The week prior to Jubilee long weekend in Britain, we spent in the charming town of Castleton, in a delightful cottage in the middle of the village, and best of all with some very good friends, Anne and Henry from the New Hampshire - USA.
The ruins of Peveril Castle (built around 1066 by William Peveril) - one of the most dramatic Norman Castles in England, overlooks the village and our cottage - Farran House.
Early morning walks were a delight
Winnatts Pass into Castleton is stunning
The Peak district farm's
are fenced with local "grit stone" walls
and that sun doth shine!!
There are 6 very good Pubs
The George - was 20 steps from our cottage
and the Castle next door to the George.
Our Sunday "Roast" was in a neighbouring village, beside a stream in Hathersage
at the Scotsmans Pack - what a "yorkie" we had with our beef that day.
A walk around Castleton was absolutely necessary after lunch - we wandered the whole village - of course it was ready for the 60th "Jubilee.
Arrived back at the Cottage to find a hand built "Jeep" - it certainly caught our military man - Henry's attention.
Of course he and he talked and talked, and talked.
and Henry had a sit behind the wheel.
This was later followed by a very short stroll to the next Pub
the Bulls Head
Vino, desert and free WiFi was the close of the day.
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CASTLETON'S GARLAND FESTIVAL - MAY 29TH, 2012
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This festival has been held for hundreds of years on this date to celebrate the restoration of the Monarchy when Charles 11 was restored to his throne in Britain and Ireland in 1660.
We actually caught up with today's King - on our way to the Peveril corner store.
It involves a procession of the "Garland King, and the Lady"
on horseback through the streets of Castleton.
We watched the locals erect the "Maypole' in front of our cottage.
Sue and Alan joined us for the day
We were adorned somewhere with the applicable twig of "apple oak"
and of course had a celebratory "salute"!
"Here's to the Garland King and Lady"
Next we had a luncheon inside the cottage
while the King and the Lady prepared for their day.
The festival is about to start - and it seems that some are really prepared!!
This year the George Hotel is the host, and in waiting behind it is a group of little "flowered beings"
just so charming
in their really pretty dresses
and floral head bouquets
The King and Lady arrive - by this time we have named her the Queen - she is dressed in the Stuart costume, I think - riding side saddle as well.
and our little "Maypole Dancers" are prepared to follow and dance their way around this village.
The King is smiling
however - for how long we do not know.
The Garland - weighing around 56 to 60 pounds, made in a bell - beehived shape that morning of wild and garden flowers
is about to be lowered over his head.
On the top of this Garland is fitted a separate conical bunch of flowers - known as the "Queen".
Everyone - even the young were enjoying this procession - about to start.
The King and the Lady, horses, band, and the young ladies and that large crowd then roam the village - Pub to Pub - 6 of them - the King and his followers have a drink, the band plays and the young girls dance the "Morris Dance".
We of course undertook the next tradition - fresh fish and chips in the Cottage's courtyard, while this procession wandered from Pub to Pub.
Ah, the King and his steed are back at the George Hotel - note that beer in his hand.
The young lady's dance the Morris dance.
The King now rides through the 11th Century St. Edmund's Church gates
The garland is about to be removed from the King's head
and to be hauled up via a pulley
to the bell tower of St. Edmunds which has been decorated with branches of greenery (usually oak) - it is said that Charles 11 hid in an Oak tree during the "Battle of Worcester".
where it will be made secure and stay for several days.
Next - right opposite our cottage - in this photo
the Maypole begins
Very serious business really.
It now reverses
and the "pole" is ribboned!!
The King and Lady on their steeds
and the dancers
line up at the foot of the War Memorial
and since 1916 the King delivers the "Queen" to the Memorial
and the LAST POST is sounded - I'm afraid this always saddens me.
There is even a worse shot taken by my brother in law - when I was singing "God Save the Queen"
The King and Lady are back on their handsome steeds
and the King has his own little flower girl with him again
and the Party continues on.
*****
A WONDERFUL DAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
