Enjoy the Heritage of the Castles of England

Posted by admin on June 11th, 2010 — Posted in Living History, Way Out

More than 30 medieval castles still exist in the southeast region of England as a reminder of the days when Britain was a land separated by ruling families who built sturdy forts to protect their lands from invaders, both international and local. Contemporary castle excursions allow visitors to obtain a sense of how important these amazingly preserved complexes are to the rich historical past and traditions of Britain. Checking out the the royal collections of distinctive aristocrats like Mary Queen of Scots during guided tours of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex present visitors a feeling of the grandeur and elegance that were all around the British aristocracy in medieval days. The expert guides tell tales that bring the past alive as they recount famed struggles and stories that are around this fascinating castle. At the majestic Guildford Castle, visitors can safely clamber to high atop of the Great Tower to see the wide ranging sight that was utilised by the castle’s defenders to see approaching enemy troops. Within are showcases that let tourists examine versions of the castle as it was formerly made in the 1300s. Informative videos describe the part that Guildford Castle played in British heritage. As soon as the spectacular Herstmonceux castle comes into view, visitors are amazed by the moat that draws attentions to how sturdy defenses were necessary to discourage invaders when this castle was made in the violent times of 15th century England. Though once in ruins, the castle has been superbly restored and is now house of the Queen’s Bader Institute. Encircling the castle next to the moat are public gardens that represent the Elizabethan era when grounds were elegant play grounds for the aristocracy. After the turning forest trails that lead to woodland sculptures that are displayed in the Shakesphere garden, Rose Garden and the Herb Garden give tourists a sense of how the romance of chivalry was once performed in the midst of these spectacular surroundings. High on top of the well known white cliffs of Kent, the Dover Castle’s breath-taking sights throughout the English channel make it clear why this old site has been used for centuries to defend the south eastern shores of Britain. Dover Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his win at the Battle of Hastings, yet there are damages surrounding the castle that date back much further, and evidence of upgrades through the years. Viewing the many versions of this strategic site, which include a hall once referred to as Arthur’s Hall, gives current visitors an idea of Britain’s rich history. When you come into Hever Castle, the childhood household of Anne Boylen, the homely atmosphere is quite different from other southeastern English castles. The exhibits of personal items and recreations of the gowns worn by the six wives of Henry the VIII echos the opulence of 16th century Tudor lifestyle. But the group of weapons, armour and tools of torture and execution in the Council Chamber talk of a much darker side of life full of high intrigue and authentic risk that lurked in the medieval courts. Find out more information and facts about some of the numerous Castles in England

The Evolution of the Watch

Posted by admin on June 25th, 2009 — Posted in Living History

The first fairly accurate clocks used weighted pendulums, which by their very nature were of no use at sea or in a portable watch. The invention of the spring mechanism brought in the development of “pocket clockes” in Tudor England allowing clockmakers the ability to put a time keeping device in a small, mobile, container.

The very first pocket watch was created by Peter Henlein in 1524 and it is rumored that Henry VIII had one of these kept on a chain around his neck. These early watches only had an hour hand, the inaccuracy of the watches at this time made a minute hand useless. The evolution of the miniaturization process of these spring based designs allowed for the making of portable watches that would work at sea. The Waltham Watch Company founded in 1850 by Aaron Dennison pioneered the manufacturing of interchangeable parts and is still a top watchmaker today.

In the 1868 the first wristwatch was made by the Patek Philippe company, a joint venture of Antoinne Patek and French watchmaker Adrien Phillippe, the inventor of the keyless wind mechanism. It was considered an accessory for women until the 2oth century. Because of its exclusivity, luxury tag, low volume production and cost, Patek Philippe lost the market and lost much of its business. The Stern family took over the firm in 1929.

Patek Philippe remains a force in the quartz watch industry introducing not only the perpetual calendar, chronograph, and minute repeater but also the most complicated mechanical watch ever made. In 1989, the company created the Calibre 89, in celebration of their 150th anniversary. This watch has 33 complications including the date of Easter, a thermometer, a sunrise time, equation of time and more!

In the early 1900’s, the wristwatch became popular with men due to the Brazilian inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont who wanted a more convenient way of checking time while in the aircraft he was working on. He approached his friend, Louis Cartier and asked him for a watch that he could read easier and Cartier designed a leather-band wristwatch for him that he never took off.

Because Cartier was a popular figure in Paris, he was able to sell these watches to many other men and by the Fist World War, officers in all armies were turning to the wristwatches because it was much easier in the battlefield to just look at a watch on their wrist than to have to reach in their pocket for a pocket watch.

Army contractors began issuing cheap, reliable, mass produced watches to artillery and infantry officers so they could synchronize their attacks. At the end of the war, these European and American veterans were allowed to return home with their wristwatches helping to make them popular among middle class Western civilian culture. Today almost everyone wears a wristwatch as a direct result of this introduction in World War 1.