Northchurch, Berkhamstead

 

Todays Blog is a bit purloined from Google, Cheers! 

I started watching a series on Prime, Sean Bean in The Frankenstein Chronicles.. and without giving spoilers I am presuming, hoping? Most people will have read the book, seen a movie or at the very least learnt about the story line at some point.. As although Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was a work of fiction... some aspects were far nearer the truth than we would wish! 

So! Googled 'body snatchers Northchurch' and amongst the information was this!

The Sparrows Herne Turnpike: The main road running through Northchurch (now the A41) was a primary coaching route directly into London.

Who knew!! Who?? I had lived pr worked, prior to moving to Spain, either on the A41 or very close to it, and never in my days did I ever learn of it's previous name..here and there of course, it is London Road, Tring Road ... Etc etc.. 

But, the length and breath of it, from Bushy Heath to Aylesbury!

Carry on reading.. this has got a bit mixed up with my intervention!

The most significant connection Northchurch has to the fear of grave robbing centers around its most famous historical resident: Peter the Wild Boy. Found feral in Germany in 1725, Peter was brought to England under the care of the Royal Court and spent his final decades living at Broadway Farm in Northchurch.When Peter died in 1785, the local community was highly aware of his national fame. Because medical anatomists and private collectors in London placed an incredibly high premium on "unusual" or distinct bodies for biological study, Peter's corpse was considered a prime target for resurrectionists.

While the graves were heavily guarded, Northchurch experienced other major historical crimes during the same era. Notably, in 1801, the notorious highwayman James Snooks (known as "Robber Snooks") robbed a mail boy near Bourne End in the parish of Northchurch. He became the last highwayman to be executed in England, and like the body-snatching trade, his exploits contributed heavily to the region's historical reputation for dark, late-night criminal activities.

The "Sparrows Hill" Turnpike, officially known as the Sparrows Herne Turnpike, was an 18th-century toll road connecting Bushey Heath to Aylesbury in England. Established in 1762, the 22-mile route now broadly corresponds to the modern-day A4251 and A41.

History & Development: The Sparrows Herne Turnpike Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1762 to collect tolls and fund the upkeep of the highway.Route: The route ran through Watford, King's Langley, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, and Tring before reaching Aylesbury.

End of Operation: Tolls were ultimately abolished, and the Trust was dissolved in 1873.

Surviving Landmark Several original cast-iron turnpike milestones and markers still exist today. For example, the ⁠Historic England Sparrows Herne Trust Marker in Tring and the ⁠Berkhamsted Turnpike Marker are officially protected heritage sites.

My photographs, New Road in Northchurch at the top, followed by a view from above, of the Grand Union Canal beneath..

Then another view of the same Canal further along walking the tow path towards Dudswell.

Then St Mary's school, where it had been quite a family tradition to attend, my sons, myself, my mom from nine to fifteen, she was sailed over from America after her father died.. had he lived she was to attend the masonic school form girls in New York.. My grandmother and all her siblings etc etc etc!!

Next photograph is Ashlyns, my senior school and my son's.. and finally a view of Berkhamstead Castle..

Historically, the castle was home to a variety of prominent figures:1100s: Extensively rebuilt and expanded by Thomas Becket.1330s: Served as a favored home for Edward, the Black Prince, who frequently lived and hunted there

1400s: The castle passed to Cecily Neville, grandmother of two kings (Edward IV and Richard III), who ran a grand and orderly household there

The last royal resident to live in ⁠Berkhamsted Castle was Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, who occupied the castle until her death in 1495. Following her passing, the castle was abandoned as a royal residence and subsequently fell into ruin.

And that is the history lesson over with today!

M.

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.

Theodore Roethke - 1908-1963 - Author

Well that was a very interesting morning had a steam train ride, it was a Christmas present come late.

Fox & Edwards Events, from Ruddington to Loughborough.

A 90-minute journey, it was really good, comfortable on a sofa, very strange.

A desk one end with the cream tea, and at the other end were dining room chairs..  and a glass of Prosecco afterwards.

It was really lovely, the other choice had been fish and chips but I'm glad I didn't get the fish and chips train journey, because it was served in one of the other carriages sat at a regular table.. Still an old carriage, but would have just been a rail journey really.. 

Sofa was really comfy!

(Photo on left taken before we left while they were preparing the carriages..)

When I'm on my train to Liverpool next Saturday I shall expect a comfortable sofa and a cream tea and prosecco!

This week I won 15 pounds on the postcode lottery that was Thursday, and last night I won five pound 60 on the EuroMillion kerching!

Which makes up for buying a jacket that I saw on vintage for 15 pounds!

Walking back from ASDA just now needed some milk and bread, son messaged me about Snickers ice creams which made me have to buy some mint Cornetto!

Now I need to get home and eat one and relax for the day.

Talking into my phone to Blog then adding photographs makes for very disjointed writing! Apologies!

M.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

Henry Stanley Haskins - 1875-1957 - Stockbroker - Author

 

Recently I have found this incredible band.. Burn The Silence.. listening to this as I write.. Half of You is gone.. 

Next Blog, I'll link to the first track I heard from this band from St Augustine, Florida, 2023.. 

What I've heard so far, their music is deep emotional and heartfelt.. 

Tomorrow's track.. all of the above, I was in tears.. of course! 

It's tomorrow already! Sat having coffee at Homemade, the cafe at the park near #1 son's.. 

No handle on the cup, bit like being back home! 

Wasn't going to get out today... you know, one of those days, but I forced myself out! It rained overnight, probably because I had watered the plants, my sweet peas are now in place with a lattice to aid their progress upwards.. and the sunflowers are actually looking like sunflowers now.. I think this is the first time I have ever grown them! Startling eh!

Yesterday was a trip to the post office, as I had Monday.. been having a bit of a binge on eBay.. selling, not buying.. 

Yesterday I dropped off a Cath Kidston tote bag I bought in a charity store when I was staying with my friend T. in Alicante area last year.. bought for €5 and sold for £5! 

Have I actually not posted since May 15th?? 

Sorry, been another rough time! My rocky road doesn't get easier.. must be those rocks I cast ahead of me as I walk! 

So! Going through my things out of storage, to slim them down again... I guess the .. nope that wasn't going well that sentence! 

I came across about 60 house listings from when we were selling our apartment back in 1981 and looking to move to Berkhamstead..

I put them in the 'to bin' section and moved on, came across a brochure from British Telecom and the phones of the day back also in 1981.. 

I took a photograph and put in the same pile as the listings.. something made me use Google lens and I saw that a brochure has been for sale on eBay... and sold! 

So I loaded it up, eBay suggested £5.65.. and that is what it sold for!?! Incredible eh?? A single piece of glossy paper, folded twice, of 1980's telephones!! 

The listings I sold for £2.00! I thought why not make those forty seven years of carrying them around worthwhile! 

My flabber is gasted! (Flabbergasted!). 

I also sent a commemorative book from 1902 King Edward VII Coronation.. The celebrations in Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, filled with advertising and photographs from the day.. soft cover.. I guess my grandmother kept it... Also a tape measure from Wards drapers in Berkhamstead.. no point me carrying them around any longer.. they are now somewhere safe in the Berkhamstead Historical society..  Gone home, where they belong...

M.

In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.

Anne Frank - 1929-1945 - Diarist

 

When all is said and done, maybe I would have been better off here with my ghosts, than living away from them ..

In Alhaurín now, home, heart body and soul.

M.

 

More from Ronda... Was a very long day, from getting the 06:35 coach .. three hours to get to Setenil de las Bodegas, then Ronda and three hours return journey... Very long journey...

But, of course, well worth it... Went with Rubena excursions from Fuengirola.. great coach guide, and driver.. 

Learnt that Orson Wells fell in love with this area and wanted to have something of his here... 

Taken, courtesy of Google:

Orson Welles (1915–1985) was deeply enamored with Ronda, Spain, spending many summers there and forging a close friendship with bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez. Following his death, a portion of his ashes was buried in a well at his friend's estate, El Recreo de San Cayetano. He is honored with a statue near the plaza de toros.

I took this photograph from inside a bar!

Today a bus ride to Benalmádena.. €1.75 each way,.not bad eh! A wander around the marina, a coffee, then a couple of hours on the beach before heading back to Fuengirola..

And tonight, dinner in the Buffet restaurant on the port.. So decidedly stuffed now! 

M.

“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mould you, it feels damn good…”

Carl Rogers, American psychologist

Sitting here at the Don Miguel of Ronda.. 

I am drawn to thinking how amazing this beautiful county is.. 

The inner peace, the awe, the heart and soul of me feels it's life, it's heart and soul, and they match with mine.

Yet I left... Why it was time I don't know, I just knew I was sad staying, and never realized for a moment how much sadder I would be leaving..

Not forever I know, visiting is always an option..

But visiting home and leaving.. is difficult..

It was hard leaving England originally, because of my boys, and friends... But this pain of loss is worse in other ways..

And now if course I can see my son's whenever, and my beautiful grandchildren... But.. my soul remains here...

A good day, up way too early, many hours to get to Setenil de las Bodegas, a small on road train journey from coach to near calle de Sol, a fly around the loop, from calle sol to calle sombre, a coffee, and back on the little train and off to Ronda! Three and three quarter hours there... Time for walk, lunch at Don of risotto de rabo de toro, ( ox tail risotto), y un vaso de vino Ronda tinto.. very nice...

A walk, and stopped for coffee, barman easily persuaded me into adding tiramisu!

M.

Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength.

Corrie Ten Boom - 1892-1983 - Watchmaker

 

Well, you must all know by now I am a huge Frasier fan ... Having Blogged the end poem so many times, many of you must also now find those words familiar..

But now, as I sit coffee in hand prior to a good river walk, am watching the penultimate episode..

Frasier is talking with Niles and their father about his, the fathers, upcoming marriage and how he made a wrong booking date for the ceremony and party, choosing Eddie's birthday of May 15th, not that of his fiancée July 15th!

The sons say don't worry, we can do it in only eight days.. which means the date would be presumably May 7th that this conversation is taking place... As is today's date!! 

Weird eh!! Coincidence! Strange... 

Yesterday no walk, it was my eldest son's birthday, every year he gets older and older than me! It's incredible!

We had brunch in town, was a beautiful weather day, and we sat in a little hidden area of Bills in Nottingham, was really good.

Then a wander around town, beginning at a bank, I'd had a phone call whilst eating, telling me 800 pounds was being taken from my account and to do this and that .. obviously I'm savvy enough to know a scam when I hear one and hung up, I went to the bank really to see if they wanted the number that called me... He didn't! And he told me everything I already knew about the call, and why, in a very long winded way! Still.. thank you very much!! 

I do still remember the scam that befell me. That I, even worse, made happen to myself by booking and paying for a cab before I even saw it! Holds head down in shame!

Need to get out soon, fresh air and river walking does the soul good. I need that.

M.

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.

Oprah Winfrey

 

Yes been walking this morning.. Cow parsley richly filling the tow path here.. 

Few walkers this morning, it's bright and felt chilly when I started walked, then wished I hadn't worn my hoodie that I had to tie around my hips for the majority of the walk....

Listening to an interesting book called Manners and Mischief by Ann Glenconner... It's really really good... And after The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz.. it's a fresh change.. As real life can be!

This is canal bridge over the river... Where the Kingfishers were last week, and the heron, and an otter, if you're there early enough, apparently, I am not!

Less than a week to go and I'm heading home to españa! Made my list, as yet to see if the items will all fit in my small bag.. just nine days .. and will not be enough.. 

I cannot emphasize enough how much I miss home, it really makes me feel physically sick.. the missing.. 

It hurts to look at my thousands of photographs from all those years.. but wonder if I should force myself too... Fight my way through it. I don't know..

M.

No such thing as spare time. No such thing as free time. No such thing as down time. All you got is life time. Go!

Henry Rollins - Actor – Musician

Song Morning Of My Life John Holt..

Beautiful song... Can't remember now where I heard it when I saved it here though!

Also can't remember, that's the trouble with late Blogging!! Did I mention my new new glasses? 

They're good, but it's old school, I have one pair of reactolite glasses, a pair of full sunglasses.. 

I find I have to take the regular off and put the sunglasses on and off repeat! 

My old click ones are my best ever, and next glasses I'll reuse those frames! Job done!

I also the day I went to collect them, got an unintentional pack of mints!

And from the charity shop, a couple of pretty vacation tops, 4.50 each, we're only one pound each! 

The photographs all stunning spring scenery, all green and fresh and lush.. bees, butterflies, ducks and ducklings, swans and signets, herons, those stunning kingfishers!

Beautiful time of the year here in England. I pleasure and delight walking the rivers and canals nearby.

No wild garlic here following in the footsteps of the bluebells, (or white bluebells at the start), sadly..

Certainly been a beautifully warm week, in the 20° ..

Before I close, I had an incredibly strange dream last night, I dreamt I was dead, but was still there! And that is exactly what I Googled! Very interesting! 

M.

One should live where one's soul is in harmony

"With one hand the past moves us forward, and with the other it holds us back".

Before my apologies for not Blogging, I need to apologize if this blog reads poorly, as I am talking into my phone and it completely seems to be misreading me or rather mis hearing me!

Passing by a dog walker this morning, I always try to be very aware that they may not hear me for whatever reason, so I kind of make a scuffling noise with my boots, and then say a good morning from sort of probably still about 10, 12 foot away.. and just now a man walking with his dog, paused to pick up a stick and throw it for his little dog, which meant he was just bending down to pick up the stick again when I was alongside him and wished him a good morning, with a joke he clutched his chest and swore quietly and said his whole life flashed before him, then and I stopped and turned and said well I hope it was a good one!

So many of my past jobs have been customer focused.

And I always have tried to be caring and considerate; I try to be in my personal life, but I'm well aware there may have been times where I did not appear so, maybe I don't know I'm being so... 

But I have tried to be throughout my life, it's just me you know, I'm the first to run and help somebody or to give a smile or words of encouragement or kind words you know the normal, 'your hair looks lovely' or 'I like your skirt.'

Something I read just before I left the house this morning, about how easy it is or maybe not easy but how we can so easily be kind and thoughtful to other people, yet to be kind to ourselves is very very difficult.. or impossible.

I walked yesterday too, I had to sit down three times, the leg exercises they've given me for my knees hurt my hips and my back! But I'm determined to keep doing them because how else can I say if they've not worked, I can't say they've not worked if I don't do them so I have to keep trying you know, and maybe it will help as long as it doesn't make other things worse.. 

The photograph of me in the tree I did yesterday while I was walking, gotta love AI, love it or hate it, AI is very much like Marmite and I love Marmite!

Strange photograph above, of a hole in a piece of a tree! 

The river and canal here are full now of spring time, hawthorn in bloom, forget-me-knots, white dead nettles, lots of other random blooms, and the trees and a bright green of renewal.. bees are buzzing and people are walking..

This morning a huge group of walkers.. my continued 'hello's' as I walked through them all along the canal.. So funny.

I have been very very bad with blogging I know.. I recently had a full week with my son down in Welwyn Garden City, a really good week, he took the time off work, it was around Easter and my granddaughter's birthday.. lots of train travel and for some reason I felt a little panicky coming back on the train, I don't know why but just a bit panicky.

Zehn Mal drive about my heart shoes 

Ok my phone completely mucked up the last paragraph which is really annoying I was saying I was having trouble breathing and walking and I meant to say talking and walking, it makes it difficult for me to breathe properly and then I laughed and said that maybe it's the lack of oxygen in my brain that makes the words come out wrong!

I then looked down at my phone to see that the whole paragraph had disappeared and somebody called Zehn mal was driving about heart shoes I have no idea what that meant or who that is even!! 

But as you can see I have left that in because that's what my phone thought I said!

I had a dream two nights ago, I dreamt there was a pocket in my leg, the opening was actually on my thigh, it was a rectangular pocket so less deep more wide, and there were things inside this pocket in my leg... it wasn't bloody or gory, it was literally a pocket in my leg and below is apparently what that is all about courtesy of Google.

I shall now, as I am overdressed today, unlike yesterday when there was a really cold wind and I was freezing, I'm now far too warm, I've already taken off my hoodie and the black top underneath is a winter one. I'm so warm, so I'm gonna get off this bench, and get back and have a cup of coffee.

***

Dreaming that you have something under your skin in a pocket—often accompanied by the action of squeezing, picking, or removing it—symbolizes a need to release pent-up emotions, remove negative influences, or address hidden anxieties that are "getting under your skin". The pocket represents a hidden, personal, or private space where you have been storing emotions, secrets, or memories. 

This type of dream is a common, though disturbing, symbolic expression of the subconscious mind. 

M.

The best laid plans are no match for the winds of change