Greetings to all Gold and Silver Level Templar Knights. Hope the summer is treating you well. Here in London, UK - it’s so humid. Quite unbearable. Thankfully this country’s steamy history takes my mind off this clammy heat. Now - have I got something interesting for you!
After a week spent hiking along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England - I arrived at the western end of the wall. The city of Carlisle. After many miles of continuous Roman wall, Carlisle is a bit of a disappointment on that front. There’s really not much Roman handiwork left to see. Much of the building material was recycled into the later medieval cathedral and castle. So, I went to look at them instead.
And I wasn’t to be disappointed.
The cathedral is a red sandstone 12th century hulk. Originally an Augustinian priory with a Dominican and Franciscan friary attached. Quite a community of cassocked clerics. But it took a beating from King Henry VIII in the 16th century Reformation when the monasteries were shut down.
England adopted the new Protestant version of Christianity and there was no room for Popes, abbots and monks. The Augustinians, Dominicans and Franciscans were booted out. Told to get real jobs. The buildings they constructed were torn down. In my film below, you can see where the old cloister for the monks was demolished.
And then along came the Scottish Presbyterian Army in the 17th century. Another Protestant force that detested ornamentation and luxury in churches. They casually demolished half the 12th century nave and hauled the rubble up to the castle to build an extension there.
Carlisle Castle was where Mary Queen of Scots spent part of her imprisonment before being beheaded for conspiring to overthrow her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England. The tower where she was confined ended up being demolished in the early 19th century.
But what you can still see is some captivating graffiti from the 1450s. This was meticulously carved into the walls by a supporter of King Richard III. Of course you know him as the evil hunchback monarch given a thoroughly bad press by William Shakespeare. You’ll see in the video below that Richard’s symbol - the boar - is very visible.
So enjoy this film from Carlisle in the north west of England!
Amazing journey, Tony. The history, the visuals and the insights were all very enjoyable and educational. Here’s wishing you a nice air conditioned room, an ottoman to prop your weary legs and a pint of your favorite adult beverage to soothe your mind. Repeat as needed.
Once while visiting Scotland, compliments of the US Navy, I had the privilege to visit Edsel castle. It is truly sobering to walk on and through such history.
NND,
Chris, the Other