Look back at Charlemagne includes the regular folk
TONY LEWIS
4 March 2007
The Providence Journal
BECOMING CHARLEMAGNE: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800,
by Jeff Sypeck.
Ecco. 267 pages. $25.95.
* * *
In the year 801, a Jew named Isaac traveled from Baghdad across North Africa and then the Mediterranean Sea with an elephant named Abul Abaz, a gift from the caliph Harun al-Rashid to the Frankish Emperor Karl, later to be known as Charlemagne.
If you somehow missed that tidbit in History 101, be sure not to miss Jeff Sypeck's Becoming Charlemagne, a fascinating account of Karl's rise to power and then into myth. It's not just the engaging sidebars (although who doesn't want to read about elephants in boats?), but rather the way Sypeck insists on introducing history's little folks too, all those men and women who tried to survive while the high and mighty were conducting their business and pursuing their wars.
What Sypeck is interested in, after all, is the Karl of fact, the husband, father, and popular monarch, rather than "the idol," Charlemagne, the figure imitated by Napoleon and admired by Hitler, the "idealized creature of books, statues, and preposterous stories."
Sypeck never loses sight of the sparsely populated land Karl ruled, "400,000 square miles of countless cultures and tongues." With his base in Aachen, which he much preferred to Paris, Karl loved to hunt, loved the sound of his kids running through stony halls, loved the relaxed day-to-day routines far more than the world of political intrigue and showy ceremonials.
But it was the intrigues, which he soon mastered, that led to the consolidation of his empire. Sypeck describes in wonderful detail the Byzantine empire and Queen Irene, the Arab world of Harun al- Rashid, and the nation-state headed by Pope Leo III.
The background is just as compelling: the Frankish farmers, the Jewish merchants, the daily life in the Round City of Baghdad, the assassins, architects, politicos and clerics, and the dubious joys of travel in the Middle Ages, "seasickness, rats, brackish water, and food barrels infested with maggots."
Becoming Charlemagne covers a lot of bases but uses as its focal point the year 800, when the pope crowned Karl in Rome, essentially subordinating his authority to Karl's. And although the book moves chapter by chapter only from 796 A.D. to 843, Sypeck manages to bring in crucial events in ancient Rome and the roots of Byzantium and the Abbasid Empire as well. And he does so with quite a sense of the dramatic, achieved partly by using choice examples (elephants in boats), but also by relating events that were occurring simultaneously in different parts of the globe, a kind of "meanwhile, back at the ranch" approach that generates a nice sense of the ironic.
Tony Lewis is a frequent reviewer who lives in Dartmouth.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Bristol's wine trade
When city docks flowed with wine
6 March 2007
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol's historic wine trade - now shrunk to just one shop, Avery's in Frogmore Street - was once a huge concern. Gerry Brooke takes a look back through the centuries.
In Its heyday, in the 1750s, Bristol sat at the centre of a huge, international import-export industry. Into its busy docks flowed commodities, among the most valuable being sugar and rum from the West Indies, tobacco from North America and wines from Spain. The city, in its turn, sent out manufactured goods, such as brass kitchenware, in a trade that brought in unparalleled wealth.
At one time, Bristol was the most important centre for wine imports in the whole country. Some of medieval England's finest vineyards were in Gloucestershire, but they couldn't even try to meet the demand for wine, which everyone who could afford it drank on a regular basis, along with ale, instead of the often polluted water. The vineyards of south-west France, particularly around Bordeaux, were opened up by both conquest and marriage, and by the 13th century more than 85 per cent of all imported wine came from Gascony - the start of Britain's long love affair with claret.
Bristol was the ideal port for the Bordeaux traders, and by the beginning of the 14th century was importing more than 3,000 tuns (a tun was 252 gallons) a year. Trade rose and fell over the years - depending on whether there was a war going on or not - but Bristol remained a main import centre, even supplying London with wine at times when the English Channel was unsafe for shipping. When England lost Gascony to the French, Bristol merchants turned to Spain and Portugal for its source of wine.
By the 16th century, a third of the city's imports were coming from Spain. Pirates were a major problem off the Spanish and Brittany coasts, but Bristol, dominating the Portuguese trade in sweet wines, cork and sugar, remained dominant as the country's main wine port. But as the Bordeaux trade shifted slowly towards London, so Bristol's merchants started looking elsewhere. Among their finds was a sweet wine from Andalucia called sherry, a drink which was to become closely identified with the city.
Even when England and Spain were at war, Bristol merchants managed to get supplies, via Ireland, in exchange for much-needed food, timber and even guns. They may have been trading with the enemy but, in time-honoured Bristol fashion, there were still very big profits to be made. The wine trade expanded in the 17th century to include the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.
Heavy taxes and more wars caused problems, but by the time Samuel Pepys visited the city with his wife and Bristolian maid Debs, sherry was regarded as very much a Bristol wine. "Bristol Milk" was, indeed, a widely recognised term.
It was during the 18th century that three famous wine merchant families set up in business - Phillips, who used the oldest cellars in the city (beneath the Colston Hall), Harveys (who also used old sandstone cellars reaching out under College Green) and Avery's, now the sole survivor.
But Bristol never regained her position as a major wine port and changing fashions meant that the beverage changed from being a drink for every man to an upper class luxury.
Now, the pendulum has swung back again and more wine is being drunk in Britain than ever before. But the days when huge barrels were unloaded on Bristol's quayside, and then carted off by sledge into the cellars which still honeycomb the area, have gone forever.
To mark the company's 200th anniversary, Harveys (who have since vacated the city, along with their restaurant and museum) decided, as part of the festivities surrounding Bristol's much lamented Festival of the Sea, to recreate those olden days. A three-masted barque Cream of Bristol - hired by the wine firm to recreate a typical voyage between Bristol and Spain - was moored alongside a typical 18th-century working dockside scene. The quayside was stacked with butts, casks, bales, sacks and crates appropriate to the period. Authentic customs tools were used to check the cargo and there were regular demonstrations of traditional cargo handling, with the goods even being lifted by the traditional method using the rigging.
The Cream of Bristol - usually known as the Kaskelot - had just returned from a storm- lashed journey to the Bay of Cadiz. She took to Spain the kind of cargo which might have gone on an 18th century trader - some made by companies which were flourishing 200 years ago.
There was Bristol Blue glass, cast iron from Ironbridge Gorge, earthenware from Wedgwood's, cloth from the Cotswolds and spices (once imported and then re-exported) from Bart Spices. Also packed in the hold were some truckles of Cheddar cheese, Sheppy's Cider, Smiles Ales and Bath Oliver biscuits.
On the return journey, she brought back butts of sherry and brandy, casks of wine, lemons, olives and olive oil, salt and candles. Nobody fully realised its significance a decade ago, but the Cream of Bristol's historic voyage was probably the last that will ever he made by a sailing ship carrying wine between Bristol and Spain.
6 March 2007
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol's historic wine trade - now shrunk to just one shop, Avery's in Frogmore Street - was once a huge concern. Gerry Brooke takes a look back through the centuries.
In Its heyday, in the 1750s, Bristol sat at the centre of a huge, international import-export industry. Into its busy docks flowed commodities, among the most valuable being sugar and rum from the West Indies, tobacco from North America and wines from Spain. The city, in its turn, sent out manufactured goods, such as brass kitchenware, in a trade that brought in unparalleled wealth.
At one time, Bristol was the most important centre for wine imports in the whole country. Some of medieval England's finest vineyards were in Gloucestershire, but they couldn't even try to meet the demand for wine, which everyone who could afford it drank on a regular basis, along with ale, instead of the often polluted water. The vineyards of south-west France, particularly around Bordeaux, were opened up by both conquest and marriage, and by the 13th century more than 85 per cent of all imported wine came from Gascony - the start of Britain's long love affair with claret.
Bristol was the ideal port for the Bordeaux traders, and by the beginning of the 14th century was importing more than 3,000 tuns (a tun was 252 gallons) a year. Trade rose and fell over the years - depending on whether there was a war going on or not - but Bristol remained a main import centre, even supplying London with wine at times when the English Channel was unsafe for shipping. When England lost Gascony to the French, Bristol merchants turned to Spain and Portugal for its source of wine.
By the 16th century, a third of the city's imports were coming from Spain. Pirates were a major problem off the Spanish and Brittany coasts, but Bristol, dominating the Portuguese trade in sweet wines, cork and sugar, remained dominant as the country's main wine port. But as the Bordeaux trade shifted slowly towards London, so Bristol's merchants started looking elsewhere. Among their finds was a sweet wine from Andalucia called sherry, a drink which was to become closely identified with the city.
Even when England and Spain were at war, Bristol merchants managed to get supplies, via Ireland, in exchange for much-needed food, timber and even guns. They may have been trading with the enemy but, in time-honoured Bristol fashion, there were still very big profits to be made. The wine trade expanded in the 17th century to include the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.
Heavy taxes and more wars caused problems, but by the time Samuel Pepys visited the city with his wife and Bristolian maid Debs, sherry was regarded as very much a Bristol wine. "Bristol Milk" was, indeed, a widely recognised term.
It was during the 18th century that three famous wine merchant families set up in business - Phillips, who used the oldest cellars in the city (beneath the Colston Hall), Harveys (who also used old sandstone cellars reaching out under College Green) and Avery's, now the sole survivor.
But Bristol never regained her position as a major wine port and changing fashions meant that the beverage changed from being a drink for every man to an upper class luxury.
Now, the pendulum has swung back again and more wine is being drunk in Britain than ever before. But the days when huge barrels were unloaded on Bristol's quayside, and then carted off by sledge into the cellars which still honeycomb the area, have gone forever.
To mark the company's 200th anniversary, Harveys (who have since vacated the city, along with their restaurant and museum) decided, as part of the festivities surrounding Bristol's much lamented Festival of the Sea, to recreate those olden days. A three-masted barque Cream of Bristol - hired by the wine firm to recreate a typical voyage between Bristol and Spain - was moored alongside a typical 18th-century working dockside scene. The quayside was stacked with butts, casks, bales, sacks and crates appropriate to the period. Authentic customs tools were used to check the cargo and there were regular demonstrations of traditional cargo handling, with the goods even being lifted by the traditional method using the rigging.
The Cream of Bristol - usually known as the Kaskelot - had just returned from a storm- lashed journey to the Bay of Cadiz. She took to Spain the kind of cargo which might have gone on an 18th century trader - some made by companies which were flourishing 200 years ago.
There was Bristol Blue glass, cast iron from Ironbridge Gorge, earthenware from Wedgwood's, cloth from the Cotswolds and spices (once imported and then re-exported) from Bart Spices. Also packed in the hold were some truckles of Cheddar cheese, Sheppy's Cider, Smiles Ales and Bath Oliver biscuits.
On the return journey, she brought back butts of sherry and brandy, casks of wine, lemons, olives and olive oil, salt and candles. Nobody fully realised its significance a decade ago, but the Cream of Bristol's historic voyage was probably the last that will ever he made by a sailing ship carrying wine between Bristol and Spain.
Appeal for singers in Bradford
Appeal for singers
Michael Black
7 March 2007
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Singers are wanted by a choir to help perform Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, a series of medieval songs and poems set to music. It is being put on by Bradford Chorale at St Peter's Church, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, on June 9. People interested should telephone (01274) 591619.
Michael Black
7 March 2007
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Singers are wanted by a choir to help perform Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, a series of medieval songs and poems set to music. It is being put on by Bradford Chorale at St Peter's Church, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, on June 9. People interested should telephone (01274) 591619.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Castle project spans generations
Castle project spans generations
5 January 2007
The Harrogate Advertiser
A VIRTUAL 3-D Knaresborough Castle, to build on the visitor website for Knaresborough and an 'innovative' town windows project are three ideas set to become reality for the town.
Renaissance Knaresborough presented the key initiatives to the Town Council this week when Mark Firth from the Tourism Town Team addressed councillors prior to their meeting.
Mr Firth highlighted the three key areas currently being looked at which are:-
l Creation of a virtual 3-D model of Knaresborough Castle as it would have looked in its medieval prime providing a valuable learning experience and historical interpretation of how the castle would have been in the mid 14th century. An interactive computer tool for visitors and residents with the potential to be used in museums, libraries and schools etc.
l To present Knaresborough as a quality visitor destination to a wide audience by building on the existing doman of www.visitknaresborough.com including listings of what the town offers in terms of attractions, events, eating and drinking, accommodation and shopping.
l Developing the Town Windows Project which would see Knaresborough Arts Group oversee the installation of more 'trompe l'oeil' panels in 'blank' or 'blind' windows of buildings in the town. The optical illusions have proved a massive success in recent feva festivals.
Chairman of Renaissance Knaresborough, Gordon Renton said: "We welcome all three projects which will be to the benefit of Knaresborough. Work is expected to start on the castle project in late spring/early summer and the Museums Department from Harrogate Council will work with pupils from King James's School on this exciting idea.
"Using today's technology, the Castle project is going to involve youth and age. You could say we're using the past for today's youth for tomorrow's future."
Originally the Town Team and Regeneration Partnership, Renaissance Knaresborough is looking at ways of taking Knaresborough forward with a vision for the town over the next 25 years. Divided into sub groups, each team is spearheading different projects. Knaresborough Town Council voted in support of all three projects.
5 January 2007
The Harrogate Advertiser
A VIRTUAL 3-D Knaresborough Castle, to build on the visitor website for Knaresborough and an 'innovative' town windows project are three ideas set to become reality for the town.
Renaissance Knaresborough presented the key initiatives to the Town Council this week when Mark Firth from the Tourism Town Team addressed councillors prior to their meeting.
Mr Firth highlighted the three key areas currently being looked at which are:-
l Creation of a virtual 3-D model of Knaresborough Castle as it would have looked in its medieval prime providing a valuable learning experience and historical interpretation of how the castle would have been in the mid 14th century. An interactive computer tool for visitors and residents with the potential to be used in museums, libraries and schools etc.
l To present Knaresborough as a quality visitor destination to a wide audience by building on the existing doman of www.visitknaresborough.com including listings of what the town offers in terms of attractions, events, eating and drinking, accommodation and shopping.
l Developing the Town Windows Project which would see Knaresborough Arts Group oversee the installation of more 'trompe l'oeil' panels in 'blank' or 'blind' windows of buildings in the town. The optical illusions have proved a massive success in recent feva festivals.
Chairman of Renaissance Knaresborough, Gordon Renton said: "We welcome all three projects which will be to the benefit of Knaresborough. Work is expected to start on the castle project in late spring/early summer and the Museums Department from Harrogate Council will work with pupils from King James's School on this exciting idea.
"Using today's technology, the Castle project is going to involve youth and age. You could say we're using the past for today's youth for tomorrow's future."
Originally the Town Team and Regeneration Partnership, Renaissance Knaresborough is looking at ways of taking Knaresborough forward with a vision for the town over the next 25 years. Divided into sub groups, each team is spearheading different projects. Knaresborough Town Council voted in support of all three projects.
Medieval hoodie to join the ranks of Minster grotesques
Medieval hoodie to join the ranks of Minster grotesques
5 March 2007
Yorkshire Post
They may have become the scourge of modern-day Britain, but a hoodie is due to be immortalised at York Minster in a new carving. The grotesque gargoyle will glare down from the parapet wall around the top of the historic cathedral's Chapter House. The medieval-styled figure will have a menacing expression, just like some hoodies of today, and is due to be added in the next two or three weeks.
The sinister new carving was the invention of Dave Willett, a designer and carver at York Minster. He said: "The original is only a stump left up on the parapet of Chapter House and you can just make out a torso slightly laid back and that's where I got the inspiration from. I did a little sketch and then it was moulded up in clay. We took it up to the parapet to make sure it was big enough, but it wasn't, so we had to remodel it."
The Minster's stonemasons are also helping the massive repair programme to the cathedral's east front as part of a £30m development campaign. The bulk of the money raised from the campaign, which is backed by the Yorkshire Post, will be used for a programme of restoration work to the east front which will cost £23m and take 10 years.
The fundraising drive also aims to raise £7m for the educational work of the Minster and its choir. John David, the Minster's architect, added: "Our carvers have a certain amount of freedom to re-invent a figure or animal within the flavour of the medieval style. This one is a hooded figure looking rather forlorn, sitting on a wall. It is the same size as the original and will be going in position in the next two to three weeks."
5 March 2007
Yorkshire Post
They may have become the scourge of modern-day Britain, but a hoodie is due to be immortalised at York Minster in a new carving. The grotesque gargoyle will glare down from the parapet wall around the top of the historic cathedral's Chapter House. The medieval-styled figure will have a menacing expression, just like some hoodies of today, and is due to be added in the next two or three weeks.
The sinister new carving was the invention of Dave Willett, a designer and carver at York Minster. He said: "The original is only a stump left up on the parapet of Chapter House and you can just make out a torso slightly laid back and that's where I got the inspiration from. I did a little sketch and then it was moulded up in clay. We took it up to the parapet to make sure it was big enough, but it wasn't, so we had to remodel it."
The Minster's stonemasons are also helping the massive repair programme to the cathedral's east front as part of a £30m development campaign. The bulk of the money raised from the campaign, which is backed by the Yorkshire Post, will be used for a programme of restoration work to the east front which will cost £23m and take 10 years.
The fundraising drive also aims to raise £7m for the educational work of the Minster and its choir. John David, the Minster's architect, added: "Our carvers have a certain amount of freedom to re-invent a figure or animal within the flavour of the medieval style. This one is a hooded figure looking rather forlorn, sitting on a wall. It is the same size as the original and will be going in position in the next two to three weeks."
Display unites historical finders and keepers
Display unites historical finders and keepers
6 March 2007
The Northern Echo
A COLLECTION of finds unearthed by North-East metal detector enthusiasts has gone on display at a museum. The Finding our Past exhibition, at Durham University's Museum of Archaeology of Durham, at Old Fulling Mill, Durham City, features a variety of objects found by members of the Dunelme Metal Detecting Club. Displays co-ordinator Kim Leach presented the collection to Durham University museums' curator Craig Barclay to be displayed alongside an exhibition of Byzantium gold.
Mr Barclay said: "Many of the historic conflicts between archaeologists and metal detectorists have been broken down. What it has done is encourage metal detectorists to take their finds to professionals who are able to identify them. As a result, we are getting a much better insight into the materials being found - and the shared understanding is adding enormously to our understanding and knowledge of the past."
Among the items from the Anglo-Saxon period are a pair of tweezers and lead pilgrim flasks used to hold holy water. The collection also has a gauntlet ring, worn outside of a glove to denote rank status, a medieval figure of Christ, a copper gilt mount in form of eagle (possibly for a book) and an embossing seal belonging to member of Yorkshire branch of the Percy family.
The exhibition will run alongside Byzantium Gold up to and including the spring bank holiday weekend.
6 March 2007
The Northern Echo
A COLLECTION of finds unearthed by North-East metal detector enthusiasts has gone on display at a museum. The Finding our Past exhibition, at Durham University's Museum of Archaeology of Durham, at Old Fulling Mill, Durham City, features a variety of objects found by members of the Dunelme Metal Detecting Club. Displays co-ordinator Kim Leach presented the collection to Durham University museums' curator Craig Barclay to be displayed alongside an exhibition of Byzantium gold.
Mr Barclay said: "Many of the historic conflicts between archaeologists and metal detectorists have been broken down. What it has done is encourage metal detectorists to take their finds to professionals who are able to identify them. As a result, we are getting a much better insight into the materials being found - and the shared understanding is adding enormously to our understanding and knowledge of the past."
Among the items from the Anglo-Saxon period are a pair of tweezers and lead pilgrim flasks used to hold holy water. The collection also has a gauntlet ring, worn outside of a glove to denote rank status, a medieval figure of Christ, a copper gilt mount in form of eagle (possibly for a book) and an embossing seal belonging to member of Yorkshire branch of the Percy family.
The exhibition will run alongside Byzantium Gold up to and including the spring bank holiday weekend.
A UNITED KINGDOM? DNA SUGGESTS BRITISH, IRISH FROM SAME STOCK
A UNITED KINGDOM? DNA SUGGESTS BRITISH, IRISH FROM SAME STOCK
NICHOLAS WADE
6 March 2007
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Britain and Ireland are so thoroughly divided in their histories that there is no single word to refer to the inhabitants of both islands. Historians teach that they are mostly descended from different peoples: the Irish from the Celts, and the English from the Anglo- Saxons who invaded from northern Europe and drove the Celts to the country's western and northern fringes.
But geneticists who have tested DNA throughout the British Isles are edging toward a different conclusion. Many are struck by the overall genetic similarities, leading some to claim that both Britain and Ireland have been inhabited for thousands of years by a single people that have remained in the majority -- with only minor additions from later invaders like Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Vikings and Normans.
The implication that the Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh have a great deal in common with each other, at least from the geneticist's point of view, seems likely to please no one.
The genetic evidence is still under development, however, and because only very rough dates can be derived from it, it is hard to weave evidence from DNA, archaeology, history and linguistics into a coherent picture of British and Irish origins.
That has not stopped the attempt. University of Oxford medical geneticist Stephen Oppenheimer says the historians' account is wrong in almost every detail. In Dr. Oppenheimer's reconstruction of events, the principal ancestors of today's British and Irish populations arrived from Spain about 16,000 years ago, speaking a language related to Basque.
The British Isles were unpopulated then, wiped clean of people by glaciers that had smothered northern Europe for about 4,000 years and forced the former inhabitants into southern refuges in Spain and Italy.
When the climate warmed and the glaciers retreated, people moved back north. The new arrivals in the British Isles would have found an empty territory, which they could have reached just by walking along the Atlantic coastline, since the English Channel and the Irish Sea were still land.
This new population, who lived by hunting and gathering, survived a sharp cold spell called the Younger Dryas that lasted from 12,300 to 11,000 years ago. Much later, some 6,000 years ago, agriculture finally reached the British Isles from its birthplace in the Near East.
Agriculture may have been introduced by people speaking Celtic, in Dr. Oppenheimer's view. Although the Celtic immigrants may have been few in number, they spread their farming techniques and their language throughout Ireland and the western coast of Britain. Later immigrants arrived from northern Europe had more influence on the eastern and southern coasts. They, too, spread their language, a branch of German, but these invaders' numbers were also small compared with the local population.
In all, about three-quarters of the ancestors of today's British and Irish populations arrived between 15,000 and 7,500 years ago, when rising sea levels split Britain and Ireland from the Continent and from each other, Dr. Oppenheimer calculates in a new book, "The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story" (Carroll & Graf, 2006).
Ireland received the fewest of the subsequent invaders; their DNA makes up about 12 percent of the Irish gene pool, Dr. Oppenheimer estimates. DNA from invaders accounts for 20 percent of the gene pool in Wales, 30 percent in Scotland, and about a third in eastern and southern England.
But no single group of invaders is responsible for more than 5 percent of the current gene pool, Dr. Oppenheimer says on the basis of genetic data. He cites figures from archaeologist Heinrich Haerke that the Anglo-Saxon invasions that began in the fourth century A.D. added about 250,000 people to a British population of 1 million to 2 million -- an estimate that Dr. Oppenheimer notes is larger than his, but considerably less than the substantial replacement of the English population assumed by others. The Norman invasion of 1066 brought not many more than 10,000 people, according to Dr. Haerke.
Other geneticists say Dr. Oppenheimer's reconstruction is plausible, though some disagree with details. Several said genetic methods did not give precise enough dates to be confident of certain aspects, like when the first settlers arrived.
"Once you have an established population, it is quite difficult to change it very radically," said Daniel G. Bradley, a geneticist at Trinity College, Dublin. But he said he was "quite agnostic" as to whether the original population became established in Britain and Ireland immediately after the glaciers retreated 16,000 years ago, as Dr. Oppenheimer argues, or more recently, in the Neolithic Age, which began 10,000 years ago.
Bryan Sykes, another Oxford geneticist, said he agreed with Dr. Oppenheimer that the ancestors of "by far the majority of people" were present in the British Isles before the Roman conquest of A.D. 43. "The Saxons, Vikings and Normans had a minor effect, and much less than some of the medieval historical texts would indicate," he said.
His conclusions, based on his own genetic survey and information in his genealogical testing service, Oxford Ancestors, are reported in his new book, "Saxons, Vikings and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland."
NICHOLAS WADE
6 March 2007
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Britain and Ireland are so thoroughly divided in their histories that there is no single word to refer to the inhabitants of both islands. Historians teach that they are mostly descended from different peoples: the Irish from the Celts, and the English from the Anglo- Saxons who invaded from northern Europe and drove the Celts to the country's western and northern fringes.
But geneticists who have tested DNA throughout the British Isles are edging toward a different conclusion. Many are struck by the overall genetic similarities, leading some to claim that both Britain and Ireland have been inhabited for thousands of years by a single people that have remained in the majority -- with only minor additions from later invaders like Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Vikings and Normans.
The implication that the Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh have a great deal in common with each other, at least from the geneticist's point of view, seems likely to please no one.
The genetic evidence is still under development, however, and because only very rough dates can be derived from it, it is hard to weave evidence from DNA, archaeology, history and linguistics into a coherent picture of British and Irish origins.
That has not stopped the attempt. University of Oxford medical geneticist Stephen Oppenheimer says the historians' account is wrong in almost every detail. In Dr. Oppenheimer's reconstruction of events, the principal ancestors of today's British and Irish populations arrived from Spain about 16,000 years ago, speaking a language related to Basque.
The British Isles were unpopulated then, wiped clean of people by glaciers that had smothered northern Europe for about 4,000 years and forced the former inhabitants into southern refuges in Spain and Italy.
When the climate warmed and the glaciers retreated, people moved back north. The new arrivals in the British Isles would have found an empty territory, which they could have reached just by walking along the Atlantic coastline, since the English Channel and the Irish Sea were still land.
This new population, who lived by hunting and gathering, survived a sharp cold spell called the Younger Dryas that lasted from 12,300 to 11,000 years ago. Much later, some 6,000 years ago, agriculture finally reached the British Isles from its birthplace in the Near East.
Agriculture may have been introduced by people speaking Celtic, in Dr. Oppenheimer's view. Although the Celtic immigrants may have been few in number, they spread their farming techniques and their language throughout Ireland and the western coast of Britain. Later immigrants arrived from northern Europe had more influence on the eastern and southern coasts. They, too, spread their language, a branch of German, but these invaders' numbers were also small compared with the local population.
In all, about three-quarters of the ancestors of today's British and Irish populations arrived between 15,000 and 7,500 years ago, when rising sea levels split Britain and Ireland from the Continent and from each other, Dr. Oppenheimer calculates in a new book, "The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story" (Carroll & Graf, 2006).
Ireland received the fewest of the subsequent invaders; their DNA makes up about 12 percent of the Irish gene pool, Dr. Oppenheimer estimates. DNA from invaders accounts for 20 percent of the gene pool in Wales, 30 percent in Scotland, and about a third in eastern and southern England.
But no single group of invaders is responsible for more than 5 percent of the current gene pool, Dr. Oppenheimer says on the basis of genetic data. He cites figures from archaeologist Heinrich Haerke that the Anglo-Saxon invasions that began in the fourth century A.D. added about 250,000 people to a British population of 1 million to 2 million -- an estimate that Dr. Oppenheimer notes is larger than his, but considerably less than the substantial replacement of the English population assumed by others. The Norman invasion of 1066 brought not many more than 10,000 people, according to Dr. Haerke.
Other geneticists say Dr. Oppenheimer's reconstruction is plausible, though some disagree with details. Several said genetic methods did not give precise enough dates to be confident of certain aspects, like when the first settlers arrived.
"Once you have an established population, it is quite difficult to change it very radically," said Daniel G. Bradley, a geneticist at Trinity College, Dublin. But he said he was "quite agnostic" as to whether the original population became established in Britain and Ireland immediately after the glaciers retreated 16,000 years ago, as Dr. Oppenheimer argues, or more recently, in the Neolithic Age, which began 10,000 years ago.
Bryan Sykes, another Oxford geneticist, said he agreed with Dr. Oppenheimer that the ancestors of "by far the majority of people" were present in the British Isles before the Roman conquest of A.D. 43. "The Saxons, Vikings and Normans had a minor effect, and much less than some of the medieval historical texts would indicate," he said.
His conclusions, based on his own genetic survey and information in his genealogical testing service, Oxford Ancestors, are reported in his new book, "Saxons, Vikings and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland."
Monday, March 05, 2007
Church’s £54k heritage boost
Church’s £54k heritage boost
Richard Harris
3 March 2007
York Press
A MEDIEVAL church has received a grant of £54,000 for repairs to return it to its former glory. The Grade I listed St Mary's Church, in Riccall, near Selby, needs work carrying out on its belfry and masonry. But thanks to English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the church has been awarded £54,000 out of a total of £1.6 million which has been given to places of worship in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Tony Allitt, chairman of St Mary's Appeal Fund, said the grant was the culmination of a lot of hard work from the vicar, the appeal fund committee and the villagers, but that there is still more money to be raised.
He said the main area for concern was the church's belfry where the stone work has been eroded over time. The tower is currently supported by an internal wooden framework but this will only last a couple of years. Repairs also need to be carried out on the clere storeys - the stonework around the high windows in the nave. In total, the work will cost around £105,000.
The church started its fundraising appeal last April. Mr Allitt said: "I have to emphasise that the people of Riccall have been absolutely marvellous with their support. We've had various functions and auctions and entertainment evenings. Everybody, whether churchgoers or not, has all pitched in."
There were even donations from as far afield as Canada and Australia from villagers who have emigrated but heard about the fundraising. Mr Allitt said the appeal collected £18,000 before the grant was approved so now the total stands at £72,000. But there is still more than £30,000 to raise. To this end, events are still being held.
The next one is on March 24 when the Selebian Singers will hold a concert at the church, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and include wine and nibbles. They will be available on the door, from Parochial Church Council members or from the village's Regen Centre. Children are admitted free.
Minster gets largest grant
HOWDEN Minster has also been a winner in the funding bonanza. The 13th Century minster has been awarded £296,000 - the region's largest grant. With its 135ft high tower and light coloured stonework, it dominates the East Riding landscape for miles around. But repair bills have escalated. The money will be used to replace badly eroded stonework on the south side of the nave, which is vulnerable to acid rain. Roof repairs will also be carried out.
Maddy Jago, English Heritage's planning and development director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Howden Minster is typical of the problems faced by congregations. "It is a magnificent building, but one with a hefty repair bill. Finding the resources in a small town to make ends meet is a colossal challenge."
Richard Harris
3 March 2007
York Press
A MEDIEVAL church has received a grant of £54,000 for repairs to return it to its former glory. The Grade I listed St Mary's Church, in Riccall, near Selby, needs work carrying out on its belfry and masonry. But thanks to English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the church has been awarded £54,000 out of a total of £1.6 million which has been given to places of worship in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Tony Allitt, chairman of St Mary's Appeal Fund, said the grant was the culmination of a lot of hard work from the vicar, the appeal fund committee and the villagers, but that there is still more money to be raised.
He said the main area for concern was the church's belfry where the stone work has been eroded over time. The tower is currently supported by an internal wooden framework but this will only last a couple of years. Repairs also need to be carried out on the clere storeys - the stonework around the high windows in the nave. In total, the work will cost around £105,000.
The church started its fundraising appeal last April. Mr Allitt said: "I have to emphasise that the people of Riccall have been absolutely marvellous with their support. We've had various functions and auctions and entertainment evenings. Everybody, whether churchgoers or not, has all pitched in."
There were even donations from as far afield as Canada and Australia from villagers who have emigrated but heard about the fundraising. Mr Allitt said the appeal collected £18,000 before the grant was approved so now the total stands at £72,000. But there is still more than £30,000 to raise. To this end, events are still being held.
The next one is on March 24 when the Selebian Singers will hold a concert at the church, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and include wine and nibbles. They will be available on the door, from Parochial Church Council members or from the village's Regen Centre. Children are admitted free.
Minster gets largest grant
HOWDEN Minster has also been a winner in the funding bonanza. The 13th Century minster has been awarded £296,000 - the region's largest grant. With its 135ft high tower and light coloured stonework, it dominates the East Riding landscape for miles around. But repair bills have escalated. The money will be used to replace badly eroded stonework on the south side of the nave, which is vulnerable to acid rain. Roof repairs will also be carried out.
Maddy Jago, English Heritage's planning and development director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Howden Minster is typical of the problems faced by congregations. "It is a magnificent building, but one with a hefty repair bill. Finding the resources in a small town to make ends meet is a colossal challenge."
Ancient guild hall marks 650th celebration by hosting first event of its kind
Ancient guild hall marks 650th celebration by hosting first event of its kind
3 March 2007
York Press
SCORES of children are heading to York's Merchant Adventurers' Hall to celebrate its 650th anniversary. Youngsters from primary schools in the city have joined Riding Lights Theatre and the National Centre for Early Music to create plays and explore music from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century for the event on the Frida at the historic hall.
Over the past three weeks, pupils have been working closely during rehearsals with writer Paul Birch, of Riding Lights, and Cathryn Dew, of the National Centre for Early Music, to create the performances. The main focus of the plays will be the various charitable and campaigning aspects of the Merchant Adventurers', as well as depicting their 650-year history and the building of the hall itself.
St Georges RC Primary, in Fishergate, has been taking part and teacher Rose Mazza said: "The children have really enjoyed the experience of working with professional people of the arts. All 29 pupils have been completely involved by each taking on a role within the group. It has had fantastic benefits for their confidence and self esteem. The opportunity has been great, but the actual performance is what the kids are waiting for so that they can show everyone what they have learnt."
Park Grove Primary School has also been getting involved, and according to head teacher Andrew Calverly the youngsters are doing a very good job. The school has 24 pupils taking part, aged between nine and ten. Mr Calverly said: "The children are really enjoying the experience. It is important that they learn about history particularly in their area and the play has allowed them to do this. Not only have they been taught about the Merchant Adventurers' Guild, but they have learned Latin songs and medieval English, which all feeds back in to the curriculum."
The event is a first for the Company of Merchant Adventurers and David Thomas, audience development officer, said: "We are glad that we can involve young people in their heritage through art, drama and music."
It is hoped the project will improve the way in which the hall is presented to visitors. Mr Thomas hopes that by working with local organisations the project can be repeated in the future.
3 March 2007
York Press
SCORES of children are heading to York's Merchant Adventurers' Hall to celebrate its 650th anniversary. Youngsters from primary schools in the city have joined Riding Lights Theatre and the National Centre for Early Music to create plays and explore music from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century for the event on the Frida at the historic hall.
Over the past three weeks, pupils have been working closely during rehearsals with writer Paul Birch, of Riding Lights, and Cathryn Dew, of the National Centre for Early Music, to create the performances. The main focus of the plays will be the various charitable and campaigning aspects of the Merchant Adventurers', as well as depicting their 650-year history and the building of the hall itself.
St Georges RC Primary, in Fishergate, has been taking part and teacher Rose Mazza said: "The children have really enjoyed the experience of working with professional people of the arts. All 29 pupils have been completely involved by each taking on a role within the group. It has had fantastic benefits for their confidence and self esteem. The opportunity has been great, but the actual performance is what the kids are waiting for so that they can show everyone what they have learnt."
Park Grove Primary School has also been getting involved, and according to head teacher Andrew Calverly the youngsters are doing a very good job. The school has 24 pupils taking part, aged between nine and ten. Mr Calverly said: "The children are really enjoying the experience. It is important that they learn about history particularly in their area and the play has allowed them to do this. Not only have they been taught about the Merchant Adventurers' Guild, but they have learned Latin songs and medieval English, which all feeds back in to the curriculum."
The event is a first for the Company of Merchant Adventurers and David Thomas, audience development officer, said: "We are glad that we can involve young people in their heritage through art, drama and music."
It is hoped the project will improve the way in which the hall is presented to visitors. Mr Thomas hopes that by working with local organisations the project can be repeated in the future.
Historic churches in Suffolk and Essex will benefit from more than £2million
HISTORIC churches in Suffolk and Essex will benefit from more than £2million...
3 March 2007
East Anglian Daily Times
HISTORIC churches in Suffolk and Essex will benefit from more than £2million worth of funding for restoration and maintenance, it has been revealed.
The announcement was made yesterday while heritage bosses visited All Saints & St Margaret Church in Chattisham, near Ipswich.
A total of £2.4m will be spent on Grade I and Grade II listed places of worship in East Anglia this year as part of an annual funding package from the English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The money will be used to repair six churches in Suffolk, one in Essex, 13 in Norfolk, three in Cambridgeshire and one in Hertfordshire.
Last year English Heritage launched its Inspired! campaign which called on the government to provide an extra £26.25m to help in the upkeep of historic places of worship.
Speaking at the launch of this year's grants at All Saints & St Margaret in Chattisham, John Ette, inspector of ancient monuments for English Heritage in the East of England, said: “This church is an extreme example of what the Inspired! campaign illustrated.
“Here we have a relatively small group of people who are solely responsible for maintaining a listed piece of our nation's heritage. This is not a case of neglect or lack of maintenance - it is simply a very old church which, after 700 years, needs vital repair work.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Heritage Lottery Fund manager in the East of England added: “Our historic places of worship are enormously important in the life of communities and give character to towns and villages right across the country.
“By focussing on the most urgent repair needs this scheme supports the efforts of local people and makes a real difference to the long-term prospects for buildings like All Saints.”
At All Saints & St Margaret the money will be used for urgent repairs to stop the medieval west tower moving away from the nave, preventing it from possible collapse.
Church warden Irene Davis said: “The size of the grant gives us great heart. This was echoed in the public meeting we held to judge parish support and set the seal for us to be able to keep our church.”
Other churches to benefit include St Margaret's Church, in Cowlinge, near Bury St Edmunds, which will use the grant to start an investigation into how to carry out vital roof repairs, and St John The Baptist Church, in Bury St Edmunds, where the money will be used to repair the building fabric of the west tower and provide safe access for future maintenance and inspection.
St Andrew's Church, in Great Cornard, where the vicar is Rev Jamie Allen - well known from the BBC series A Country Parish - receives £70,000.
He said: “We're so delighted to have received this support from English Heritage - it makes our whole project come alive with the certainty that we can look after this lovely ancient building properly and make sure it is here, standing firm, for tomorrow's community.
“The money is a contribution towards urgent repairs on our church building - beginning with money to help with the assessment and examination of the repair works required. This is part of a larger £250,000 repairs and reordering project for which we are in the midst of fundraising.”
In Essex the only church to receive a grant is the Grade I listed St Andrew, in Fingringhoe, near Colchester, where money will be spent on repairing the 14th Century tower.
The churches where the money will be spent:
ESSEX
St Andrew, Fingringhoe: £83,000
SUFFOLK
St John the Evangelist, Bury St Edmunds: £124,000
All Saints, Chattisham: £61,000
St Margaret, Cowlinge: £38,000
St Andrew, Great Cornard: £70,000
St Michael & All Angels, Occold: £88,000
All Saints, Stuston: £121,000
3 March 2007
East Anglian Daily Times
HISTORIC churches in Suffolk and Essex will benefit from more than £2million worth of funding for restoration and maintenance, it has been revealed.
The announcement was made yesterday while heritage bosses visited All Saints & St Margaret Church in Chattisham, near Ipswich.
A total of £2.4m will be spent on Grade I and Grade II listed places of worship in East Anglia this year as part of an annual funding package from the English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The money will be used to repair six churches in Suffolk, one in Essex, 13 in Norfolk, three in Cambridgeshire and one in Hertfordshire.
Last year English Heritage launched its Inspired! campaign which called on the government to provide an extra £26.25m to help in the upkeep of historic places of worship.
Speaking at the launch of this year's grants at All Saints & St Margaret in Chattisham, John Ette, inspector of ancient monuments for English Heritage in the East of England, said: “This church is an extreme example of what the Inspired! campaign illustrated.
“Here we have a relatively small group of people who are solely responsible for maintaining a listed piece of our nation's heritage. This is not a case of neglect or lack of maintenance - it is simply a very old church which, after 700 years, needs vital repair work.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Heritage Lottery Fund manager in the East of England added: “Our historic places of worship are enormously important in the life of communities and give character to towns and villages right across the country.
“By focussing on the most urgent repair needs this scheme supports the efforts of local people and makes a real difference to the long-term prospects for buildings like All Saints.”
At All Saints & St Margaret the money will be used for urgent repairs to stop the medieval west tower moving away from the nave, preventing it from possible collapse.
Church warden Irene Davis said: “The size of the grant gives us great heart. This was echoed in the public meeting we held to judge parish support and set the seal for us to be able to keep our church.”
Other churches to benefit include St Margaret's Church, in Cowlinge, near Bury St Edmunds, which will use the grant to start an investigation into how to carry out vital roof repairs, and St John The Baptist Church, in Bury St Edmunds, where the money will be used to repair the building fabric of the west tower and provide safe access for future maintenance and inspection.
St Andrew's Church, in Great Cornard, where the vicar is Rev Jamie Allen - well known from the BBC series A Country Parish - receives £70,000.
He said: “We're so delighted to have received this support from English Heritage - it makes our whole project come alive with the certainty that we can look after this lovely ancient building properly and make sure it is here, standing firm, for tomorrow's community.
“The money is a contribution towards urgent repairs on our church building - beginning with money to help with the assessment and examination of the repair works required. This is part of a larger £250,000 repairs and reordering project for which we are in the midst of fundraising.”
In Essex the only church to receive a grant is the Grade I listed St Andrew, in Fingringhoe, near Colchester, where money will be spent on repairing the 14th Century tower.
The churches where the money will be spent:
ESSEX
St Andrew, Fingringhoe: £83,000
SUFFOLK
St John the Evangelist, Bury St Edmunds: £124,000
All Saints, Chattisham: £61,000
St Margaret, Cowlinge: £38,000
St Andrew, Great Cornard: £70,000
St Michael & All Angels, Occold: £88,000
All Saints, Stuston: £121,000
Forecast for 'The Year 1000' looks familiar
Forecast for 'The Year 1000' looks familiar
Betsy Hart
4 March 2007
Chicago Sun-Times
I never get to see new movies, unless they are kids' fare: Four of them, one of me; do the math. I rent "my" movies, which at my pace means I'll be seeing "The English Patient" around February of next year.
The same is true for books. That's the long way of explaining how I happened only recently to pick up a delightful little tome that came out in 1999, The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at The Turn of the First Millennium (Little, Brown), by noted British historian Robert Lacey and journalist Danny Danziger.
It's an incredibly interesting and fast-paced read. But there were a couple of pages for which I really had to slow down -- when the authors reveal what is commonly known about the climate of the time. It turns out it was a heck of a lot warmer than our own.
They note that "archaeological evidence indicates that the years 950 to 1300 were marked by noticeably warmer temperatures than we experience today. . . . Meteorologists describe this medieval warm epoch as the 'Little Optimum,' and they cite it as the explanation of such phenomena as the Viking explosion into Russia, France, Iceland and the northwestern Atlantic." Oh, and during the Little Optimum (as in "optimal"), conditions were such that, contrary to both today's conventional wisdom and the reality of later, colder centuries, the relatively well-nourished people at the turn of the first millennium grew to statures similar to our own today. Who knew?
Well, apparently a lot of people. The authors note: "The northerly retreat of icebergs and pack ice under the impact of warmer temperatures is a plausible explanation for why Lief Eriksson was able to sail around the top of the Atlantic as far as Newfoundland in or about the year 1000." And it's why Eriksson and his seafaring band described that far northern land as being so "warm and fecund," as the writers put it, that Eriksson called it "Vinland." Read: "Wineland." Interesting. It turns out that in the year 1000, it's known that Earth was 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is now. Yes, up to 4 full degrees warmer. "Edinburgh enjoyed the climate of London, while London enjoyed the climate of the Loire Valley in France," note Lacey and Danziger. (All this is confirmed in other sources.)
Now, let's fast-forward, oh, say, 1,000 years or so, to today's educated, enlightened, baby-boomer generation, which has -- as the baby boomers of course discover everything for the first time -- revealed to us the phenomenon of "global warming." Of course, that means the baby boomers have the moral right to demand that all human beings everywhere fundamentally change their lives, economies and standard of living -- except for all the boomers who like their big cars and houses -- because Earth depends on them.
That sure is a lot of responsibility to shoulder. The authors of The Year 1000 note that what C.S. Lewis calls the " 'snobbery of chronology' encourages us to presume that just because we happen to have lived after our ancestors . . . we must also know better" than they. "But," the writers continue, "whether today we display more wisdom or common humanity is an open question."
Actually, I'd say that when it comes to today's baby boomers, as a generation -- that question is answered.
Betsy Hart
4 March 2007
Chicago Sun-Times
I never get to see new movies, unless they are kids' fare: Four of them, one of me; do the math. I rent "my" movies, which at my pace means I'll be seeing "The English Patient" around February of next year.
The same is true for books. That's the long way of explaining how I happened only recently to pick up a delightful little tome that came out in 1999, The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at The Turn of the First Millennium (Little, Brown), by noted British historian Robert Lacey and journalist Danny Danziger.
It's an incredibly interesting and fast-paced read. But there were a couple of pages for which I really had to slow down -- when the authors reveal what is commonly known about the climate of the time. It turns out it was a heck of a lot warmer than our own.
They note that "archaeological evidence indicates that the years 950 to 1300 were marked by noticeably warmer temperatures than we experience today. . . . Meteorologists describe this medieval warm epoch as the 'Little Optimum,' and they cite it as the explanation of such phenomena as the Viking explosion into Russia, France, Iceland and the northwestern Atlantic." Oh, and during the Little Optimum (as in "optimal"), conditions were such that, contrary to both today's conventional wisdom and the reality of later, colder centuries, the relatively well-nourished people at the turn of the first millennium grew to statures similar to our own today. Who knew?
Well, apparently a lot of people. The authors note: "The northerly retreat of icebergs and pack ice under the impact of warmer temperatures is a plausible explanation for why Lief Eriksson was able to sail around the top of the Atlantic as far as Newfoundland in or about the year 1000." And it's why Eriksson and his seafaring band described that far northern land as being so "warm and fecund," as the writers put it, that Eriksson called it "Vinland." Read: "Wineland." Interesting. It turns out that in the year 1000, it's known that Earth was 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is now. Yes, up to 4 full degrees warmer. "Edinburgh enjoyed the climate of London, while London enjoyed the climate of the Loire Valley in France," note Lacey and Danziger. (All this is confirmed in other sources.)
Now, let's fast-forward, oh, say, 1,000 years or so, to today's educated, enlightened, baby-boomer generation, which has -- as the baby boomers of course discover everything for the first time -- revealed to us the phenomenon of "global warming." Of course, that means the baby boomers have the moral right to demand that all human beings everywhere fundamentally change their lives, economies and standard of living -- except for all the boomers who like their big cars and houses -- because Earth depends on them.
That sure is a lot of responsibility to shoulder. The authors of The Year 1000 note that what C.S. Lewis calls the " 'snobbery of chronology' encourages us to presume that just because we happen to have lived after our ancestors . . . we must also know better" than they. "But," the writers continue, "whether today we display more wisdom or common humanity is an open question."
Actually, I'd say that when it comes to today's baby boomers, as a generation -- that question is answered.
Dispute over 13th century chalice and paten from Abbey Cymer
Bring them home
By HYWEL TREWYN
5 March 2007
Liverpool Daily Post
A GRANDMOTHER descendant of a prospector who found hidden treasure which was claimed by the Crown wants it returned to North Wales. Meiriona Jones is campaigning for a 13th century chalice and paten, discovered at Abbey Cymer, near Dolgellau, to "come home" and be put on public show.
Yesterday the mum-of-five told how her granddad Ellis Jones and friend Griffith Griffith working as gold prospectors found the treasure, believed to have been hidden by monks, in the abbey. But after a series of transactions, the treasure was claimed by the Crown and now belongs to the Queen. The chalice, a ceremonial cup, and paten, a plate for bread to celebrate Eucharist, are kept at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Now Ellis Jones's grand-daughter, Meiriona Jones, 75, better known as Iona, wants them to be returned to Dolgellau and put on public show.
Mrs Jones, a 75-year-old retired nurse brought up in Corwen and who has lived in Denbigh and Caernarfon, now lives at Borth, near Aberystwyth. She said: "Neither of them received any recognition or reward for finding the treasure. It's not fair. The treasure should be returned to Dolgellau so that people in North Wales who can't afford to travel to Cardiff can see it. To have it on show in Dolgellau near where it was found would be great. It's like the Mold cape which should also be returned to where it was found and not kept in the British Museum in London. It's a shame that my grandfather's treasure has now been taken by the Crown because it was he and his friend who found it."
The treasure was believed to have been hidden to prevent them falling into the hands of King Henry the VIII during his dissolution of the monasteries. The story goes following their find, two strangers called on Griffith and Jones claiming they had no right to the treasure and warning they might get into serious trouble if they kept them. Griffiths and Jones were persuaded to hand them over to the strangers who then sold them for 50 shillings.
Hearing of this transaction, the workmen's boss, TH Roberts of Dolgellau, bought them back. News of the discovery soon spread and on June 14,1890 an article appeared in the Illustrated London News, sparking a controversy that continues today. The Crown stepped in and claimed the valued chalice and paten to be treasure trove and if they were not handed in, legal steps would be taken.
According to the story, Mr Roberts would not give way. Then in 1892, the treasure came up for sale at Christie's and was sold for £710, and re-sold a little later for £3,000 to a Baron Schroder. The publicity stirred the Crown to start legal action, seeking to prove the vessels were indeed treasure trove - not simply abandoned but rather concealed on purpose.
When found in 1890 the chalice and paten lay close together and did not seem to have been thrown hastily. Baron Schroder died on May 10,1910, and left the treasure to the Crown. A home had to be found for the cup and plate. Abbey Cymer itself was in ruins, so, in keeping with the personal wish of the King of England, George V, the treasure found a safe haven at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, where it is still kept now.
By HYWEL TREWYN
5 March 2007
Liverpool Daily Post
A GRANDMOTHER descendant of a prospector who found hidden treasure which was claimed by the Crown wants it returned to North Wales. Meiriona Jones is campaigning for a 13th century chalice and paten, discovered at Abbey Cymer, near Dolgellau, to "come home" and be put on public show.
Yesterday the mum-of-five told how her granddad Ellis Jones and friend Griffith Griffith working as gold prospectors found the treasure, believed to have been hidden by monks, in the abbey. But after a series of transactions, the treasure was claimed by the Crown and now belongs to the Queen. The chalice, a ceremonial cup, and paten, a plate for bread to celebrate Eucharist, are kept at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Now Ellis Jones's grand-daughter, Meiriona Jones, 75, better known as Iona, wants them to be returned to Dolgellau and put on public show.
Mrs Jones, a 75-year-old retired nurse brought up in Corwen and who has lived in Denbigh and Caernarfon, now lives at Borth, near Aberystwyth. She said: "Neither of them received any recognition or reward for finding the treasure. It's not fair. The treasure should be returned to Dolgellau so that people in North Wales who can't afford to travel to Cardiff can see it. To have it on show in Dolgellau near where it was found would be great. It's like the Mold cape which should also be returned to where it was found and not kept in the British Museum in London. It's a shame that my grandfather's treasure has now been taken by the Crown because it was he and his friend who found it."
The treasure was believed to have been hidden to prevent them falling into the hands of King Henry the VIII during his dissolution of the monasteries. The story goes following their find, two strangers called on Griffith and Jones claiming they had no right to the treasure and warning they might get into serious trouble if they kept them. Griffiths and Jones were persuaded to hand them over to the strangers who then sold them for 50 shillings.
Hearing of this transaction, the workmen's boss, TH Roberts of Dolgellau, bought them back. News of the discovery soon spread and on June 14,1890 an article appeared in the Illustrated London News, sparking a controversy that continues today. The Crown stepped in and claimed the valued chalice and paten to be treasure trove and if they were not handed in, legal steps would be taken.
According to the story, Mr Roberts would not give way. Then in 1892, the treasure came up for sale at Christie's and was sold for £710, and re-sold a little later for £3,000 to a Baron Schroder. The publicity stirred the Crown to start legal action, seeking to prove the vessels were indeed treasure trove - not simply abandoned but rather concealed on purpose.
When found in 1890 the chalice and paten lay close together and did not seem to have been thrown hastily. Baron Schroder died on May 10,1910, and left the treasure to the Crown. A home had to be found for the cup and plate. Abbey Cymer itself was in ruins, so, in keeping with the personal wish of the King of England, George V, the treasure found a safe haven at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, where it is still kept now.
Ukraine Orthodox treasure crumbles, monks seek help
Ukraine Orthodox treasure crumbles, monks seek help
By Olena Horodetska
5 March 2007
Reuters News
Its golden domes have towered over the capital Kiev for a millennium. Awed by its mysterious beauty and intrigued by catacombs containing the remains of scores of monks, thousands pray every day at the Caves Monastery, spiritual symbol of Slav culture.
But visitors are unaware of impending danger -- the monastery is crumbling. Rain, snow, rising underground water and human negligence threaten to reduce the site to nothing. Monks and architects say time is running out and demand urgent action to protect the Caves Monastery complex, known in Ukrainian as the Pechersk Lavra. "We need to hurry to preserve its main treasures and monuments, key elements of this ensemble," said the Lavra's chief architect Tatyana Kulik. "We have no time. Caves have already fallen in."
Rising behind Kulik on a chilly winter day were the golden cupolas of the medieval Uspensky Cathedral, mysteriously blown up during Nazi occupation in World War Two and rebuilt in 2000.
A grand complex with striking belltowers, resplendent churches, chapels, gates, monuments and seminary buildings, the Lavra was founded by monks near the the Dnieper river in 1051. Over the centuries it grew to become the main sacred site of Orthodox Christianity in eastern Europe. It now draws millions of tourists to its upper and lower sections, a short drive from Kiev's bustling city centre.
The upper section is a museum under government control. The lower part is home to about 150 monks. Both are in a dire state. "The lower part...is in more or less acceptable condition. Every day we walk around the territory, check which wells are filled with water, inspect cracks in churches or buildings," said Pavel, the senior priest who runs the monks' community. "The story is very different in the upper part. The sewage and water supply system have not been repaired. Snow has started to melt. Pipes are filling up. The water is coming down, tearing out walls and pipes. Two buildings are in a terrible state."
SLOW DECAY
A few metres (yards) from Pavel's study, a cosy room filled with golden Orthodox icons, there emerges a picture of slow decay. A supporting stone wall is riven with cracks as are church walls and seminary buildings. A chapel lists dangerously. Stone steps are worn and in danger of disappearing.
Monks and builders work feverishly to reverse the decline. Truckloads of sand and concrete arrive at the site daily. "We are working to strengthen the walls of the near caves against landslips," says Father Varsonofiy as he leads the way underground to a site of a cave accident in 2005.
Caves collapsed metres away from the cell of St Anthony, the first monk to inhabit the caves almost 1,000 years ago. His remarkably preserved body is kept nearby. As Father Varsonofiy shows new props installed to bolster the ancient corridor, visitors descend the flight of stone steps, each with a candle in hand. The underground passages lead to prayer niches and miniature chapels where flames cast shadows on icons barely visible through the darkness. Priests recite prayers.
Experts still cannot explain why the caves collapsed. "The processes of deformation accelerated in 2005. We do not know what will happen this year because no scientific research has been conducted," Kulik said. "We have not studied the reasons for the accident."
She believes the monastery's location on hills near the river is one factor in a long list of problems. Negligence, ageing sewage systems, mistakes in planning the city's drainage system and construction nearby also played a role, undermining stability underground.
Lack of funding underscores all the difficulties. Ukraine's government, its eye cast firmly on public opinion, pays scant attention to historical monuments at a time when increasing public sector wages and pensions remain top items on the agenda. Architect and monks agree a short-term solution will be of little use to the ancient monuments. They want a long-term state plan to preserve the Lavra for future generations.
"The state must take heed," says Pavel. "This is the only sacred place of such rank in Ukraine. It is called 'the second Jerusalem'. We should preserve it at whatever price. We, monks, are ready to sacrifice our lives."
By Olena Horodetska
5 March 2007
Reuters News
Its golden domes have towered over the capital Kiev for a millennium. Awed by its mysterious beauty and intrigued by catacombs containing the remains of scores of monks, thousands pray every day at the Caves Monastery, spiritual symbol of Slav culture.
But visitors are unaware of impending danger -- the monastery is crumbling. Rain, snow, rising underground water and human negligence threaten to reduce the site to nothing. Monks and architects say time is running out and demand urgent action to protect the Caves Monastery complex, known in Ukrainian as the Pechersk Lavra. "We need to hurry to preserve its main treasures and monuments, key elements of this ensemble," said the Lavra's chief architect Tatyana Kulik. "We have no time. Caves have already fallen in."
Rising behind Kulik on a chilly winter day were the golden cupolas of the medieval Uspensky Cathedral, mysteriously blown up during Nazi occupation in World War Two and rebuilt in 2000.
A grand complex with striking belltowers, resplendent churches, chapels, gates, monuments and seminary buildings, the Lavra was founded by monks near the the Dnieper river in 1051. Over the centuries it grew to become the main sacred site of Orthodox Christianity in eastern Europe. It now draws millions of tourists to its upper and lower sections, a short drive from Kiev's bustling city centre.
The upper section is a museum under government control. The lower part is home to about 150 monks. Both are in a dire state. "The lower part...is in more or less acceptable condition. Every day we walk around the territory, check which wells are filled with water, inspect cracks in churches or buildings," said Pavel, the senior priest who runs the monks' community. "The story is very different in the upper part. The sewage and water supply system have not been repaired. Snow has started to melt. Pipes are filling up. The water is coming down, tearing out walls and pipes. Two buildings are in a terrible state."
SLOW DECAY
A few metres (yards) from Pavel's study, a cosy room filled with golden Orthodox icons, there emerges a picture of slow decay. A supporting stone wall is riven with cracks as are church walls and seminary buildings. A chapel lists dangerously. Stone steps are worn and in danger of disappearing.
Monks and builders work feverishly to reverse the decline. Truckloads of sand and concrete arrive at the site daily. "We are working to strengthen the walls of the near caves against landslips," says Father Varsonofiy as he leads the way underground to a site of a cave accident in 2005.
Caves collapsed metres away from the cell of St Anthony, the first monk to inhabit the caves almost 1,000 years ago. His remarkably preserved body is kept nearby. As Father Varsonofiy shows new props installed to bolster the ancient corridor, visitors descend the flight of stone steps, each with a candle in hand. The underground passages lead to prayer niches and miniature chapels where flames cast shadows on icons barely visible through the darkness. Priests recite prayers.
Experts still cannot explain why the caves collapsed. "The processes of deformation accelerated in 2005. We do not know what will happen this year because no scientific research has been conducted," Kulik said. "We have not studied the reasons for the accident."
She believes the monastery's location on hills near the river is one factor in a long list of problems. Negligence, ageing sewage systems, mistakes in planning the city's drainage system and construction nearby also played a role, undermining stability underground.
Lack of funding underscores all the difficulties. Ukraine's government, its eye cast firmly on public opinion, pays scant attention to historical monuments at a time when increasing public sector wages and pensions remain top items on the agenda. Architect and monks agree a short-term solution will be of little use to the ancient monuments. They want a long-term state plan to preserve the Lavra for future generations.
"The state must take heed," says Pavel. "This is the only sacred place of such rank in Ukraine. It is called 'the second Jerusalem'. We should preserve it at whatever price. We, monks, are ready to sacrifice our lives."
Friday, March 02, 2007
Medieval fair lost to history
Medieval fair lost to history
1 March 2007
Standard & Guardian
Rules and regulations and a lack of support from the community are being blamed for the end of a major event in the town. St Catherine's Medieval Fair organiser Lyn Waller said that no one has come forward to take over its running, despite a public appeal last year. Time has run out to apply for the necessary grants and licences, and the fair will not take place this year.
Last year's event made a triumphant return after an absence of a year, when the 2005 fair was cancelled after the break-up of the previous organisers, the Town Centre Promotions Group. St Catherine's Fair was revived in 1984 as part of the Frome 1300 celebrations and has been a popular event on the town's calendar ever since.
Mrs Waller said: "You can say that rules and regulations have strangled the event. It's all down to health and safety and the need for any stall holder taking part to have public liability insurance to be able to do so, and for us, as organisers, to have insurance to cover the event. The whole event is not cost-effective. It is a shame because it was something that was part of the community, but it is now impossible to do in a way that will foster community spirit. Where local people used to come and have a stall and take part, they now have to have insurance and so the community is no longer able to take part. We ran it safely for 21 years and have a proven health and safety record. It has become an incredible paper trail to organise and it is not viable. We have got a society where people are not responsible for themselves and if we hold an event we have to be responsible for every child that falls over."
After last year's fair, Mrs Waller and co-organiser Hilary Beardmore decided it would be their last because they both felt the event needed fresh blood and appealed for volunteers to come forward.
Mrs Waller said: "Even if someone came forward now it would be too late as it would be impossible for anyone to get the necessary licences. We had to ask ourselves whether we still enjoyed organising the event, and unfortunately the answer was no."
Mrs Beardmore and Mrs Waller became involved ten years ago when some of the initial impetus had been lost and the event drew criticism. In a statement issued last September, they said: "We are appreciative of all those who enter into the spirit of the event, but sadly it seems to be a decreasing minority. Increasingly, there is an expectation that the fair is somehow delivered rather than contributed to by all. Organising the fair begins in January each year and the workload increases dramatically in the two months preceding it. It takes over the summer, leaving little time for anything else."
1 March 2007
Standard & Guardian
Rules and regulations and a lack of support from the community are being blamed for the end of a major event in the town. St Catherine's Medieval Fair organiser Lyn Waller said that no one has come forward to take over its running, despite a public appeal last year. Time has run out to apply for the necessary grants and licences, and the fair will not take place this year.
Last year's event made a triumphant return after an absence of a year, when the 2005 fair was cancelled after the break-up of the previous organisers, the Town Centre Promotions Group. St Catherine's Fair was revived in 1984 as part of the Frome 1300 celebrations and has been a popular event on the town's calendar ever since.
Mrs Waller said: "You can say that rules and regulations have strangled the event. It's all down to health and safety and the need for any stall holder taking part to have public liability insurance to be able to do so, and for us, as organisers, to have insurance to cover the event. The whole event is not cost-effective. It is a shame because it was something that was part of the community, but it is now impossible to do in a way that will foster community spirit. Where local people used to come and have a stall and take part, they now have to have insurance and so the community is no longer able to take part. We ran it safely for 21 years and have a proven health and safety record. It has become an incredible paper trail to organise and it is not viable. We have got a society where people are not responsible for themselves and if we hold an event we have to be responsible for every child that falls over."
After last year's fair, Mrs Waller and co-organiser Hilary Beardmore decided it would be their last because they both felt the event needed fresh blood and appealed for volunteers to come forward.
Mrs Waller said: "Even if someone came forward now it would be too late as it would be impossible for anyone to get the necessary licences. We had to ask ourselves whether we still enjoyed organising the event, and unfortunately the answer was no."
Mrs Beardmore and Mrs Waller became involved ten years ago when some of the initial impetus had been lost and the event drew criticism. In a statement issued last September, they said: "We are appreciative of all those who enter into the spirit of the event, but sadly it seems to be a decreasing minority. Increasingly, there is an expectation that the fair is somehow delivered rather than contributed to by all. Organising the fair begins in January each year and the workload increases dramatically in the two months preceding it. It takes over the summer, leaving little time for anything else."
Glass may shatter
Glass may shatter
By Kelmemy Fraser
2 March 2007
The Northern Times
STAINED-GLASS windows, more than 500 years old and among the Abbey Museum's priceless collection, are at risk of shattering.
An expert report into the state of the windows, identified as one of the most significant collections of medieval stained glass in Australia, has found it in "dire need" of conservation.
The report by Eumundi-based stained-glass artists and conservators Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn assessed all the pieces in the collection, spanning from the 14th Century.
It found the 1920 Michael the Archangel window and two 1400s medieval pieces from Winchester Cathedral, Angel Gabriel and Beast of Revelation, need urgent restoration. Natural ageing of the lead has buckled the Cathedral windows alarmingly, according to the report.
A $10,000 donation has kick-started the restoration program of two windows, one a 16th-century piece believed to be from a German building destroyed by Napoleonic troops. But it will cost a total $127,000 for the restoration of 50 pieces in the museum's collection in most need of care.
This has left the Abbey desperate for sponsors. "There is a long way to go; the two major Winchester windows - each one of those will cost around about $10,000 for restoration," Abbey Museum chief executive officer Edith Cuffe said.
Benefactors who fund restoration of a window - anywhere between $500 and $10,000 apiece - will be invited to visit the conservation studio.
Gerry Cummins, who studied stained-glass conservation techniques in Europe, will be guest speaker at a public talk at the Abbey Museum on Saturday from 7.30pm. Cost is $6. Phone 5495 1652.
By Kelmemy Fraser
2 March 2007
The Northern Times
STAINED-GLASS windows, more than 500 years old and among the Abbey Museum's priceless collection, are at risk of shattering.
An expert report into the state of the windows, identified as one of the most significant collections of medieval stained glass in Australia, has found it in "dire need" of conservation.
The report by Eumundi-based stained-glass artists and conservators Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn assessed all the pieces in the collection, spanning from the 14th Century.
It found the 1920 Michael the Archangel window and two 1400s medieval pieces from Winchester Cathedral, Angel Gabriel and Beast of Revelation, need urgent restoration. Natural ageing of the lead has buckled the Cathedral windows alarmingly, according to the report.
A $10,000 donation has kick-started the restoration program of two windows, one a 16th-century piece believed to be from a German building destroyed by Napoleonic troops. But it will cost a total $127,000 for the restoration of 50 pieces in the museum's collection in most need of care.
This has left the Abbey desperate for sponsors. "There is a long way to go; the two major Winchester windows - each one of those will cost around about $10,000 for restoration," Abbey Museum chief executive officer Edith Cuffe said.
Benefactors who fund restoration of a window - anywhere between $500 and $10,000 apiece - will be invited to visit the conservation studio.
Gerry Cummins, who studied stained-glass conservation techniques in Europe, will be guest speaker at a public talk at the Abbey Museum on Saturday from 7.30pm. Cost is $6. Phone 5495 1652.
Robin Hood less of a straight arrow in BBC update
Robin Hood less of a straight arrow in BBC update
By Barry Garron
2 March 2007
Reuters News
Who can forget the image of dashing Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, that virtuous hero who waged guerrilla warfare from Sherwood Forest while practicing his own modest form of wealth redistribution? Or his nemesis, the evil but highly inept Sheriff of Nottingham? Who can forget that classic 1938 film? Dominic Minghella and Foz Allan can.
Their new take, though still respectful of the 800-year-old legend, reinvents the outlaw hero with a modern mentality. What's more, not one pair of green tights was harmed (or used) in the making of this 13-part series.
This Robin Hood, played by Jonas Armstrong, is both a scamp and a principled leader. Maid Marian (Lucy Griffiths) has a feminist streak longer than a lance. Robin's merry men are not quite so merry. Perhaps the biggest transformation, though, is the makeover given the Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen).
In this "Robin Hood," he is not blustery, inept or overconfident. Instead, he is a cunning and worthy foil for Robin. He is a shrewd manipulator, dark and cruel and supremely capable of ruthless skullduggery. Allen brilliantly brings out the sheriff's sociopathic qualities, creating psychological conflict that is more exciting than the staged swordplay, fistfights and other medieval mayhem.
There's a sly wit to this series, a subtle wink to modern pop culture. For example, in the third episode, a mysterious assassin aims at the Sheriff of Nottingham and, for a moment, appears to hit his target. "I shot the sheriff," the mystery man declares. "No, you shot the deputy," the sheriff answers, completing the homage to Bob Marley.
The premiere depicts a time when, to borrow from the title of Mel Brooks' 1993 version of Robin Hood, days were truly rotten. The peasants were starving and brutally treated. Robin of Locksley, returning to his estate after five years of fighting in the Crusades, can hardly believe his eyes. Marian, in between playing hard to get, suggests Robin work within the system. But, as we all know, he is a man of action, not politics.
If there is a chink to this series' armor, it is in the casting of Armstrong in the title role. He is sufficiently athletic and has no problem mastering the dialogue, but he lacks the physical stature to be absolutely convincing. Robin shouldn't be bigger than the ironically named Little John (Gordon Kennedy), but he should be more physically imposing than most of his men, which Armstrong isn't.
Filmed in Hungary, the series looks authentically antique -- costumes, weaponry and all. In a bow to tradition, each episode has sword-swinging, helmet-clanging man-to-man conflict in which, miraculously, the only casualties are the sheriff's men. Still, no matter how many are vanquished, more keep popping up, like some Dark Age video game, but one that is great fun to play.
By Barry Garron
2 March 2007
Reuters News
Who can forget the image of dashing Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, that virtuous hero who waged guerrilla warfare from Sherwood Forest while practicing his own modest form of wealth redistribution? Or his nemesis, the evil but highly inept Sheriff of Nottingham? Who can forget that classic 1938 film? Dominic Minghella and Foz Allan can.
Their new take, though still respectful of the 800-year-old legend, reinvents the outlaw hero with a modern mentality. What's more, not one pair of green tights was harmed (or used) in the making of this 13-part series.
This Robin Hood, played by Jonas Armstrong, is both a scamp and a principled leader. Maid Marian (Lucy Griffiths) has a feminist streak longer than a lance. Robin's merry men are not quite so merry. Perhaps the biggest transformation, though, is the makeover given the Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen).
In this "Robin Hood," he is not blustery, inept or overconfident. Instead, he is a cunning and worthy foil for Robin. He is a shrewd manipulator, dark and cruel and supremely capable of ruthless skullduggery. Allen brilliantly brings out the sheriff's sociopathic qualities, creating psychological conflict that is more exciting than the staged swordplay, fistfights and other medieval mayhem.
There's a sly wit to this series, a subtle wink to modern pop culture. For example, in the third episode, a mysterious assassin aims at the Sheriff of Nottingham and, for a moment, appears to hit his target. "I shot the sheriff," the mystery man declares. "No, you shot the deputy," the sheriff answers, completing the homage to Bob Marley.
The premiere depicts a time when, to borrow from the title of Mel Brooks' 1993 version of Robin Hood, days were truly rotten. The peasants were starving and brutally treated. Robin of Locksley, returning to his estate after five years of fighting in the Crusades, can hardly believe his eyes. Marian, in between playing hard to get, suggests Robin work within the system. But, as we all know, he is a man of action, not politics.
If there is a chink to this series' armor, it is in the casting of Armstrong in the title role. He is sufficiently athletic and has no problem mastering the dialogue, but he lacks the physical stature to be absolutely convincing. Robin shouldn't be bigger than the ironically named Little John (Gordon Kennedy), but he should be more physically imposing than most of his men, which Armstrong isn't.
Filmed in Hungary, the series looks authentically antique -- costumes, weaponry and all. In a bow to tradition, each episode has sword-swinging, helmet-clanging man-to-man conflict in which, miraculously, the only casualties are the sheriff's men. Still, no matter how many are vanquished, more keep popping up, like some Dark Age video game, but one that is great fun to play.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Medieval burial site found in Preston
Skeletons found at building site
28 February 2007
Lancashire Evening Post
Builders working in the centre of Preston have discovered bodies at a medieval burial ground. The discovery of the bodies, which could be up to 700 years old, was made as work continued on the 72-bed hotel and student flats block at the back of the privately-owned Brunel Court flats in Marsh Lane.
Work stopped as experts from Oxford Archaeology North, who were on a 'watching brief' at the site, began to comb the area. At least five coffins, parts of human skeletons, medieval glass and floor tiles thought to be from the 14th or 15th centuries, have been discovered. Experts at the site today described it as a "significant" find.
Staff from Oxford Archaeology North are now planning a full archaeological excavation of the patch. It is believed the area forms part of an old priory and up to 20 coffins are eventually expected to be found.
28 February 2007
Lancashire Evening Post
Builders working in the centre of Preston have discovered bodies at a medieval burial ground. The discovery of the bodies, which could be up to 700 years old, was made as work continued on the 72-bed hotel and student flats block at the back of the privately-owned Brunel Court flats in Marsh Lane.
Work stopped as experts from Oxford Archaeology North, who were on a 'watching brief' at the site, began to comb the area. At least five coffins, parts of human skeletons, medieval glass and floor tiles thought to be from the 14th or 15th centuries, have been discovered. Experts at the site today described it as a "significant" find.
Staff from Oxford Archaeology North are now planning a full archaeological excavation of the patch. It is believed the area forms part of an old priory and up to 20 coffins are eventually expected to be found.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
