London, Paris & Rome Slideshow

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Paris France and the Exquisit Cathedral of Notre Dame

• Today we took the Eurostar, a high speed train , from London to Paris.  When in Paris we visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame.  It is one of the most inspiring buildings, which gets its name from the Cathedra or Bishops throne which is housed in the Cathedral.  Here are several pictures, I am returning for a more extended visit on Tuesday, and will write more at that time.  

Walking among Kings

Today was a great adventure.  We started the day at Westminster Abbey, a cathedral built by Edward the Confessor around 1065 AD, though a church had existed on the sight since the 8th century.  In the Abbey are buried many of the kings of England among whom are Edward the Confessor, Edward the First and Third, Queen's Elizabeth and Mary to name a few.  Among these kings is a very special grave to my 18th great grandfather, John Carpenter.  He was the Town Clerk of London and author of the Liber Albus which is the first writting of English Common Law.  Unfortunatly, his marker has been worn away by 600 years of feet walking over his stone memorial.
I was allowed to visit the City of london School for Boys that was established by his donation of personal land and property.  I have added a picture of a marker placed on the outside of the school in memorial to him. This is a reason for you to work on your family tree project as you may also have great men in your past.
We also visited the Tower of London, one of the three castles built by William the Conqueror within the city limits of London. (see earlier post).  This castle houses the Crown Jewels of England which are stunning to behold.  The Tower of London was also used as a prison for High ranking criminals (Barons, Earls and even several Queens).  75 individuals were beheaded after being held prisoner in the Tower.  Most were convicted of treason against the King or Queen. 

The first picture is a plaque concerning my 18th great grandfather from the City of London School.  The next two pictures are of Westminster Abbey, while the final two are of the Tower of London.  

Windsor Castle and a visit from the Queen Mother

Great day at one of Englands oldest Castles, Windsor Castle.  This castle was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy.  During the 1050's Edward the Confessor, King of England had promised the throne to his cousin Guilliam (William) Duke of Normandy.  Upon Edwards death in 1065 the throne was passed to the Earl of Wessex, Harold Godwinson.  Feeling betrayed, William Duke of Normandy with 7000 knights attacked the English at Hastings.  Upon this victory he claimed the crown of England.  Fearing the English might not accept a "French" king, William, now called the Conqueror quickly built 3 castles in London and 9 others in a ring around London for the purpose of intimidating the populace into submission. Of these 9 castles only Windsor Castle remains.

While we were visiting the castle, Queen Elizabeth arrived and had her personal flag hoisted onto the tower.  It was very exciting to be in the same vicinity with such an inspiring individual.  Notice the first picture of the tower has the Union Jack Flag while the final picture has the Queens flag.

Rushing to meet the Sun

Last night was the shortest period of darkness I have ever experienced.  As our jet rushed toward the rising sun at 600 miles per hour.  Five total hours of darkness from leaving Atlanta to seeing sun rise just south of Greenland.  Needless to say I am  experiencing some form of jetlag.  But it was worth the trip as we approached the steep shore lines of Ireland and Wales.  Over the centuries would be conquerors would need to attack the islands at specific locations because climbing the cliffs along the shore would prove to be disasterous.  Tomorrow we tour Windsor Castle, built by William (Guilliam) the Conqueror  in 1070.  It has been inhabited consistently since that date. Look forward to you joining me on this journey.

Leaving on a Jet Plane, Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again

Sitting at Gate E14 waiting to board the flight to Heathrow International Airport (London).  I want to say a thanks to Public Ed Foundation for helping fund this educational opportunity.  

To my new AP European History students, welcome.  Last years students were such a pleasure to have in class, but I have been put on notice that your class is even better (that is a pretty high bar, time will tell). Over the next week and a half I want to encourage you to log on to this blog and post comments and questions.  I will be giving extra credit for your participation, so join in this journey with me and lets explore Europe.