This is the weekend of the wedding of our nephew, the main reason for our trip to England this year. We leave my cousin's house on the Friday morning with no plans for visits to gardens. I couldn't find anything in the area. However, my cousin suggests we should visit the workhouse on our way to the family event in Lincoln.
SOUTHWELL UNION WORKHOUSE
It was something I heard my grandma say on several occasions. "You'll have us in the workhouse" Did I ever ask her what she was talking about. Never. Later on, when researching my family history, I was to learn about the workhouse. It was a place for the poor and destitute people to go where they would receive shelter, clothing, medical attention and food. In return they would work. It was considered to be a place for able bodied people but eventually became a place for the old and sick. It was a harsh life.
Lucky were those who got to work in the garden which seemed to me to be a pleasant retreat from the cold austerity of life in the building.
It all came to an end when the Labor party took office and the 'Welfare State' was created. See how quickly they were able to do it. The workhouse was to be a thing of the past.
We now pressed on towards Lincoln and our hotel close by the magnificent cathedral. Once registered we took the opportunity to visit the Joseph Banks Conservatory, which is dedicated to his work. ( If you haven't realized already, from my former postings, I have quite a soft spot for Sir Joseph). What a disappointment. Clearly there is no money to fund the upkeep of the building and plants and all are in terrible shape. Enough said.
We turned out attention to the Cathedral. In the words of John Ruskin, "I have always held... that the cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have."
The main door.
A tribute to Sir Joseph Banks, erected by the British Australian Society.
The nave.
The sun shone brightly on the Saturday of the wedding and photographs were taken beside the statue of Tennyson outside the cathedral. Lots of celebrations all weekend and a wonderful opportunity to meet up with all the family until we left on our way on the Sunday morning.
Sunday July 1 2012
We were headed for Yorkshire and Nostell Priory. My GG grandfather hunted here in the 1820s. Our stop for the night was in Carlton and dinner at the local pub was the typical Sunday carvery. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
Then it was back to the B&B to relax in the leather recliner for some soccer. We leave for York in the morning.
Interesting- learn something new every day! The Cathedral photos were incredible. What a great trip! Hopefully the weather is holding for you there (seems so from the photos) and not too much rain or at least not too much to damper your sightseeing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cathedral. Thank you for the lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI thought...if I ever marry again,that's the church.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post. The wedding must have been lovely. That's a gorgeous setting.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a comfy B&B, too.
Have a great weekend.
What a terrible shame about the conservatory.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that you have done a great job portraying our great city. I am fortunate enough to have a photography studio just 50 metres from the Cathedral - it never becomes less impressive. Thank you for sharing your images.
ReplyDeleteAny relation of that Banks to Lady Banks? Great scenes, including the food and reclining...but a TV in a B&B? That's more American than the US!
ReplyDeleteYes, her husband. I first learnt about Sir Joseph Banks through the LAdy Banks Rose. HAve done several posts on this subject including his trip with Cook to Australia and New Zealand. TV in every room these days.
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