...Temporal Castles 1983

Cover of book I purchased while at Warwick

Jessi's recent blog Spiritual and Temporal Castles has reminded me of my past experiences in England. Since I have been trying to write up my personal history anyway, I thought I would take the time to post my short experience in Warwick.

My trip to Warwick Castle was during my last rotation to England while I was in the air force, stationed in Little Rock. I narrowed down the date from the book that I purchased at the castle which as a date of 1983. Since my last rotation was from 4 October - 14 December 1983, it had to be during this time frame. I am guessing late October to early November since the trees still have leaves on them.

It was a cool, wet day. I went as part of a tour from RAF Mildenhall for a day. We left the recreation center at Mildenhall on a coach (bus with an attitude - that is what the blokes call a long range bus.) It was kind for dreary and cool with some showers. Drive took over two hours, going through Cambridge and Bedford. I could see the old dirigible hangers at RAF Cardington as we drove past.

Warwick Castle in those days was run by Madame Tussaud's. There were no Renaissance fairs for trebuchets in those days. Just the castle and the grounds. They did have wax figures in parts of the castle. They did have part of the castle set up like a Royal Weekend Party in 1898, which was attended by the Prince of Wales (future Edward VII.)  Anyway here are the couple of pictures I have from Warwick.

The Barbican

Caesar's Tower and Barbican

Caesar's Tower from Guy's Tower

Guy's Tower

Avon River from Guy's Tower

Barbican and base of Guy's Tower

State Dinning Room

Great Hall

Great Hall

Chapel
Scanned from book

Wax figures from Music Room
Picture was scanned and doesn't give justice to the real thing

We also took the opportunity to wander into the town of Warwick. Here are some of those pictures.

Medieval City Gate
Road now goes around rather than through it

Beauchamp Chapel of St Mary's Church

Street in Warwick

The Lord Leycester Hospital (often known simply as the Lord Leycester) is a retirement home for ex-Servicemen in Warwick, England, that is located next to the West Gate, on High Street. It was built in 1571.

Lord Leyceter's Hospital

Except as noted, all pictures were taken by me.