Heacham in Norfolk

Heacham Norfolk Heacham Norfolk: This large coastline village with a population of almost 5,000, has a couple of nice beaches and very good pathways in both directions along the seafront, there are also many caravan sites. It's the centre of the lavender growing industry in Norfolk, and in midsummer the encircling fields shine with every shade of mauve and purple. The Heacham village sign and a memorial in the local church recollect Pocahontas, the Red Indian princess who in 1614 wedded Heacham citizen John Rolfe, in Virginia, America. Caley Mill, located on the Hunstanton to Kings Lynn road (the A149), is where the locally harvested lavender is packed and shipped, it is open for visits by the public. Check out Heacham some time soon.

Kings Lynn Norfolk History

King's Lynn Norfolk History - The Georgian period lives on in most of Kings Lynn in Norfolk, East Anglia, in rows of classic facades throughout the ancient town centre. Though King's Lynn, or 'Lynn' as it is usually named by those who live in the town, is far more olden than the 18th century. Set up upon the eastern bank of the River Great Ouse, it already had a harbour at the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was named Luna or Lena In 1204 King John granted it a charter, and by the mid-1300s it was prosperous enough to contribute nineteen ships for the English fleet, at a time that London supplied twenty four. In the Middle Ages it was known as Bishop's Lynn (Lynn Episcopi), in 1537 the name was altered to King's Lynn (Lynn Regis) by a charter of Henry VIII. The parish church of St Margaret's was originally constructed in approximately 1100, and is a mix of architectural styles, such as a Georgian 'Gothic' nave built in the 1740s, after a terrific storm brought the spire smashing down on the existing nave. The old Town Hall, close to St Margaret's church, was initially the Guildhall of the Holy Trinity, built in 1421. The town's treasure is displayed in the Regalia Rooms. The historic Saint George's Guildhall, located in King St, was constructed in 1406 and is reported to be the largest ancient guildhall in England which has survived whole. It belongs to the Nat Trust and acts as the HQ of Lynn's yearly summertime festival. The theatre which is situated within the upper part of the Guildhall goes on a historical theatrical traditions, and Shakespeare himself is understood to have performed his plays there. Both the Town Hall and Guildhall are built in flint in an awesome white and black chequer design. Kings Lynn is a wonderful place to visit if you are in the Norfolk area.

Southsea Castle Hampshire

Southsea Castle is a former coastal fortification in the county of Hampshire in the UK . The fort is located in Southsea in the same district as the southern city of Portsmouth . The fort is one of a series of coastal fortifications, which Henry VIII had built after his break with the Roman Church in 1538 to protect his empire against a feared invasion by the Catholic powers, France and Spain. Southsea Castle was built from 1543 to 1544 within six months and should protect the entrance to the harbour of Portsmouth. In fact, appeared on 18 July 1545 a French invasion fleet was off Portsmouth and Southsea. Henry VIII watched from Southsea Castle, as his flagship, the Mary Rose fell. The fort served the next 400 years of military purposes. 1627 burned down the central tower. In the English Civil War the fort was captured by parliamentary troops in 1642 without loss of life. 1759, the plant was so badly damaged by an explosion that was given to whether the fort should be demolished. However, during the Napoleonic wars, the castle was reconstructed 1813 to 1814. Between 1844 and 1850, the fort served as a military prison, still in 1899, new coastal guns installed in the fortress. In 1960 the city bought the old fortress Portsmouth, since 1967 it is a museum open to the public and a good place to visit when the weather is inclement.

Southsea Map.

Devon Towns – Brixham

Located at the southern end of Tor Bay, the historic fishing town and resort of Brixham is popular with holidaymakers and artists alike. With a population of just under 18,000, Brixham is a small town with a pretty harbour and port, with a long fishing tradition. William of Orange landed in Brixham in 1688 and a statue commemorating this historic event can be seen on the quayside today. Brixham stands in a good position and is sheltered from south-westerly gales, enjoying mild weather conditions. Among Brixham’s attractions are a full sized reproduction of Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind, the St Mary’s parish church, with its buttressed tower, and the Brixham Heritage Museum in New Road, offering an insight into Brixham’s past history and maritime traditions. You can view a map of Brixham here: Brixham Map.

Three North Devon Towns

Three interesting towns on the North Devon coast, Barnstaple, Appledore and Ilfracombe are all worth a visit if you in this beautiful region of England. Barnstaple was a significant town before the Norman conquest of Britain and even had its own mint, you could try visiting in September when it holds its ancient Barnstaple Fair. Appledore is perhaps best known for its shipyards and shipbuilding, although there is only one remaining shipyard today. Appledore is situated where the River Torridge reaches the sea, on your trip, try visiting the North Devon Maritime Museum which is located in the village, and outlines the areas long shipbuilding history. Ilfracombe, with its pretty little harbour is very popular with holidaymakers, it is also an ideal spot to try a bit of sea fishing, with many wrecks lying off this dangerous coast. Devon Map.

Bude and North Cornwall

The beautiful area of North Cornwall has some wonderful places to visit and holidaymakers will no doubt return time and time again to take in the sights as they will surely not be able to take it all in on one trip. Beach lovers will likely head for Bude, a popular coastal resort on the north coast. Bude has two fine beaches and the surrounding coastline is an area of extreme natural beauty. A little south of Bude finds you at 2 interesting little villages – Boscastle and Tintagel. Boscastle, a pretty village hidden in a valley has a harbour situated in a natural inlet, formerly a significant port but these days relying more on tourism for its survival. Tourism is of course also big in Tintagel, with its associations with the Legend of King Arthur, the ruined Tintagel Castle is located on a nearby island, and the timeless story attracts thousands of visitors to Tintagel. Still further to the south-west be sure to drop in at Port Isaac, another Cornish fishing village with much to commend it, this charming place was previously important for exporting coal, stone and pottery, though fishing and tourism are the order of the day in modern times, Port Isaac village centre has some fine examples of 18th and 19th century cottages. Places of interest in Cornwall are not confined to the coast and for something a little different you could set your sights on the ancient market town of Liskeard, a place of importance since the 13th century, when it was granted its license to hold a weekly market, which it has done ever since. If you would like to experience the market atmosphere, visit on a Thursday.