National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
August Educational Tour
August 25 - September 3, 1999
Program for the National Society of Magna Charta Dames & Barons
Wales and Windsor Educational Tour August 25, - Sept. 3, 1999
Wednesday August 25th, 1999
Departure from the U.S.A.
Thursday August 26th, 1999
Arrive at Manchester Airport. Your guide - Rosie Kirby White - will meet you. Lunch en route with Bill and Angela Williams in their home Llewesog Hall. Following lunch, transfer across the border to the Bodyscallen Hall, and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore this lovely hotel. Welcome dinner in a private room with a guest speaker, an expert on the castles of Wales and the links with the Magna Charta.
Lunch, dinner overnight BODYSCALLEN HALL
Friday August 27th, 1999
Tour Chester, the Roman Deva - with much of the original Roman wall remaining. The unique Rows date from the Middle Ages, and there are several half timbered Tudor Homes. From part of the city walls, we can enjoy a great vantage point to view the ruins of Beeston Castle. There is nothing remaining of Halton Castle, but Chester Castle has a Tower dating from the Norman period. Our expert will lead us in a tour of the remains of the Lacie connection of this part of the country. Lunch will be in a Historic Pub in Chester. Return to our hotel for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n BODYSCALLEN HALL
Saturday August 28th, 1999
Today, we will journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog where the 12 mile narrow gauge (1'11 1/2") railway begins up the valley, with beautiful views of the coast and the mountains, finishing at Portmadog, a quaint village. From here we travel to Portmerion, a private Italian style village. Designed by an architect seeking to create a seaside resort free from advertisements and careless buildings, the village is surrounded by gardens and is famous for its pottery. Lunch with Lord and Lady Stanley of Alderley at their home Trysglwyn Fawr. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n BODYSCALLEN HALL
Sunday August 29th, 1999
Visit the beautiful gardens of Bodnant, laid out in 1875 by a Lancashire industrialist with a passion for trees. With the peaks of Snowdonia as a backdrop, this is one of the most magnificent gardens in Britain. Then it is a short drive to the castle of Caernarfon, the Roman Segonitium. This historic town began building the castle in the 1100's, however, Edward I had the castle rebuilt. It is here that Edward II was born and presented to the Welsh people, thus beginning the tradition of all eldest sons of the monarch, to be invested and presented to the Welsh people. Prior to crossing the Menai Straits onto Anglesey, we will visit the town with the longest name in the world: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (aka Llanfair P.G.)
Lunch with Lady Gibson in her home Bryn Castell. You will be fascinated by her wonderful garden featuring an orchid garden. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n BODYSCALLEN HALL
Monday August 30th, 1999
Depart from Bodyscallen for the South of the Principality. The route takes us through the heart of Snowdonia, with its mountains, valleys, and rivers. The breathtaking scenery includes a myriad of wild flowers, and hopefully, the rhododendrons will be in bloom. Our first stop will be in Powis, where we will enjoy some coffee, and perhaps a private visit. Powis Castle, inhabited for the past 500 years, has terraced gardens with an amazing collection of trees (including the tallest tree in Britain) and topiary laid out 250 years ago.
Lunch with Sir William Crawshay at his home Llanfair Court. This lovely medieval house contains a beautiful collection of family portraits and silver. In the afternoon, we will venture across the border into Herefordshire, to enjoy a scenic drive through the 'Black and White' villages. Most of the homes were built between the 11th and 16th century, and in the unique style known as 'Cruck Framed'. Poets such as John Masefield and A.E. Houseman are from this area. Finally, we will check into our new accommodations, the Stange Hall, and enjoy dinner with the owner, the Honourable Jonathan Coltman-Rogers.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n STANAGE HALL
Tuesday August 31st, 1999
Depart for Windsor. En route, stop at Tintern Abbey, a prosperous Abbey in the 13th and 14th century that attracted the avaricious eye of Henry VIII. Thus, it joined the rest of the great monasteries in the dissolution of the monasteries. The dramatic ruins, in the remote setting on the banks of the Wye, overlooking wooded hills, highlight the graceful beauty of the roofless walls of these once great religious houses. Next stop is Symonds Yat, one of the most exquisite views on the river Wye. The river winds its way through a narrow gorge, swinging around in a great loop for five miles and then curving back to within a quarter of a mile from its original course. Yat Rock provides a wonderful panoramic view of this gorge.
Lunch with Lady Hereford at her home, Yew Tree House. Finally, arrive in Windsor, where you will be guests of the Society of the Friends of St. George's.
Breakfast, lunch o/n WINDSOR CASTLE
Wednesday September 1st, 1999
This morning, we will enjoy a private visit to Frogmore House, former home of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert. Frogmore is seldom open to the public. Lunch at Windsor Castle. A luxury coach will then collect us for the drive to London for a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Tour the Palace, with time to shop in the Palace Gift Shop. Return to Windsor Castle for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n WINDSOR CASTLE
Thursday September 2nd, 1999
Morning visit to the State Apartments of Windsor Castle. The collection of Her Majesty the Queen contains priceless and unique paintings, furniture, tapestries, and porcelain. This part of the castle has recently been restored after a disastrous fire. Lunch at Windsor Castle. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town of Winsdor. Special farewell dinner tonight.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n WINDSOR CASTLE
Friday September 3rd, 1999
Departure Day Transfer to airport for your return flight home. Bon Voyage!
Please contact the Society at 215-836-5022 for further information This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The full itinerary plus the price and the terms and conditions are available upon request.
It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to participate.
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Please visit our original site: www.magnacharta.org