One last breakfast at Wagon Works then checked out of Travelodge. Not a problem finding Premier Inn in Southampton. And it is miles above Travelodges we’ve been staying in. So far above that it seems like a luxury hotel. It even has air conditioning! We are on the top floor with a lovely view and don’t plan to move the car from its free parking space until tomorrow when we leave for the cruise.
We took a walk through the park near here where they had gorgeous flowers—some that looked like carnations and were almost 9 inches across—the Queen’s Peace Fountain, and a rockery with a bridge and a koi pond. Went over to see the memorial to the Engineers on the Titanic that stayed at their jobs and went down with the ship. Then we walked thru the West Quay Mall then came back to Bella Italia for lunch. We had a really nice waiter named Paul and a really good meal with The Godfather—think brownies, ice cream, toffee sauce, whipped cream—to share.
On the walk back, we passed a group of trees that looked like they were dancing. It was delightful to see. We also saw the Bargate. It was constructed in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city. This was the landward entrance to the old town. It was a toll gate and every cart carrying goods into and out of Southampton had to pay a tax. The original stone arch dates from 1175. Under this arch traveled all the Kings and Queens of England since Henry II. When Henry set off for Canterbury on foot, as penance for getting rid of St. Thomas A Becket, it set up a trail for pilgrims through the Bargate arch. On this north face that you see in the picture, you can see 18th century shields, lions dating from 1743, arrow slits and windows of a museum where Shakespeare’s plays had early performances. Now for a bit of gruesome news—arms and legs were once tacked onto the Bargate after being dunked in tar. Inside the Bargate can be found the remains of a cell, as the Bargate's hall was used as a courtroom until the Magistrate's Court at the Civic Centre was built.
Just found out that there is a pub here called the Platform Tavern associated with Titanic. This is where the infamous game of cards (or chance) took place in James Cameron's film. In real life it was Thomas Hart, a young fireman, who gambled with his ship's papers. Mr McCready, a steward, lived here and was lost in the disaster. So much to see here that we don’t have time for. Arrgghh!
Back to the hotel to repack and relax for the evening. We get BBC 3 in this hotel, so maybe I can watch Top Gear tonight!!!
***pictures from top: HUGE carnation-like flowers; the Rockery; Titanic Memorial to the Engineers; “dancing” trees; Bargate.
We took a walk through the park near here where they had gorgeous flowers—some that looked like carnations and were almost 9 inches across—the Queen’s Peace Fountain, and a rockery with a bridge and a koi pond. Went over to see the memorial to the Engineers on the Titanic that stayed at their jobs and went down with the ship. Then we walked thru the West Quay Mall then came back to Bella Italia for lunch. We had a really nice waiter named Paul and a really good meal with The Godfather—think brownies, ice cream, toffee sauce, whipped cream—to share.
On the walk back, we passed a group of trees that looked like they were dancing. It was delightful to see. We also saw the Bargate. It was constructed in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city. This was the landward entrance to the old town. It was a toll gate and every cart carrying goods into and out of Southampton had to pay a tax. The original stone arch dates from 1175. Under this arch traveled all the Kings and Queens of England since Henry II. When Henry set off for Canterbury on foot, as penance for getting rid of St. Thomas A Becket, it set up a trail for pilgrims through the Bargate arch. On this north face that you see in the picture, you can see 18th century shields, lions dating from 1743, arrow slits and windows of a museum where Shakespeare’s plays had early performances. Now for a bit of gruesome news—arms and legs were once tacked onto the Bargate after being dunked in tar. Inside the Bargate can be found the remains of a cell, as the Bargate's hall was used as a courtroom until the Magistrate's Court at the Civic Centre was built.
Just found out that there is a pub here called the Platform Tavern associated with Titanic. This is where the infamous game of cards (or chance) took place in James Cameron's film. In real life it was Thomas Hart, a young fireman, who gambled with his ship's papers. Mr McCready, a steward, lived here and was lost in the disaster. So much to see here that we don’t have time for. Arrgghh!
Back to the hotel to repack and relax for the evening. We get BBC 3 in this hotel, so maybe I can watch Top Gear tonight!!!
***pictures from top: HUGE carnation-like flowers; the Rockery; Titanic Memorial to the Engineers; “dancing” trees; Bargate.
