Nicola here, back from a holiday sailing on the Norfolk Broads. The Broads is a vast area of connected rivers and lakes in the East of England and it has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. I’ve wanted to go sailing on the Broads since I read a book by Kathleen Fidler called “The Brydons on the Broads” when I was about 12 years old. The Brydons were a family who had lots of adventures but I remembered the story set on the Norfolk Broads in particular because it involved the children seeing a ghost ship and finding a secret Broad. Exciting! One of the special things about the Norfolk Broads is that when you are there, the atmosphere is so strong you can really imagine this happening. There are all sorts of secret little waterways with sailing boats slipping silently by. A kingfisher will flash past flying along the river and disused windmills stand sentinel over the reed beds. It’s a magical landscape.
A Brief History
The Norfolk Broads look like a natural phenomenon but they are manmade. From the 9th century people
cut the peat in the area to use as fuel for heating and cooking. This was a major industry until the 14th century but when sea levels began to rise the water filled the holes created by the peat cutting and formed a series of lakes, the Broads. In the 16th Century, Norwich was England’s second largest city after London and it was very convenient to have a network of waterways to transport wool and agricultural produce for export. For several hundred years Norfolk wherry ships were an iconic sight on the Broads. We saw several restored wherries that are still sailing today, including the one in the photo.
By the 18th century work was underway to drain the marshland of the Broads because it was becoming too flooded. It is from this time that we have the other iconic Broads image – the beautiful windmills that were used as drainage pumps. Some of these have been turned into houses. Others have fallen into ruin. Most are extremely photogenic!
By the 19th century the Broads was starting to be used for pleasure. Fishing was very popular as were the sailing “frolics,” the forerunners of regattas. During the Victorian and Edwardian era the Broads became a holiday destination for rich families seeking an “adventure” holiday! These days anyone can visit the Broads for an adventurous holiday afloat!
The Broads also have a connection to Horatio Nelson; his sister lived at Barton House in the village of Barton Turf. It felt pretty cool to be sailing on Barton Broad and thinking that Nelson had probably done the same thing!
St Benet’s Abbey
One of the places I was keen to visit was St
Benet’s Abbey, a monastery founded before the Norman Conquest of 1066 and the only abbey in England that was not closed as part of Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the monasteries. There is a major archaeological project taking place to excavate St Benet’s. You can read about it here. In the 18th century a windmill was built into the ruins of St Benet’s gatehouse, which gives it the rather extraordinary appearance that it has today.
St Benet’s is a very atmospheric place so it is fitting that there are lots of ghost stories associated with the ruins. One refers to a monk called Brother Pacificus who can be seen rowing across the river in a small boat, accompanied by his dog. It is said that the wherrymen would refuse to moor overnight near the ruins of St Benet’s because they were afraid of the ghosts.
St Benet’s was also a very special place for us for finding a rare butterfly – not the very beautiful swallowtail, which we also saw, but a Wall Brown. This was first named in 1699 and referred to as “The golden marbled butterfly with black eyes.”
Fairhaven
There is a rather nice UK/USA connection at South Walsham, where we visited the Fairhaven Water Gardens. When we went there we discovered that Lord Fairhaven, who created the gardens, took his title from Fairhaven, Massachsetts, which was the place where the first Lord Fairhaven was born.
The water gardens are stunning. They formed part of the South Walsham estate that Lord Fairhaven bought after the 2nd World War. The house and formal gardens had been used as a convalescent home
and the woodland and water garden as a training ground for the home guard. Pleasure boats were sunk in the inner broad, which was also covered with barbed wire, to prevent German flying boat from landing. Tanks were hidden in the garden; some of the tank bays can be seen in the garden today. The house had fallen into disrepair and the garden had become a jungle. From this, Lord Fairhaven created the gorgeous woodland and water gardens that are there today.
How Hill
We also visited the thatched Edwardian mansion of How Hill, built initially as a holiday home for the Boardman family and another place with a gorgeous garden. How Hill looks the epitome of Edwardian luxury but in the grounds is a very different sort of building, a cottage of the type that a marshman and his family might live in. The cottage was built in about 1780 and was tiny. There was one main living room downstairs, a scullery, a larder and tool room. Upstairs were two bedrooms, one for the adults who shared it with the baby, and a room next door for the children (sometimes as many as seven in one tiny room). The cottage was thatched in sedge and reed, harvested on the Broads.
Marshmen did all sorts of work, from operating and maintaining the drainage mills to cutting the hay, which was sent to London to feed the hackney carriage horses. They were also fishermen and they caught eels and shot duck and pheasant. It was a way of life lived mainly afloat. Transport was more likely to be by boat than on the roads or tracks and it struck me that this was completely different from the way that most people would have lived on the land in the Georgian/Regency period.
All this was a far cry from our boat, which was comfortable if not luxurious with a hot shower and four
poster bed! But what was the same was that you get a very different perspective when travelling by water than you do on land. Roads disappear, as does any sense of distance and direction (at least it did for me!) Time seems to slow down (although maybe that is just the effect of being on holiday!)
At the wonderful Museum of the Broads I read up a lot more about the history of the Norfolk Broads.One of the boatmen we met commented that there wasn't much historical fiction that features the Norfolk Broads. This is surprising since it's such an evocative landscape and there is so much history to write about! I can feel a series coming on…
All this from a book that inspired me when I read it as a child! And knowing what voracious and wide-ranging readers we all are I wondered if there was a book you had read as a child – or as an adult – that inspired you to visit a particular place, and whether it lived up to the expectation when you went there?
I want to visit most of England and a few places in Europe because of books I’ve read. Until I read Anne of Green Gables I wasn’t all that keen on Canada but now I want to go.
I want to visit most of England and a few places in Europe because of books I’ve read. Until I read Anne of Green Gables I wasn’t all that keen on Canada but now I want to go.
I want to visit most of England and a few places in Europe because of books I’ve read. Until I read Anne of Green Gables I wasn’t all that keen on Canada but now I want to go.
I want to visit most of England and a few places in Europe because of books I’ve read. Until I read Anne of Green Gables I wasn’t all that keen on Canada but now I want to go.
I want to visit most of England and a few places in Europe because of books I’ve read. Until I read Anne of Green Gables I wasn’t all that keen on Canada but now I want to go.
What a lot of varied things to discover on the Norfolk Broads. Thank you for an interesting peep of that part of England, which, I confess I’ve not seen so far.
As for your question [takes a deep, deep breath] it started with the children’s poem ‘How many miles to Trebizond?’ I’ve been there on a nuber of occasions. And of course the visits were enhanced after reading Rose Macauley’s ‘The Towers of Trebizond’. Then there was that adventure story by Geoffrey Trease: ‘The Hills of Varna’. I just put Varna into my last story. I do love being able to ‘revisit’ places by adding them into tales.
What a lot of varied things to discover on the Norfolk Broads. Thank you for an interesting peep of that part of England, which, I confess I’ve not seen so far.
As for your question [takes a deep, deep breath] it started with the children’s poem ‘How many miles to Trebizond?’ I’ve been there on a nuber of occasions. And of course the visits were enhanced after reading Rose Macauley’s ‘The Towers of Trebizond’. Then there was that adventure story by Geoffrey Trease: ‘The Hills of Varna’. I just put Varna into my last story. I do love being able to ‘revisit’ places by adding them into tales.
What a lot of varied things to discover on the Norfolk Broads. Thank you for an interesting peep of that part of England, which, I confess I’ve not seen so far.
As for your question [takes a deep, deep breath] it started with the children’s poem ‘How many miles to Trebizond?’ I’ve been there on a nuber of occasions. And of course the visits were enhanced after reading Rose Macauley’s ‘The Towers of Trebizond’. Then there was that adventure story by Geoffrey Trease: ‘The Hills of Varna’. I just put Varna into my last story. I do love being able to ‘revisit’ places by adding them into tales.
What a lot of varied things to discover on the Norfolk Broads. Thank you for an interesting peep of that part of England, which, I confess I’ve not seen so far.
As for your question [takes a deep, deep breath] it started with the children’s poem ‘How many miles to Trebizond?’ I’ve been there on a nuber of occasions. And of course the visits were enhanced after reading Rose Macauley’s ‘The Towers of Trebizond’. Then there was that adventure story by Geoffrey Trease: ‘The Hills of Varna’. I just put Varna into my last story. I do love being able to ‘revisit’ places by adding them into tales.
What a lot of varied things to discover on the Norfolk Broads. Thank you for an interesting peep of that part of England, which, I confess I’ve not seen so far.
As for your question [takes a deep, deep breath] it started with the children’s poem ‘How many miles to Trebizond?’ I’ve been there on a nuber of occasions. And of course the visits were enhanced after reading Rose Macauley’s ‘The Towers of Trebizond’. Then there was that adventure story by Geoffrey Trease: ‘The Hills of Varna’. I just put Varna into my last story. I do love being able to ‘revisit’ places by adding them into tales.
I read the Odyssey as a child and dreamed of visiting Greece and the Acropolis. Finally did it as a teenager and it was awesome standing in that temple! Great post, Nicola!
I read the Odyssey as a child and dreamed of visiting Greece and the Acropolis. Finally did it as a teenager and it was awesome standing in that temple! Great post, Nicola!
I read the Odyssey as a child and dreamed of visiting Greece and the Acropolis. Finally did it as a teenager and it was awesome standing in that temple! Great post, Nicola!
I read the Odyssey as a child and dreamed of visiting Greece and the Acropolis. Finally did it as a teenager and it was awesome standing in that temple! Great post, Nicola!
I read the Odyssey as a child and dreamed of visiting Greece and the Acropolis. Finally did it as a teenager and it was awesome standing in that temple! Great post, Nicola!
I love the way that books can inspire us to want to see places we would otherwise not have thought if, Fiona. I too would love to see Canada.
I love the way that books can inspire us to want to see places we would otherwise not have thought if, Fiona. I too would love to see Canada.
I love the way that books can inspire us to want to see places we would otherwise not have thought if, Fiona. I too would love to see Canada.
I love the way that books can inspire us to want to see places we would otherwise not have thought if, Fiona. I too would love to see Canada.
I love the way that books can inspire us to want to see places we would otherwise not have thought if, Fiona. I too would love to see Canada.
How marvellously exotic, Beth! Just the titles of those books have so much promise. I am not surprised you were inspired! And how wonderful you have been able to include Varna in your own writing!
How marvellously exotic, Beth! Just the titles of those books have so much promise. I am not surprised you were inspired! And how wonderful you have been able to include Varna in your own writing!
How marvellously exotic, Beth! Just the titles of those books have so much promise. I am not surprised you were inspired! And how wonderful you have been able to include Varna in your own writing!
How marvellously exotic, Beth! Just the titles of those books have so much promise. I am not surprised you were inspired! And how wonderful you have been able to include Varna in your own writing!
How marvellously exotic, Beth! Just the titles of those books have so much promise. I am not surprised you were inspired! And how wonderful you have been able to include Varna in your own writing!
Hi Christina! How wonderful to have a dream of visiting Greece and then to be able to stand in the Acropolis! It’s a very awe-inspiring feeling when you get to see a place that has conjured so many images in your imagination.
Hi Christina! How wonderful to have a dream of visiting Greece and then to be able to stand in the Acropolis! It’s a very awe-inspiring feeling when you get to see a place that has conjured so many images in your imagination.
Hi Christina! How wonderful to have a dream of visiting Greece and then to be able to stand in the Acropolis! It’s a very awe-inspiring feeling when you get to see a place that has conjured so many images in your imagination.
Hi Christina! How wonderful to have a dream of visiting Greece and then to be able to stand in the Acropolis! It’s a very awe-inspiring feeling when you get to see a place that has conjured so many images in your imagination.
Hi Christina! How wonderful to have a dream of visiting Greece and then to be able to stand in the Acropolis! It’s a very awe-inspiring feeling when you get to see a place that has conjured so many images in your imagination.
I bought a copy of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca with a book token I got as a school prize. My family holidayed in Cornwall every year, but I couldn’t persuade my dad to take me to Manderley. I know it’s a private house, but I would still love to sneak in and wander the grounds there. I was also a huge fan of the Famous Five books and wanted to go to Kirrin Island. I know it doesn’t exist, but funnily enough, the village which is just a mile away from my home is called Kirn. So I guess I kind of got there!
I bought a copy of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca with a book token I got as a school prize. My family holidayed in Cornwall every year, but I couldn’t persuade my dad to take me to Manderley. I know it’s a private house, but I would still love to sneak in and wander the grounds there. I was also a huge fan of the Famous Five books and wanted to go to Kirrin Island. I know it doesn’t exist, but funnily enough, the village which is just a mile away from my home is called Kirn. So I guess I kind of got there!
I bought a copy of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca with a book token I got as a school prize. My family holidayed in Cornwall every year, but I couldn’t persuade my dad to take me to Manderley. I know it’s a private house, but I would still love to sneak in and wander the grounds there. I was also a huge fan of the Famous Five books and wanted to go to Kirrin Island. I know it doesn’t exist, but funnily enough, the village which is just a mile away from my home is called Kirn. So I guess I kind of got there!
I bought a copy of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca with a book token I got as a school prize. My family holidayed in Cornwall every year, but I couldn’t persuade my dad to take me to Manderley. I know it’s a private house, but I would still love to sneak in and wander the grounds there. I was also a huge fan of the Famous Five books and wanted to go to Kirrin Island. I know it doesn’t exist, but funnily enough, the village which is just a mile away from my home is called Kirn. So I guess I kind of got there!
I bought a copy of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca with a book token I got as a school prize. My family holidayed in Cornwall every year, but I couldn’t persuade my dad to take me to Manderley. I know it’s a private house, but I would still love to sneak in and wander the grounds there. I was also a huge fan of the Famous Five books and wanted to go to Kirrin Island. I know it doesn’t exist, but funnily enough, the village which is just a mile away from my home is called Kirn. So I guess I kind of got there!
My reading is more often driven by where I’ve been than where I want to go.
I had to look it up, but I correctly remembered Mary Stewart referring to the Norfolk Broads in Airs Above The Ground, where the hero’s claim to nautical expertise was part ownership of a 12 foot dingy and “fall[ing] in twice on the Norfolk Broads”. You’ve given me a much more accurate mental image
My reading is more often driven by where I’ve been than where I want to go.
I had to look it up, but I correctly remembered Mary Stewart referring to the Norfolk Broads in Airs Above The Ground, where the hero’s claim to nautical expertise was part ownership of a 12 foot dingy and “fall[ing] in twice on the Norfolk Broads”. You’ve given me a much more accurate mental image
My reading is more often driven by where I’ve been than where I want to go.
I had to look it up, but I correctly remembered Mary Stewart referring to the Norfolk Broads in Airs Above The Ground, where the hero’s claim to nautical expertise was part ownership of a 12 foot dingy and “fall[ing] in twice on the Norfolk Broads”. You’ve given me a much more accurate mental image
My reading is more often driven by where I’ve been than where I want to go.
I had to look it up, but I correctly remembered Mary Stewart referring to the Norfolk Broads in Airs Above The Ground, where the hero’s claim to nautical expertise was part ownership of a 12 foot dingy and “fall[ing] in twice on the Norfolk Broads”. You’ve given me a much more accurate mental image
My reading is more often driven by where I’ve been than where I want to go.
I had to look it up, but I correctly remembered Mary Stewart referring to the Norfolk Broads in Airs Above The Ground, where the hero’s claim to nautical expertise was part ownership of a 12 foot dingy and “fall[ing] in twice on the Norfolk Broads”. You’ve given me a much more accurate mental image
How cool would it be to go to Manderley, Marguerite? I’m a huge fan of DDM as well and my love of Cornwall was definitely fostered by through her influence and Mary Stewart’s Arthurian tales. I was almost beside myself with excitement when I was able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek, though I found it so spooky I didn’t sleep well that week!
How great that you ended up living near your very own “Kirrin!”
How cool would it be to go to Manderley, Marguerite? I’m a huge fan of DDM as well and my love of Cornwall was definitely fostered by through her influence and Mary Stewart’s Arthurian tales. I was almost beside myself with excitement when I was able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek, though I found it so spooky I didn’t sleep well that week!
How great that you ended up living near your very own “Kirrin!”
How cool would it be to go to Manderley, Marguerite? I’m a huge fan of DDM as well and my love of Cornwall was definitely fostered by through her influence and Mary Stewart’s Arthurian tales. I was almost beside myself with excitement when I was able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek, though I found it so spooky I didn’t sleep well that week!
How great that you ended up living near your very own “Kirrin!”
How cool would it be to go to Manderley, Marguerite? I’m a huge fan of DDM as well and my love of Cornwall was definitely fostered by through her influence and Mary Stewart’s Arthurian tales. I was almost beside myself with excitement when I was able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek, though I found it so spooky I didn’t sleep well that week!
How great that you ended up living near your very own “Kirrin!”
How cool would it be to go to Manderley, Marguerite? I’m a huge fan of DDM as well and my love of Cornwall was definitely fostered by through her influence and Mary Stewart’s Arthurian tales. I was almost beside myself with excitement when I was able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek, though I found it so spooky I didn’t sleep well that week!
How great that you ended up living near your very own “Kirrin!”
Thank you for the Mary Stewart reference, Liz. I hadn’t realised she mentioned the Broads in Airs Above The Ground. I now have something in common with a Mary Stewart hero! So pleased you liked the post. Thank you!
Thank you for the Mary Stewart reference, Liz. I hadn’t realised she mentioned the Broads in Airs Above The Ground. I now have something in common with a Mary Stewart hero! So pleased you liked the post. Thank you!
Thank you for the Mary Stewart reference, Liz. I hadn’t realised she mentioned the Broads in Airs Above The Ground. I now have something in common with a Mary Stewart hero! So pleased you liked the post. Thank you!
Thank you for the Mary Stewart reference, Liz. I hadn’t realised she mentioned the Broads in Airs Above The Ground. I now have something in common with a Mary Stewart hero! So pleased you liked the post. Thank you!
Thank you for the Mary Stewart reference, Liz. I hadn’t realised she mentioned the Broads in Airs Above The Ground. I now have something in common with a Mary Stewart hero! So pleased you liked the post. Thank you!
Its sounds like you had a great holiday.I have often thought of visiting the broads but the closest i have got was a study week staying in the little white cottage you can see in Constable’s Haywain and I have never been so cold in my life which unfortunately put me off the East of England !!I know what you mean about a boating holiday tho as we sailed down the river Shannon in Ireland and although in miles we did not travel so far it was so relaxing and as you said the land looks so different from the water.
Its sounds like you had a great holiday.I have often thought of visiting the broads but the closest i have got was a study week staying in the little white cottage you can see in Constable’s Haywain and I have never been so cold in my life which unfortunately put me off the East of England !!I know what you mean about a boating holiday tho as we sailed down the river Shannon in Ireland and although in miles we did not travel so far it was so relaxing and as you said the land looks so different from the water.
Its sounds like you had a great holiday.I have often thought of visiting the broads but the closest i have got was a study week staying in the little white cottage you can see in Constable’s Haywain and I have never been so cold in my life which unfortunately put me off the East of England !!I know what you mean about a boating holiday tho as we sailed down the river Shannon in Ireland and although in miles we did not travel so far it was so relaxing and as you said the land looks so different from the water.
Its sounds like you had a great holiday.I have often thought of visiting the broads but the closest i have got was a study week staying in the little white cottage you can see in Constable’s Haywain and I have never been so cold in my life which unfortunately put me off the East of England !!I know what you mean about a boating holiday tho as we sailed down the river Shannon in Ireland and although in miles we did not travel so far it was so relaxing and as you said the land looks so different from the water.
Its sounds like you had a great holiday.I have often thought of visiting the broads but the closest i have got was a study week staying in the little white cottage you can see in Constable’s Haywain and I have never been so cold in my life which unfortunately put me off the East of England !!I know what you mean about a boating holiday tho as we sailed down the river Shannon in Ireland and although in miles we did not travel so far it was so relaxing and as you said the land looks so different from the water.
I’ve read about lots of places that I yearned to visit, and I’ve been to a good many of them. (A Phyllis Whitney book set in Capetown made me want to visit and I have–Table Mountain is as gorgeous as described.)
But now I REALLY want to visit the Broads! I once drove around the coast of Norfolk, which was pretty neat, but we never made it to the Broads. Spending a few days cruising around on a cozy little boat as you did sounds wonderful!
I’ve read about lots of places that I yearned to visit, and I’ve been to a good many of them. (A Phyllis Whitney book set in Capetown made me want to visit and I have–Table Mountain is as gorgeous as described.)
But now I REALLY want to visit the Broads! I once drove around the coast of Norfolk, which was pretty neat, but we never made it to the Broads. Spending a few days cruising around on a cozy little boat as you did sounds wonderful!
I’ve read about lots of places that I yearned to visit, and I’ve been to a good many of them. (A Phyllis Whitney book set in Capetown made me want to visit and I have–Table Mountain is as gorgeous as described.)
But now I REALLY want to visit the Broads! I once drove around the coast of Norfolk, which was pretty neat, but we never made it to the Broads. Spending a few days cruising around on a cozy little boat as you did sounds wonderful!
I’ve read about lots of places that I yearned to visit, and I’ve been to a good many of them. (A Phyllis Whitney book set in Capetown made me want to visit and I have–Table Mountain is as gorgeous as described.)
But now I REALLY want to visit the Broads! I once drove around the coast of Norfolk, which was pretty neat, but we never made it to the Broads. Spending a few days cruising around on a cozy little boat as you did sounds wonderful!
I’ve read about lots of places that I yearned to visit, and I’ve been to a good many of them. (A Phyllis Whitney book set in Capetown made me want to visit and I have–Table Mountain is as gorgeous as described.)
But now I REALLY want to visit the Broads! I once drove around the coast of Norfolk, which was pretty neat, but we never made it to the Broads. Spending a few days cruising around on a cozy little boat as you did sounds wonderful!
My husband and I have taken several self-guided walking tours in England, and the first, to Derbyshire, was inspired by several books. There is a Jane Eyre connection, Geraldine Brooks “A Year of Wonders” takes place there, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s aunt have a conversation about a village with a great oak in Derbyshire. Plus I’d recently read Amanda Foreman’s biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so was eager to visit Chatsworth. Loved the fact that every time I turned around I practically tripped on a literary reference. Must admit, however, that I’d not heard of the Broads but now have another place to put on my must visit list.
My husband and I have taken several self-guided walking tours in England, and the first, to Derbyshire, was inspired by several books. There is a Jane Eyre connection, Geraldine Brooks “A Year of Wonders” takes place there, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s aunt have a conversation about a village with a great oak in Derbyshire. Plus I’d recently read Amanda Foreman’s biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so was eager to visit Chatsworth. Loved the fact that every time I turned around I practically tripped on a literary reference. Must admit, however, that I’d not heard of the Broads but now have another place to put on my must visit list.
My husband and I have taken several self-guided walking tours in England, and the first, to Derbyshire, was inspired by several books. There is a Jane Eyre connection, Geraldine Brooks “A Year of Wonders” takes place there, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s aunt have a conversation about a village with a great oak in Derbyshire. Plus I’d recently read Amanda Foreman’s biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so was eager to visit Chatsworth. Loved the fact that every time I turned around I practically tripped on a literary reference. Must admit, however, that I’d not heard of the Broads but now have another place to put on my must visit list.
My husband and I have taken several self-guided walking tours in England, and the first, to Derbyshire, was inspired by several books. There is a Jane Eyre connection, Geraldine Brooks “A Year of Wonders” takes place there, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s aunt have a conversation about a village with a great oak in Derbyshire. Plus I’d recently read Amanda Foreman’s biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so was eager to visit Chatsworth. Loved the fact that every time I turned around I practically tripped on a literary reference. Must admit, however, that I’d not heard of the Broads but now have another place to put on my must visit list.
My husband and I have taken several self-guided walking tours in England, and the first, to Derbyshire, was inspired by several books. There is a Jane Eyre connection, Geraldine Brooks “A Year of Wonders” takes place there, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s aunt have a conversation about a village with a great oak in Derbyshire. Plus I’d recently read Amanda Foreman’s biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so was eager to visit Chatsworth. Loved the fact that every time I turned around I practically tripped on a literary reference. Must admit, however, that I’d not heard of the Broads but now have another place to put on my must visit list.
Thank you for a fascinating article about the Broads. I remember reading the Brydon books! But the ones which I remember most about the Broads are the Arthur Ransome books which he set there – The Coot Club, for example.
There are several places, both in England and abroad, which I’ve visited or want to visit because of certain books, and which will always be associated with those books. I’ve yet to see Roman France bit when I go I’ll take Mary Stewart Madam, Will You Talk as my guidebook!
Thank you for a fascinating article about the Broads. I remember reading the Brydon books! But the ones which I remember most about the Broads are the Arthur Ransome books which he set there – The Coot Club, for example.
There are several places, both in England and abroad, which I’ve visited or want to visit because of certain books, and which will always be associated with those books. I’ve yet to see Roman France bit when I go I’ll take Mary Stewart Madam, Will You Talk as my guidebook!
Thank you for a fascinating article about the Broads. I remember reading the Brydon books! But the ones which I remember most about the Broads are the Arthur Ransome books which he set there – The Coot Club, for example.
There are several places, both in England and abroad, which I’ve visited or want to visit because of certain books, and which will always be associated with those books. I’ve yet to see Roman France bit when I go I’ll take Mary Stewart Madam, Will You Talk as my guidebook!
Thank you for a fascinating article about the Broads. I remember reading the Brydon books! But the ones which I remember most about the Broads are the Arthur Ransome books which he set there – The Coot Club, for example.
There are several places, both in England and abroad, which I’ve visited or want to visit because of certain books, and which will always be associated with those books. I’ve yet to see Roman France bit when I go I’ll take Mary Stewart Madam, Will You Talk as my guidebook!
Thank you for a fascinating article about the Broads. I remember reading the Brydon books! But the ones which I remember most about the Broads are the Arthur Ransome books which he set there – The Coot Club, for example.
There are several places, both in England and abroad, which I’ve visited or want to visit because of certain books, and which will always be associated with those books. I’ve yet to see Roman France bit when I go I’ll take Mary Stewart Madam, Will You Talk as my guidebook!
In more than one historical romance, the White Cliffs of Dover are mentioned, so I had to go to Dover. It was a busy day with a tour of the castle, the tunnels, and a boat tour to see the cliffs from the channel. I stayed in Folkestone so I got to see two distinctly different port towns.
Many Regencies mention Brighton so I included that too. The Pavilion is amazing, both the architecture and the interior decoration. One of the featured items are painted cats in chinoiserie style. They had cat earrings painted in pinks and blues of the figurines that I could not resist.
I saw the original Rosetta Stone in the British Museum. When I had spare time when in Egypt, I took an organized tour to Rashid to see where it had been discovered that ended up being me, the driver, and the tour guide. Rashid’s a sleepy coastal town on the Nile Delta. The museum has a copy of the Rosetta Stone; the tour also included a stop at an interesting mosque with the most beautiful Turkish baths, and couple of Ottoman mansions. As I recall, there was a lunch cruise so I could see the town from Mediterranean; I know what you mean about being out on the water being a moment out of time.
In more than one historical romance, the White Cliffs of Dover are mentioned, so I had to go to Dover. It was a busy day with a tour of the castle, the tunnels, and a boat tour to see the cliffs from the channel. I stayed in Folkestone so I got to see two distinctly different port towns.
Many Regencies mention Brighton so I included that too. The Pavilion is amazing, both the architecture and the interior decoration. One of the featured items are painted cats in chinoiserie style. They had cat earrings painted in pinks and blues of the figurines that I could not resist.
I saw the original Rosetta Stone in the British Museum. When I had spare time when in Egypt, I took an organized tour to Rashid to see where it had been discovered that ended up being me, the driver, and the tour guide. Rashid’s a sleepy coastal town on the Nile Delta. The museum has a copy of the Rosetta Stone; the tour also included a stop at an interesting mosque with the most beautiful Turkish baths, and couple of Ottoman mansions. As I recall, there was a lunch cruise so I could see the town from Mediterranean; I know what you mean about being out on the water being a moment out of time.
In more than one historical romance, the White Cliffs of Dover are mentioned, so I had to go to Dover. It was a busy day with a tour of the castle, the tunnels, and a boat tour to see the cliffs from the channel. I stayed in Folkestone so I got to see two distinctly different port towns.
Many Regencies mention Brighton so I included that too. The Pavilion is amazing, both the architecture and the interior decoration. One of the featured items are painted cats in chinoiserie style. They had cat earrings painted in pinks and blues of the figurines that I could not resist.
I saw the original Rosetta Stone in the British Museum. When I had spare time when in Egypt, I took an organized tour to Rashid to see where it had been discovered that ended up being me, the driver, and the tour guide. Rashid’s a sleepy coastal town on the Nile Delta. The museum has a copy of the Rosetta Stone; the tour also included a stop at an interesting mosque with the most beautiful Turkish baths, and couple of Ottoman mansions. As I recall, there was a lunch cruise so I could see the town from Mediterranean; I know what you mean about being out on the water being a moment out of time.
In more than one historical romance, the White Cliffs of Dover are mentioned, so I had to go to Dover. It was a busy day with a tour of the castle, the tunnels, and a boat tour to see the cliffs from the channel. I stayed in Folkestone so I got to see two distinctly different port towns.
Many Regencies mention Brighton so I included that too. The Pavilion is amazing, both the architecture and the interior decoration. One of the featured items are painted cats in chinoiserie style. They had cat earrings painted in pinks and blues of the figurines that I could not resist.
I saw the original Rosetta Stone in the British Museum. When I had spare time when in Egypt, I took an organized tour to Rashid to see where it had been discovered that ended up being me, the driver, and the tour guide. Rashid’s a sleepy coastal town on the Nile Delta. The museum has a copy of the Rosetta Stone; the tour also included a stop at an interesting mosque with the most beautiful Turkish baths, and couple of Ottoman mansions. As I recall, there was a lunch cruise so I could see the town from Mediterranean; I know what you mean about being out on the water being a moment out of time.
In more than one historical romance, the White Cliffs of Dover are mentioned, so I had to go to Dover. It was a busy day with a tour of the castle, the tunnels, and a boat tour to see the cliffs from the channel. I stayed in Folkestone so I got to see two distinctly different port towns.
Many Regencies mention Brighton so I included that too. The Pavilion is amazing, both the architecture and the interior decoration. One of the featured items are painted cats in chinoiserie style. They had cat earrings painted in pinks and blues of the figurines that I could not resist.
I saw the original Rosetta Stone in the British Museum. When I had spare time when in Egypt, I took an organized tour to Rashid to see where it had been discovered that ended up being me, the driver, and the tour guide. Rashid’s a sleepy coastal town on the Nile Delta. The museum has a copy of the Rosetta Stone; the tour also included a stop at an interesting mosque with the most beautiful Turkish baths, and couple of Ottoman mansions. As I recall, there was a lunch cruise so I could see the town from Mediterranean; I know what you mean about being out on the water being a moment out of time.
Was that at Flatford Mill, Jo? I’ve been on a course there but now I’ve read about your experiences I’m glad I stayed somewhere else! The Shannon is wonderful for a boating holiday, isn’t it. I thought of the monastery at Clonmacnois when we passed St Benet’s Abbey.
Was that at Flatford Mill, Jo? I’ve been on a course there but now I’ve read about your experiences I’m glad I stayed somewhere else! The Shannon is wonderful for a boating holiday, isn’t it. I thought of the monastery at Clonmacnois when we passed St Benet’s Abbey.
Was that at Flatford Mill, Jo? I’ve been on a course there but now I’ve read about your experiences I’m glad I stayed somewhere else! The Shannon is wonderful for a boating holiday, isn’t it. I thought of the monastery at Clonmacnois when we passed St Benet’s Abbey.
Was that at Flatford Mill, Jo? I’ve been on a course there but now I’ve read about your experiences I’m glad I stayed somewhere else! The Shannon is wonderful for a boating holiday, isn’t it. I thought of the monastery at Clonmacnois when we passed St Benet’s Abbey.
Was that at Flatford Mill, Jo? I’ve been on a course there but now I’ve read about your experiences I’m glad I stayed somewhere else! The Shannon is wonderful for a boating holiday, isn’t it. I thought of the monastery at Clonmacnois when we passed St Benet’s Abbey.
Thanks, Mary Jo! I think you would like it. The Norfolk coast is gorgeous too.
Oh Phyllis Whitney! Yes, she was another author who inspired a desire to travel in me. It would be stunning to see Table Mountain.
Thanks, Mary Jo! I think you would like it. The Norfolk coast is gorgeous too.
Oh Phyllis Whitney! Yes, she was another author who inspired a desire to travel in me. It would be stunning to see Table Mountain.
Thanks, Mary Jo! I think you would like it. The Norfolk coast is gorgeous too.
Oh Phyllis Whitney! Yes, she was another author who inspired a desire to travel in me. It would be stunning to see Table Mountain.
Thanks, Mary Jo! I think you would like it. The Norfolk coast is gorgeous too.
Oh Phyllis Whitney! Yes, she was another author who inspired a desire to travel in me. It would be stunning to see Table Mountain.
Thanks, Mary Jo! I think you would like it. The Norfolk coast is gorgeous too.
Oh Phyllis Whitney! Yes, she was another author who inspired a desire to travel in me. It would be stunning to see Table Mountain.
Susan, what a fabulous trip that sounds. A Literary tour is a must for me now!
HJ, I’m glad you remember the Brydons too! I would love to visit the South of France and go to all the places mentioned in Madam will you talk.
Susan, what a fabulous trip that sounds. A Literary tour is a must for me now!
HJ, I’m glad you remember the Brydons too! I would love to visit the South of France and go to all the places mentioned in Madam will you talk.
Susan, what a fabulous trip that sounds. A Literary tour is a must for me now!
HJ, I’m glad you remember the Brydons too! I would love to visit the South of France and go to all the places mentioned in Madam will you talk.
Susan, what a fabulous trip that sounds. A Literary tour is a must for me now!
HJ, I’m glad you remember the Brydons too! I would love to visit the South of France and go to all the places mentioned in Madam will you talk.
Susan, what a fabulous trip that sounds. A Literary tour is a must for me now!
HJ, I’m glad you remember the Brydons too! I would love to visit the South of France and go to all the places mentioned in Madam will you talk.
What a fabulous trip, Shannon. The Brighton Pavilion is amazing, isn’t it. I envy you that Egyptian trip. It must have been awe-inspiring to go to the site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
What a fabulous trip, Shannon. The Brighton Pavilion is amazing, isn’t it. I envy you that Egyptian trip. It must have been awe-inspiring to go to the site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
What a fabulous trip, Shannon. The Brighton Pavilion is amazing, isn’t it. I envy you that Egyptian trip. It must have been awe-inspiring to go to the site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
What a fabulous trip, Shannon. The Brighton Pavilion is amazing, isn’t it. I envy you that Egyptian trip. It must have been awe-inspiring to go to the site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
What a fabulous trip, Shannon. The Brighton Pavilion is amazing, isn’t it. I envy you that Egyptian trip. It must have been awe-inspiring to go to the site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
It was Flatford Mill tho some time ago hopefully if they still use the cottage for accommodation they have added some central heating ! Idyllic surroundings are all very well but I for one need some creature comforts !I didn’t realise Arthur Ransome wrote about the broads I always associate his books with the Lake District.
It was Flatford Mill tho some time ago hopefully if they still use the cottage for accommodation they have added some central heating ! Idyllic surroundings are all very well but I for one need some creature comforts !I didn’t realise Arthur Ransome wrote about the broads I always associate his books with the Lake District.
It was Flatford Mill tho some time ago hopefully if they still use the cottage for accommodation they have added some central heating ! Idyllic surroundings are all very well but I for one need some creature comforts !I didn’t realise Arthur Ransome wrote about the broads I always associate his books with the Lake District.
It was Flatford Mill tho some time ago hopefully if they still use the cottage for accommodation they have added some central heating ! Idyllic surroundings are all very well but I for one need some creature comforts !I didn’t realise Arthur Ransome wrote about the broads I always associate his books with the Lake District.
It was Flatford Mill tho some time ago hopefully if they still use the cottage for accommodation they have added some central heating ! Idyllic surroundings are all very well but I for one need some creature comforts !I didn’t realise Arthur Ransome wrote about the broads I always associate his books with the Lake District.
Gosh, that would be a bit Spartan without heating, Jo! I was another one who didn’t realise the connection of Arthur Ransome to the Broads until my dh mentioned it whilst we were away. He had read all the books whilst sailing on the Broads as a boy!
Gosh, that would be a bit Spartan without heating, Jo! I was another one who didn’t realise the connection of Arthur Ransome to the Broads until my dh mentioned it whilst we were away. He had read all the books whilst sailing on the Broads as a boy!
Gosh, that would be a bit Spartan without heating, Jo! I was another one who didn’t realise the connection of Arthur Ransome to the Broads until my dh mentioned it whilst we were away. He had read all the books whilst sailing on the Broads as a boy!
Gosh, that would be a bit Spartan without heating, Jo! I was another one who didn’t realise the connection of Arthur Ransome to the Broads until my dh mentioned it whilst we were away. He had read all the books whilst sailing on the Broads as a boy!
Gosh, that would be a bit Spartan without heating, Jo! I was another one who didn’t realise the connection of Arthur Ransome to the Broads until my dh mentioned it whilst we were away. He had read all the books whilst sailing on the Broads as a boy!
I woul love to visit the Broads on a boat and do a cana; trip on a barge, and visit every house in the National trust. Alas, I have to limit my travel to books and the internet where I find such descriptions as this.
I dislike flying but would gladly hop on a plane to return to England. For such a relatively small land mass , it certainly is crammed full of history and beauty.
I woul love to visit the Broads on a boat and do a cana; trip on a barge, and visit every house in the National trust. Alas, I have to limit my travel to books and the internet where I find such descriptions as this.
I dislike flying but would gladly hop on a plane to return to England. For such a relatively small land mass , it certainly is crammed full of history and beauty.
I woul love to visit the Broads on a boat and do a cana; trip on a barge, and visit every house in the National trust. Alas, I have to limit my travel to books and the internet where I find such descriptions as this.
I dislike flying but would gladly hop on a plane to return to England. For such a relatively small land mass , it certainly is crammed full of history and beauty.
I woul love to visit the Broads on a boat and do a cana; trip on a barge, and visit every house in the National trust. Alas, I have to limit my travel to books and the internet where I find such descriptions as this.
I dislike flying but would gladly hop on a plane to return to England. For such a relatively small land mass , it certainly is crammed full of history and beauty.
I woul love to visit the Broads on a boat and do a cana; trip on a barge, and visit every house in the National trust. Alas, I have to limit my travel to books and the internet where I find such descriptions as this.
I dislike flying but would gladly hop on a plane to return to England. For such a relatively small land mass , it certainly is crammed full of history and beauty.
Thank you, Nancy. I do think we are very fortunate here to have so much heritage to explore and so many beautiful places. I also love visiting the USA though!
Thank you, Nancy. I do think we are very fortunate here to have so much heritage to explore and so many beautiful places. I also love visiting the USA though!
Thank you, Nancy. I do think we are very fortunate here to have so much heritage to explore and so many beautiful places. I also love visiting the USA though!
Thank you, Nancy. I do think we are very fortunate here to have so much heritage to explore and so many beautiful places. I also love visiting the USA though!
Thank you, Nancy. I do think we are very fortunate here to have so much heritage to explore and so many beautiful places. I also love visiting the USA though!
I really enjoyed the article about the Broads. I think the Georgette Heyer books especially those set in Bath inspired me to include a stop there when in England. Seeing The Crescent, visiting the pump room and having tea were wonderful. Of course, we also visited the baths. I definitely did not have enough time to explore everything. It is a visit I won’t forget.Every time I read or reread a book with a setting in Bath,it brings all the wonderful memories of that trip back.Carolyn C.
I really enjoyed the article about the Broads. I think the Georgette Heyer books especially those set in Bath inspired me to include a stop there when in England. Seeing The Crescent, visiting the pump room and having tea were wonderful. Of course, we also visited the baths. I definitely did not have enough time to explore everything. It is a visit I won’t forget.Every time I read or reread a book with a setting in Bath,it brings all the wonderful memories of that trip back.Carolyn C.
I really enjoyed the article about the Broads. I think the Georgette Heyer books especially those set in Bath inspired me to include a stop there when in England. Seeing The Crescent, visiting the pump room and having tea were wonderful. Of course, we also visited the baths. I definitely did not have enough time to explore everything. It is a visit I won’t forget.Every time I read or reread a book with a setting in Bath,it brings all the wonderful memories of that trip back.Carolyn C.
I really enjoyed the article about the Broads. I think the Georgette Heyer books especially those set in Bath inspired me to include a stop there when in England. Seeing The Crescent, visiting the pump room and having tea were wonderful. Of course, we also visited the baths. I definitely did not have enough time to explore everything. It is a visit I won’t forget.Every time I read or reread a book with a setting in Bath,it brings all the wonderful memories of that trip back.Carolyn C.
I really enjoyed the article about the Broads. I think the Georgette Heyer books especially those set in Bath inspired me to include a stop there when in England. Seeing The Crescent, visiting the pump room and having tea were wonderful. Of course, we also visited the baths. I definitely did not have enough time to explore everything. It is a visit I won’t forget.Every time I read or reread a book with a setting in Bath,it brings all the wonderful memories of that trip back.Carolyn C.
Camelot, of course! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola for sharing your vacation with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I learned something today!
Camelot, of course! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola for sharing your vacation with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I learned something today!
Camelot, of course! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola for sharing your vacation with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I learned something today!
Camelot, of course! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola for sharing your vacation with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I learned something today!
Camelot, of course! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola for sharing your vacation with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I learned something today!