendish (1870-1960). Bess, or to give her her full title, Elizabeth Cavendish (later Talbot), Countess of Shrewsbury, managed, with the help of four marriages, to become the second most powerful woman in […]