Day Five 17th July 2010 - Portsmouth & Arundel

Off to the South Coast today.  Portsmouth, home of the British Navy, is the destination.  Nelson's flagship HMS Victory is berthed in dry dock there and has been since 1922.  She stands proud and is a very apt reminder of the days of Nelson and his skills as a naval commander. There is something special about stepping aboard Victory.  Her low ceilings and solid decks hold a thousand treasures and you can explore most of the ship.  The gun decks are quiet now but imagining the chaos of battle, the noise, the smell and the constant threat of death is quite sobering.  The ship is in immaculate condition and one has to keep telling oneself that this is the real Victory!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is part of the current naval base where Victory nestles amongst the ships of today, as a reminder of the part she played to safeguard Britain in the early 19th century.  After visiting Victory and looking at the Trafalgar museum the group meets at the entrance and walks back to the coaches for the drive to Arundel Castle.

Not too far away in Sussex lies Arundel.  This is the first castle we visit and the sight of the stone turrets as you drive into the village is wondrous.  Arundel has a history dating back to William the Conqueror and is still the home of the Dukes of Norfolk.  The castle was heavily restored in the 19th century but the old stone keep from medieval times exists and this is what we climb to get amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

There are so many treasures to be found in the castle: paintings, furniture and priceless items like the rosary beads Mary Queen of Scotts held as she walked to execution in 1587. The highlight for many is to be found outside - The Earl Collector Garden.  This is a garden that has been put together as a tribute to Thomas Howard, the 14th Earl of Arundel (1585 - 1646).  A sumptuous formal garden with Mediterranean overtones and planted with all sorts of beautiful plants.

A walk around here is to be inspired!  Just time get back to the coaches and the return to campus.  A great day.