EIS – To Cardiff, Wales (Day 20)

EIS – To Cardiff, Wales (Day 20)

(9/6/2010) Today is a long drive from Wrexham to Cardiff, both in Wales. Our first stop is in Chester, England. Yes, England. Cardiff is not that far from England and Chester is a historic country town. As we enter Chester, there are uncovered remains of a Roman coliseum.

Chester has a number of black and white buildings. These buildings have wood beams, painted black with white washed plaster walls. Many of these were build between the late 1600’s and early 1900’s. It is easy to tell the early year buildings from the warped wood. Notice how the cross beams are bowing down.

But many of the black and white buildings are still quite impressive.

Also in Chester is the Chester Cathedral.

We did not have time to go inside, but as you can see, the building is quite impressive. We have seen the flying buttresses on many of the cathedrals build in the 1200’s.

Many of the original carvings, gargoyles, and detail still remain in good condition. The blackening seen on the building comes from the coal burned back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in the city.

Here is Carmen in one of the typical red public phone booths.  Sorry, wrong number.

We drove for about an hour and a half and stopped in Ludlow for a break and lunch. Here again we find the black and white buildings, very old but still in use. Notice the overhang in the walls. 

We went down a narrow alley and found the parish Church of St. Laurence. The outside was nice and impressive having been build in the mid 1400’s.  The alter area of the chapel also very impressive. Notice the little door in the right side of the alter and the tomb on the left.

Inside, there are many colorful stained glass windows that are amazing.

An actual raised pulpit is used to preach from and while we were there someone started to read passages from the bible.

There is a choir section in the chapel section of the Cathedral and the wood carvings are simply amazing.

Also in town is the Ludlow Castle.  The castle built about 1090 as one of the lines of Norman defense along the Welsh border. During the 12th century the town was laid out in phases.

As we leave town, there is an old brick bridge spanning the river, built in the arches technique of the Roman viaducts.

We next pass through the Brecon Beacons National Park.   It is a 520 square mile area that includes the biggest mountains, highest waterfalls and deepest caves in South Wales.  The area is also dotted with ancient ruins from prehistoric to medieval castles, including an old roman aquaduct.  (Of course you'll have to excuse the rain on the window.  This was one of the few times we had some rain.)

We finish our drive for the day in Cardiff, Wales where some of the group will attend a Wales evening.  Carmen and I will not attend tonights show, in the castle.
Until later, Bob and Carmen – EIS.