22 Birmingham City Guide - Including Birmingham Hotels

Birmingham City Guide, Including Birmingham Hotels

Birmingham City Guide, Including Birmingham Hotels by Ms Maria Williams

Britain’s second biggest city after London is Birmingham. Birmingham is the cultural centre of the West Midlands and offers the casual visitor an enormous range of exciting opportunities and things to do. Offering an unsurpassed range of shops and shopping centres, and literally hundreds of activities and things to do, Birmingham is the ideal tourist destination; a city that is always guaranteed to keep you occupied.

As a city, Birmingham is packed with places to visit, enabling you to get a real taste of the city’s culture. Just a few of the places include:

Birmingham Cathedral: Built in 1725, this is one of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings, complete with four Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows.

The Royal Air Force Museum: Treat yourself to a stunning display of aviation history and witness over seventy aircraft situated within three separate wartime hangars. You’ll see Spitfires, Hurricanes, Vulcans and more.

Cadbury’s World: One of the country’s biggest and most popular museums. You’ll find out about the history of chocolate, and how it originated in South America, as well as seeing a genuine production line. Of course, a visit isn’t complete without sampling the produce…

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Witness a huge variety of exhibits that range from spooky Egyptian mummies to a wooden toy collection for the kids. Treat yourself to some culture and examine the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: An astonishing fifteen acres of beautiful gardens are available for exploration, as well as four glasshouses containing exotic plants.

When it comes to finding something to do, you’ll find that Birmingham has it covered. Some ideal places for pursuits include:

The Ackers: If your family’s into sport, then enjoy taking part in a variety of activities including climbing, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding and more. Occupying over seventy acres and located just two miles from the city centre, The Ackers couldn’t be more convenient.

Second City Canal Cruises: Enjoy cruising down the Birmingham canals and buy gifts from the souvenir shop.

The National Sea Life Centre: Witness over sixty displays of exotic marine life, and find yourself enthralled by the undersea world. See giant turtles, reef fish and sharks too.

Newbrook Farm Experience: Visit a working farm and keep an eye out for the many rare breeds of animals that include cattle, hens, pigs, ponies and goats.

Woodgate Valley Country Park: The perfect place for walkers, with mile upon mile of tracks to explore. There’s something for the kids too, with a farm, play area and a fun pony-trekking centre.

If you’re feeling hungry after touring Birmingham, you’ll discover that Birmingham is renowned for its culinary diversity – meaning that you’ll find the right meal, no matter what variety of food you’re looking for. Within the city, home-cooked traditional British food goes hand-in-hand with exotic cuisine from India and China, and all of Birmingham’s eateries are in easily accessible locations. Whichever end of the scale interests you – whether it is a simple takeaway or a slap-up three-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant – Birmingham has it covered. Here’s a small selection of the city’s eating-places:

City Café Birmingham: Service, style and ambience are on the menu at this top-rated restaurant that offers a la carte menus, a famous Sunday lunch buffer and a vegetarian garden. Enjoy a live Jazz band every Thursday evening.

Metro Bar & Grill: Free-range meats are the order of the day here, along with a comprehensive fish board that changes daily. Metro also serves a range of sandwiches and simple snack foods if you’re looking for something quick.

Peppers: Birmingham’s top-rated Indian restaurant has every kind of Indian dish imaginable, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when you see the menu. The restaurant’s ethos is value for money.
San Carlo Ristorante: Authentic Italian food is what this restaurant offers, with many of the ingredients imported directly from Italy. The chefs and the management bring real individuality to the menu.

Opus Restaurant: Seasonal and regional are the keywords for this eatery’s menu, which offers genuine British meals with the ingredients locally sourced.

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Birmingham, the only problem you’ll experience with Birmingham is the amount of options available – so many, in fact, that you’ll be spoilt for choice! Short breaks and long stays are catered for in hotels and guesthouses in the city centre or on the outskirts. Further, the prices range from the immediately affordable to more expensive and luxurious rooms. If you’re looking for an alternative, then you’ll find that Birmingham has plenty of options ranging from campsites to self-catering accommodation. There are also special packages available, such as the spa break, where you’ll find yourself pampered into luxury.

When you’ve finished exploring Birmingham by day, you’ll discover that the city comes alive at night with some of the coolest pubs and nightclubs around. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sit down and drink, or want to party away the small hours, you’ll doubtlessly discover the ideal venue. The Nightingale Club, located in the heart of the city centre, has three levels incorporating numerous bars, discos, a restaurant and a games room. Meanwhile, The Jam House is a nightclub supported by music maestro Jools Holland, and holds up to 600 people. Alternatively, Rick’s Garden Café & Bar in Birmingham offers you the opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine under the stars.

The above information should give you some idea of just what Birmingham has to offer as a city. There’s something to keep you occupied whatever your interest, with a whole range of different cultural activities. If you’re traditional, you’ll enjoy visiting the city’s many museums and art galleries, and learning about Birmingham’s history. If you’re part of a family, you’ll discover attractions that have proved to be popular with thousands of children while in Birmingham. Eating, shopping, seeing and doing… all four bases are covered when you come to Birmingham.

Hotels in Birmingham

Birmingham NEC/Airport Premier Travel Inn
City Inn Birmingham
Campanile Hotel - Birmingham
Copthorne Hotel Birmingham
Birmingham Great Barr Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport
The Norfolk Hotel
Portland Hotel
Ye Olde Station Guest House Birmingham, Shustoke
Days Inn Birmingham East
Britannia Hotel Birmingham
Macdonald Burlington Hotel
Best Western The Westley Hotel
Central Guest House
Express by Holiday Inn Birmingham Castle Bromwich
Heath Lodge Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Birmingham NEC
Novotel Birmingham Airport
Hagley Court Hotel
Apollo Hotel
Corus hotel Birmingham South
Bridge House Hotel
Fairlawns At Aldridge(Best Western)
RAMADA BIRMINGHAM (FORMERLEY DAYS HOTEL)
Express by Holiday Inn Birmingham Oldbury M5, Jct.
Novotel Birmingham Centre
Paragon Hotel
Thistle Birmingham City
Birmingham Edgbaston
Jurys Inn Birmingham
Premier Apartments Birmingham
The Edgbaston Palace Hotel

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Maria Williams Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of cheap uk hotels.

Article Source: The Friday Team’s Free Article Directory

21 Chester City Guide - including Chester Hotels

Chester City Guide, Including Chester Hotels

Chester City Guide, Including Chester Hotels by Ms Maria Williams

Introduction:

Visit Chester and discover a delightful cultural mix that evolves when a 21st century city has been shaped by 2,000 years of history. Within the city walls Chester combines five star luxuries, exclusive stores, excellent dining and a vibrant nightlife with attractions such as a Roman Amphitheatre and Gothic Cathedral.

Places of interest:

Chester boasts a complete circuit of historic walls, sections of which date back to Roman times, Chester’s most unique feature is the 13th century ‘Rows’ – two tiers of enticing shops, running through the main streets. Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee, the recently restored Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums, a Roman Amphitheatre, the Grosvenor Park and the city’s famous Roodee Racecourse.

The Roman Amphitheatre, the largest arena ever uncovered in Britain.

The famous Chester Rows are unique, being two-tiered galleries built in the traditional black and white ‘magpie’ style. They offer a wide range of shops selling goods from antiques to high fashion.

Grosvenor Museum offers visitors the chance to explore 2000 years of Chester history. This includes Roman life, Chester wildlife - past and present, art galleries, and a unique Chester timeline.

Entrance is free. You can take a light hearted journey through the Roman heritage of Chester. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and can be provided, on request, at any time of the year.

Chester Zoo is one of Europe’s leading conservation zoos, with over 7,000 animals living in spacious and natural enclosures. The zoofari overhead railway and waterbus cater for your transportation needs. There is also a Children’s Farm complete with Marmot Mania, brass rubbings and face-painting.

Chester Market, having been established in Chester since Roman times, is one of the oldest functions of the council.

Things to do:

There are many ways of seeing the attractions and surrounding areas of Chester. Tours by Foot, Bus, Rail and Waterway are all available. If you enjoy the festival atmosphere you can relax at the Chester races, the annual international film festival or food and drinks festival. All tastes are catered to in historic Chester.

Chester Racecourse holds meetings throughout the summer months including the May Festival, a Family fun day and a Roman day. There has been racing on the Roodee at Chester for over 450 years and the thrill of watching a race at Chester unfolding before you from the sophisticated surroundings of the course’s enclosures or the vantage point of the City walls is an unforgettable experience.

Bus tours operate from the Chester Visitor Centre that allows you to discover Chester from the comfort of a coach. Commentary is provided along the way by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. The tours take in such sites as the Amphitheatre, the River Dee and its bridges, the Old Port, and the Racecourse.

The Annual Food and Drink Festival celebrate the success of local producers where they exhibit their fayre to over 6,000 food and drink lovers.

The International Film Festival is run by the Chester Film Society. This popular annual event showcases fringe cinema from all over the world. The festival runs for a week, generally during early spring.

A Cruise along the Waterways of Cheshire is not only relaxing but offers a chance to enjoy the attractive sites of historic interest, heritage and culture of the area. There are more miles of canals here than in any other English county.

A Town Crier is a regular feature in the summer months You can enjoy this midday flamboyant spectacle at the Cross in the heart of the City, from Tuesday to Saturday from May to September.

Food & Drink:

There is plenty of opportunity to pause and take refreshment during your strolls around Chester in one of the many cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Contained within this vibrant city is an eating scene of diverse proportions. The styles of foods available include Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian and some of the best bars, night clubs and coffee houses you can imagine.

Samsi Japanese Yakitori Bar. Instead of the menu being divided the traditional manner of starters and main course you will find that most dishes are available in appetiser and main course portions. For people unaccustomed to Japanese food assistance is available.

Vito’s Trattoria Pizzeria. This is a traditional pizzeria where the waiters pace about with enormous pepper mills and straw-wrapped Chianti bottles hold candles over gingham tablecloths. All the old favourite dishes appear on the long menu.

Chez Jules Restaurant. Located in a former fire station this is a bistro style restaurant where the reasonably priced menu is changed daily. There are usually about six starters and the same number of mains on offer. It is a firm favourite with the locals.

Mongolian Barbeque. An award-winning restaurant that offers customers the chance to choose their own combination of meat, fish and vegetables and then watch as they are stir fried on a huge Mongolian style griddle.

The Boot Inn, Chester’s oldest public house dates back to 1643, its façade was rebuilt and restored in the late 19th century and again in 1988. This very attractive 17th Century inn is accessible from the street level by narrow stony staircase. This leads into a large hall, which is divided into two main sections. Features include a fireplace, a large bar counter, low ceilings and exposed beams.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The city of Chester has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses suitable for the business traveller and tourist alike. Elsewhere in Cheshire your options include luxurious country house hotels, excellent farmhouse B&B’s and self catering.

Macdonald Blossoms Hotel
Higher Huxley Hall Non-Smoking
Alton Lodge
Best Western Queen Hotel
Quality Hotel Chester
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
Eaton Hotel Non Smoking
Dene Hotel Chester
The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
Comfort Inn Chester
Ramada Chester
Brookside Hotel
Llyndir Hall Hotel
Chester Moat House
De Vere Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort Spa
Broxton Hall Country House Hotel
St. David’s Park Hotel
Mollington Banastre Hotel
Best Western Westminster Hotel
Thornton Hall Classic Hotel
Hoole Hall Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Chester Racecourse
Crabwall Manor
Gateway To Wales Hotel

Entertainment

Telford’s Warehouse is an independent family run bar/restaurant and an internationally renowned music and arts venue. Upstairs is a popular restaurant and contemporary art gallery. The lower area and bar are reserved for the many popular live music nights which having played host too many famous names that have helped to establish ‘Telford’s’ as one of the most important venues in the country.

The Miniature Theatre of Chester is based at the Chester Town Hall, performing works that include both world premieres and plays by local talent.

Chester Theatre Club, based at the little theatre, was founded in 1944 and stages 6 plays per year. The auditorium seats 126 and there is a licensed bar

Alexander’s Jazz Theatre is the leading North West venue for jazz, blues and rock artists. It hosts Chester Jazz and Blues Festival. Alexander’s is also a famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Chester is an excellent destination for that short break. It is a city where you can immerse yourself in history, shopping or elegance. This Roman city and its 21st century delights will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Maria Williams, Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of cheap uk hotels.

Article Source: The Friday Team’s Free Article Directory

20 Cambridge City Guide - including Cambridge Hotels

Cambridge City Guide, Including Cambridge Hotels by Ms Maria Williams

Cambridge combines the best of traditional and modern life in one city. The towers, quadrangles and gardens of its 31 colleges create the Cambridge’s spectacular landscape. At the same time, visitors enjoy the best in theatre, music and live entertainment in Cambridge’s many festivals and theatres. A great spot to visit all year round, Cambridge is host to many thousands of visitors, and endures as one of England’s most popular places to visit.

Places of Interest

On every corner of the city, there is at least one building or view that is worth visiting and exploring. There are also places off the beaten path that are definitely worth a short excursion.

The University—take a guided tour of Cambridge’s 31 famous colleges. You can spend time investigating these colleges for a day or for weeks.

Moggerhanger Park—This Georgian Grade I Historic house is a jewel in the Bedfordshire Countryside. It has undergone a gradual renovation process, and fits the striking and original design of Sir John Soane.

Cromwell Museum—Sir Oliver Cromwell, born in 1599 attended this former school along with Samuel Pepys. Now a museum, this collection features objects once belonging to the former Lord Protector and his family.

Fenner’s Field—Have a pint, some crisps and watch a cricket match in the University’s cricket field. You can view a match in April, May or June.

ADC Theatre—The oldest theatre in Cambridge, this venue is home to the finest student productions as well as community theatrical projects.

Things To Do

Whatever your interests, you can find a variety of activities in Cambridge. Whether music is your passion or you prefer taking a nature hike, there is always something going on in Cambridge, regardless of the season.

Corn Exchange Festival—In the summertime, Cambridge is home to one of East Anglia’s finest events during which you can experience the best in every genre of music, comedy and drama.

Cambridge Folk Festival—described by the Daily Telegraph as Europe’s most celebrated folk festival, this frequently sold-out event features folk music from every corner of the world.

Fireworks Display—Cambridge hosts the largest free fireworks display in England, and along with the impressive show, there is also free, live entertainment and a bonfire.

Debenham’s—no trip to England is complete without a shopping excursion at one of the most frequently visited department stores in the country. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here.
Roman Road Walk—take a stroll back in time on a circular Roman road that will lead you through local fields and villages.

Food & Drink

In addition to visiting Cambridge superb sites, you will also need to grab a bite to eat now and again. Whether you prefer a formal meal, a light snack or a traditional English tea, you can easily find a place in Cambridge that suits your appetite and your budget. If you fancy a pint, there are many pubs to choose from as well.

Red Lion-16th century country pub in the lovely village of Hinxton serves traditional English fare and drinks.

Bun Shop—if you are looking for a restaurant and pub with a Mediterranean flavour, enjoy the tapas, the continental food and the Flamenco dancing at the Bun Shop. There is also a Quiz Night every Tuesday.

Maharaja Indian Tandoori—This is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Cambridge, and it serves traditional Indian favourites, including Madras, Tandoori and Bhajis as well as piping hot vindaloo.
The Anchor—This classic English pub has a riverfront terrace and serves English breakfasts as well as Sunday roasts.

Tatties—A good place to grab a quick bite to eat, this charming establishment specializes in jacket potatoes, snacks, coffee and tea and has a great selection of vegetarian dishes.

Hotel & Accommodations

Whether you are looking for a five-star hotel or a budget bed and breakfast, it is quite easy to find what you are looking for in Cambridge. There are many medium-priced Bed and Breakfasts or Guest Houses which are family run and provide amenities such as cable TV, quality bathrooms and showers, and hot beverages. Many offer free continental breakfasts or low-cost English breakfasts. For the adventurous, there are many camping grounds located outside of the city centre if you are keen on renting a caravan. For those who prefer self-catering, there are many houses and apartments available to let by the week.

Aylesbray Lodge
Brooklands Guest House
Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant
Cambridge Garden House Moat House
Centennial Hotel
De Vere University Arms Hotel
Royal Cambridge
Acorn Guest House
Best Western Gonville Hotel
Ashtrees Guest House
Arundel House Hotel
Carolina Guest House
Sleep Inn Cambridge
The Meadowcroft Hotel
Best Western-Connoisseur, Cambridge Quy Mill Hote
Kirkwood House
Hotel Felix
Express by Holiday Inn Cambridge
Dresden Villa Guest House
The Cambridge Belfry
Alpha Milton Guest House
Cambridge Apartments Ltd
Black Horse Motel

Entertainment

Theatre has a long and well-respected tradition in Cambridge, and it is in this city that many of today’s popular entertainers made their foray into the performing arts. The Corn Exchange Theatre is the largest venue in the city, and hosts operas, large-scale professional productions and stand-up comedy. It is also worth investigating student talent as well, and the ABC, the oldest theatre in Cambridge, is worth a visit. The Mumford is the legendary student theatre in Cambridge and is the largest student venue. Drop by the Corpus playroom, which features student productions throughout the year.

If you prefer cinema, visit the Arts Picture House, which features foreign and mainstream films and also sponsors children’s programs. The Vue Cinema has an 8 screen selection, with enough choices to suit every film fancier.

There are several notable festivals in Cambridge during the summer. The Cambridge Folk Festival is the finest of its kind in Europe and features an impressive and eclectic mix of traditional music, from Irish favourites to American blue grass. At the Corn Exchange Festival, you can hear any style of music that suites your taste. There are also comedy programs and theatrical productions on the schedule.

Regardless of your interests or the time of year you are planning to visit the city, Cambridge an outstanding array of nightlife, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options. Even if you stay for months, it is unlikely that you will be able to experience everything Cambridge has to offer, so a return trip to this fantastic city should definitely be in your plans.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Maria Williams Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of cheap uk hotels.

Article Source: The Friday Team’s Free Article Directory

18 Liverpool Information from Wikipedia

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Northwest England. The city is governed by Liverpool City Council, one of five councils within the Metropolitan county of Merseyside. The population of the borough in 2002 was 441,477, and that of the Merseyside conurbation was 1,362,026. Whilst it has lost most of its manufacturing base, Liverpool is still internationally famous as a port. In sporting terms, it is home to the internationally-known football clubs, Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. In the year 2008, Liverpool will hold the European Capital of Culture title. Liverpool is one of England’s core cities.

Liverpool is situated along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary, with the city centre located about 5 miles inland from the Irish Sea. Liverpool has a varied topography being built across a ridge of hills rising up to a height of around 70 metres above sea-level at Everton Hill. The city’s urban area runs directly into Bootle and Crosby in Sefton, Huyton and Prescot in Knowsley. It faces Wallasey and Birkenhead across the River Mersey.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as “Liverpudlians” and nicknamed “Scousers”, though this term is often (erroneously) used to cover other Merseysiders. They are noted for their distinctive accent and dialect, called Scouse.

Liverpool has a vibrant artistic life. Several pre-Raphaelites are among the important paintings in the Walker Art Gallery. Sudley House contains another major collection of pre 20th century art. The Tate Liverpool gallery houses the modern art collection of the Tate in the north of England. The Liverpool Biennial is a festival of arts held (as the name implies) every two years. The festival generally runs from mid September to late November and comprises three main sections; the International, The Independents and New Contemporaries although many fringe events are timed to coincide. It was during this event in 2004 that Yoko Ono’s work “My mother is beautiful” caused widespread public protest by exhibiting photographs of a naked woman’s pubic area on the main shopping street. Despite widespead protest the work remained in place.

17 Night Life in Aberdeen

Live Music Venues

BLUE LAMP
121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 640597

DRUMMONDS
1 Belmont Street, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 619931

DR DRAKES
Shiprow, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 596999

FORUM MEZE BAR
3 Skene Terrace, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 633336

THE LEMON TREE
5 West North Street, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 642230

THE MALT MILL
Holburn Street, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 573830

THE MOORINGS
2 Trinity Quay, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 587602

MOSHULU
Windmill Brae, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 572876

O’DONOGHUE’S
16 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen - CITY CENTRE
01224 575040

16 Knights to Remember

Knights to Remember
by Keith Kellett

March 1st is St. David’s Day. On that day, Welsh people wear leeks or daffodils in honour of their Patron Saint. Seventeen days later, it’s St. Patrick’s day, when the Irish wear shamrock, do some singing and dancing, and drink lots of Guinness.

England has a Patron Saint, too. But it’s hard to understand why St. George was chosen for the office, rather than a home-grown Saint like Aidan, Cuthbert or Hilda. If George existed at all, he was a Greek, who supposedly slew a dragon in Libya. This could be why not a great deal, apart from flying the flag from the church, usually happens on April 23rd, his day.

England doesn’t seem to be very keen on festivals of any kind, for which most people blame Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans of the 17th Century. They thought fun of any kind was sinful, and even tried to ban Christmas!

There have been attempts in some parts of the country to ‘get something going’ in honour of the Saint, but sadly, all too often, it becomes a tacky part of some middle-class bucolic fantasy, in which everyone’s the Squire, and nobody wants to be the serfs.

Salisbury celebrates St. George’s Day with a visit by the Dragon. Although he starts his tour, appropriately enough, in the Old George Mall, it does seem to me a little bit like celebrating Trafalgar Day by dressing up as Napoleon’s navy. I mean, the dragon’s supposed to be the representation of evil; he’s the Bad Guy, for goodness sake!

Up at Old Sarum, the castle outside the city, they sometimes have the Mediaeval Knights. They are genuine enough … or, at least, as authentic as painstaking research can make them.

Three mediaeval societies came the first year I visited. Conquest, The Troop and the Harlech Mediaeval Society (who, being from Wales, would presumably have rooted for the Dragon!) were all at pains to explain that 12th Century warfare wasn’t as Malory, Tennyson or Sam Goldwyn would have us believe. It wasn’t just about smiting a couple of churls with the broadsword then hey, nonny for a stoup of ale and then chase the wenches round the tavern.

It was serious stuff, in which participants were in grave danger of getting terminally dismembered, disembowelled, decapitated… or any combination of all three. Even a modern demonstration of the techniques isn’t without its dangers, hence the unobtrusive presence of the descendants of the Knights of another saint … the St. John Ambulance Brigade!

Chivalry? You’ve been reading too much of that Round Table stuff, Sir Knight! We don’t do that here!

Contrary to the Hollywood interpretation, anything went. Two on one, one against many, striking a man while he was down, attacking from behind and even running away were all acceptable!

What the knights … and their ladies… aimed to show us was the dress, armour and weaponry of the time when Sarum first became a Royal castle, during the Anarchy, a troubled 20-year period following the death of Henry I in 1135. This was the time when the throne was disputed between Henry’s daughter, Matilda and his nephew, Stephen of Blois, a time of skirmishes and minor battles, some of which may have taken place at Sarum.

Away from the knightly pageantry, a duo called Hautbois performed carefully researched music and songs of the period in a covered wagon … and here, surprisingly, is something the film-makers do sometimes get right!

It might not have had a lot to do with St. George, but it was good, instructive fun. In the true English tradition, the event didn’t take place on St. George’s Day itself, but on the previous week-end. And, in the true English tradition, it rained!