Tuesday 29th June
Battle, Canterbury and Dover

High on the 'hysterical' list of things to see was the site of the Battle of Hastings, 1066. I have to admit that this was interesting, but Ray's knowledge of British history is helpful. Although they had audio tours to lead you around the battlefield and explain the tactics and etc, being able to ask Ray some 'blonde' questions helped.
There was an abbey built on the site of the battle in 1070, ordered by the Pope to atone for the brutal death and mutilation of King Harold by the Normans.
Here you can see Ray checking out some of the ruins - turns out it was the latrine!! (that's the loo, bog, dunny etc).

We had some lunch in the grounds of this cafe. It is an original tudor building, from the time of the abbey. It was called Pilgrim's Rest and essentially that's what is was originally. It's located right outside the abbey entrance.

It was called a Hospital, but in those days that meant "a house for the reception and entertainment of pilgrims, travellers or strangers"

Thi is our first look at Canterbury Cathedral. It's awesome to see the detail of the architecture - both inside and out.

It was an overwhelming experience. We spent a couple of hours wandering around and the volunteer guides were fabulous. One of them picked our accent (I wonder how - seeing as I talk so posh and all - y'know?) and handed us a brochure detailing the Australian connections with the Cathederal.

I took some photos in the Cathederal, but I'm no photographer. they don't do it justice at all. We have taken to buying guide books.

Note to my brother Terry - if you ever go there you will need a week!

We finished the day with a quick run down to Dover. the White Cliffs were on my list of "must sees'. We came, we saw, we photographed and we headed home. this was a 12 hour day!!