Wherever you walk in England, stop anywhere, and you’ll probably be standing on historical ground. This is fascinating for an immigrant whose interest in history is slightly above average.
Yesterday, we took the train up the Cumbrian coast to Ravenglass. Hadn’t it already existed, the village’s name could easily have been invented by J. R. R. Tolkien or J. K. Rowling.
The Romans had a naval base, including a fort, there. We walked past the remains of their bathhouse, built almost 2,000 years ago.
After strolling through forests and hills up the hill, we reached Muncaster Castle, which the Pennington family has owned and inhabited since at least 1208 AD. Some sources claim they used materials from the Roman fort to build the castle’s oldest part.
History gives perspective and shows sharp contrasts.
Coming from a relatively humble background, with primarily fishermen, sailors, and crofters as ancestors, visiting places like Muncaster encourages reflection. What did the ordinary people in the valley below the castle feel about this display of immense wealth?
Today, the owners have turned their home into a tourist attraction. It’s a win-win situation. They raise funds to maintain the property, and members of the public can enjoy their beautiful garden, the elegant Victorian-remodeled interior of the castle, the hawk and owl centre, and more.
It was a lovely and inspiring Sunday in excellent spring weather.
