Day 9 - Leicester and the Pilgrims

After leaving Chatsworth House, we drove to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where we stayed for two nights at the home of Michael and Alison Rhodes' son, George, and his wonderful family.  

George fired up the barbecue and we had a delicious dinner, complemented by Pimms, beer, wine, so much choice - and ... adorable red fox labrador PUPPIES!!!!!!

The family turtle that walks around the house

The view -- and not too far from Sherwood Forest .. I spotted one or two of the Merry Men.

The family lives in a lovely Victorian home.

Day 9 - June 21st -- was a trip to Leicester to see a car park.  Not just any car park, but the car park where the remains of Richard III were found in 2012.  It was just over an hour's drive to Leicester.  We parked in one of the Highcross shopping center's garages, and then headed toward the

I spotted several photographers who were waiting and watching for Leicester Peregrine Falcons that nest at Leicester Cathedral.  I wish I had my 150-600mm lens with me, but I do not take it on vacation, preferring the 18-400 mm lens.

Statue of Richard III across from the Richard III Centre 

I consider Margaret Beaufort to be the victor in the War of the Roses.

the first floor exhibion focused on the history, and genealogy and the aftermath of the Battle of Bosworth

The second floor  exhibition discussed how history treated Richard, the search for his remains & the science and DNA that led to the proof that the bones were indeed Richard III

A bit of Ricardian humor

The part of the car park where Richard's remains were found is now the Visitors' Centre.  You can see up close the position of the remains in the grave 

The Centre's coffee shop

an excellent cappuccino

We were worried that the Cathedral would remain closed after the wedding. One of the photographers told me it would reopen at 3:30 p.m.   Michael, Alison, and I headed to a local restaurant for lunch.

Leicester Cathedral

It did rain a bit - but cleared up

Mr and Mrs. Peregrine Falcon

Richard III and Michael Rhodes

https://www.merchantofvenice.co/, where we had lunch

The Merchant of Venice is an excellent Italian restaurant in Leicester.   After our late lunch, we walked back to the Cathedral, which was again open.

The special exhibition featuring the funeral pall was also fascinating and highly recommended.  Afterward, we walked back to the car to return to Clumber Park via All Saints Church in Babworth, near Retford in Nottinghamshire.  For Americans, this church was one of the main Pilgrim churches, led by  Richard Clyfton.   William Brewster and William Bradford were members of this congregation.  Both were passengers on the Mayflower.   Serena, Countess of Snowdon, the former wife of the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, is one of Bradford's numerous descendants.

I did not expect the church to be open, but it was due to a wedding rehearsal.   Talk about fortitutius.  Chatted with the minister, who let us go in after the rehearsal was finished .  

All Saints is an Anglican Church, but honors its Pilgrim history

All Saints was built in the 15th century

I thanked the priest for allowing us to spend some time in the church. Before leaving, I sat in one of the pews, bowed my head, and prayed.

We headed back to Clumber Park, just a few miles away, for another barbecue and more time to play with the puppies.  Day 10 would include another American stop and the drive to Cromer, Norfolk.