Wisborough

On the way back from Petworth we stopped at Wisborough, a charming village that was the epitome of Britishness, cricket on the green, church on the hill and traditional pubs

More photos after the cut:-

Abney Park Cemetery

After visiting Highgate Cemetery pictures here, here and here) last summer, we've been aiming to go to another of the 'magnificent seven', so couple of weeks ago we went to Abney Park Cemetery in Hackney.

It may seem like a morbid day trip, but we try to be respectful we we visit. Also they are peaceful places, full of unique Victorian architecture. Abney, is more understated than Highgate, it doesn't have as many famous name.

For more pictures see under the jump:-

Highgate Cemetery- east

Unlike the west side, which is only accessible by a tour, you are free to wander around the east side of the cemetery by your self. The west is more modern, and some of the gravestones are inventive and unusual.

Patrick Caulfield: artist

There are a number of notable literary figures buried at Highgate 

Douglas Adams- writer of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Highgate Cemetery- The Rossetti Family

Following on from my previous post, one of the sites I was keen to see on my visit to Highgate Cemetery was the burial site of the Rossetti family.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti- Lady Lilith 

Both my mum and me are  fans of the paintings of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, we went to see the exhibition of the pre-Raphaelite brothers at the Tate. Lady Lilith is a particular favourite of mine, the colours and textures are so lush. Plus, I have complete hair envy.

My main interest however is in the Rossetti women. Dante's sister, Christina was a talented poet. Her poem Goblin Market can be read here. It is a sapphic and delightfully creepy fairytale.

Dante's mistreated wife, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Siddal, is also of interest to me. She was often overlooked, best known as a muse for the PRB, she a talented poet and painter in her own right. Her death and Dante's subsequent actions are one of the more tragic and infamous tales of Highgate Cemetery.

Highgate Cemetery- west

An oasis of tranquillity and a monument to Victorian architecture and eccentricity, Highgate Cemetery is definitely worth a visit.

It is a slightly unusual tourist destination, but it doesn't feel ghoulish or mawkish. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the visitors were all respectful. Some of the grave sites are stunning, the symbolism was interesting and the grave markers are not only an expression of grief, but a display of status and wealth.

Egyptian avenue- Highgate Cemetery 

The Egyptian avenue was a highly sought after final resting place. The Victorians had a special affinity with the ancient Egyptians, as both cultures had elaborate funeral rites and a fascination with death and the afterlife.

 I did find the idea of above ground graves slightly disconcerting, here and in the catacombs. The avenue looks like a street of houses, with wooden doors opened with a key. Whole families are buried inside, their coffins resting on shelves. The catacombs also feel uncanny, they looked to me like a weird bookshelf of coffins lining the walls.    

More pictures after the jump:-

Framlingham Castle

Another day, another jolly to an English Heritage site! Well, my membership cost £48 so I have to make the most.

 Framlingham castle  was built in the 12th century and has had an eventful past, it was a stronghold of the Howard family (relations to Anne Boleyn), it was where Mary Tudor raised her armies and declared herself Queen, and from 1636-1839 it was a poor house for destitute people.  The castle is now a ruin, but is still impressive. The self guided audio is informative, and necessary otherwise I would have just been looking at a pile of bricks with no concept of the history of the place.

interior of Framlingham Castle

 Somebody actually lives in the former poor house inside the walls of castle. How awesome would that be! When all the visitors leave for the day you could go and sit on the battlements with a glass of wine and survey the beautiful surrounding countryside. It would be a fantistic place to grow up as well! The games you could play in an actual castle would be amazing.  Of course the downside is you have loads of tourists noseying your front window.