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Saturday 15 January 2011

Plymouth Hoe

Last Sunday, it was such a bright sunny day, that my husband and I decided to get ourselves out in the fresh air for a couple of hours, and take a walk round the historic Barbican area of Plymouth (the city where I was born) and then up round to Plymouth Hoe, and the magnificent views overlooking Plymouth  Sound. (which is ten miles away from where I live now).

Unfortunately,  because the sun was so bright that day, shining like diamonds on the water, I couldn't actually take a photo looking out to sea!

As a local girl, I take the views for granted, but whenever we have visitors to stay, they always seemed to be pretty impressed by it!  I took the following photo, because I just couldn't believe how blue the sky was, especially against the white of the building.
The sky really WAS that blue - amazing!
I couldn't resist taking a photo of this very clever dog.  He had parked the car very well!


I thought my American friends might like to see a  photo of the recently refurbished Mayflower Steps, from where The Pilgrim Fathers set sail on the 6th September 1620, to settle in New Plymouth, and to lay the foundation of the New England States.
Here is the plaque to commemorate their journey.  I'm afraid the wording isn't that easy to read.

The first grey building on the collage is of The Elizabethan House, which was an actual Tudor sea captain's home.  It contains period furniture and fabrics, complete with sloping oak floors and beams, and a winding staircase.  It is amazing that these buildings (thankfully) survived the terrible bombing of Plymouth (the city centre area was completely destroyed in the Blitz) during the Second World War. 



This final picture is of Sir Francis Drake, whose statue stands proudly on Plymouth Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound.  You might have heard the story of how he was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe, when he heard that the Spanish Armada was approaching.  He then went on to finish his game, before sailing out to sea, and  defeating the Armada! (Me thinks there might be a bit of poetic licence there somewhere!).


20 comments:

Becky said...

Oh wow!! What a wonderful post!!! I loved seeing where the Mayflower "took off" from!! My husband has been to Plymouth Massachusetts, here in the U.S. and saw where they "landed". I'll have to show him your photos! ~ The white building and the blue sky is SO beautiful!!! ~ I also love the lighthouse photo included in your collage!! Beautiful!! :)

SkippyMom said...

I cannot get over how blue the sky is! Lovely.

I know what you mean about being a local - we live within minutes of our nation's capital and I lived in Washington DC for 4 years while attending college and I never seem to look around. Until I take the kids or friends/relatives on a tour and see it fresh through their eyes. I guess it that I have always been around it I don't realize the history and beauty.

Thanks for the walk through your town.

Gawgus things... said...

These are great photos and such blue, blue sky! Are you sure you haven't photoshopped that in?!

Carol E Wyer said...

Gosh I've not been here for years. You've brought back some very happy memories.I really like the collage of pictures you have used here too. Now who's the clever one? How blue is that sky? Are you sure it's the UK!
Another lovely post.

Southhamsdarling said...

Becky - Hope you're having a good weekend, and glad that you enjoyed the photos. I believe there are quite a lot of places called Plymouth in the U.S.A!

SkippyMom - It's funny how sometimes we have to see things through someone else's eyes to really appreciate them, isn't it?

Gawgus things - NO!! Would I cheat on my Blog?! It really was that blue. That's why I just had to take the photo.

Facing50Blog.com - Yep, it's definitely here in dear old England!! It looks as if it could be on a Greek Island, doesn't it.

BB said...

This...thanks for letting me see where the ship took off from. We've always focused on where it landed here. Love that piece of history. Great pictures as always. Hugs sweet lady.

Shady Del Knight said...

Postcards from the edge...of paradise, Thisisme! These pictures look like they were taken on a spring or summer day rather than the dead of winter. Is all your snow gone? I never saw such a blue sky. As you pointed out it's easy to forget how good you have it until others remind you. After living in Florida for 27 years I find our weather boring, yet there are many in the north who would love to sample my brand of boring during the long winter. Thank you for sharing scenes from your beautiful part of the world, Thisisme!

Rebecca said...

beautiful pictures and i love the history behind some i so want to travel and come visit England it looks so amazing

Unknown said...

Everything about your post today was beautiful and the tour was awesome. This is one to remember my friend.
Odie

Southhamsdarling said...

Bouncin'Barb - Glad you liked the slice of history! Hugs right back to you my friend.

Shady Dell Knight - It is a lovely part of England down here in Devon, and I wouldn't really want to live anywhere else (apart from perhaps somewhere in Italy, where I would get a lot more sunshine!). Thankfully the snow has gone from our part of the world. I'm assuming that Florida has got a pleasant climate all year round, but I could be wrong there!!

Becca - I hope you get to do that travelling some day!

Odie - Thank you for that. I know I love to see photos of where my blogging friends live in whatever part of the world they may be.

Jumble Mash said...

As always, beautiful photos!

Southhamsdarling said...

Jumble - Thank you for that!

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

So amazing. I'd love to visit :)

Southhamsdarling said...

Tanya - thank you. You would love it, I'm sure!

Empty Nester said...

I love history but mostly what we see/hear/focus on is what happen once the ancestors arrived here, not from whence they came! Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed it very much!

Southhamsdarling said...

Empty Nester - thank you for popping into my Blog, and I'm glad you enjoyed the ost. I hope you will come again.

Olive said...

The sky is simply stunning. Your images are very good...makes me want more. I am ready for sun!

Belle said...

I love pictures of England. It is always wonderful to see the buildings, parks and statues. England's history is so interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Southhamsdarling said...

Olive - you and me both! I so want the sun to come back! Dreary and miserable here for the past few days, but supposed to be getting colder again this week, which, hopefully, will mean brighter days again! :)

Southhamsdarling said...

Belle - I'm happy to share my photos of England with you!