Archaeologists have unearthed walls about 1m (3ft) thick at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionArchaeologists have discovered what are believed to be the walls of a 6th Century royal residence

The royal residence of 6th Century rulers is believed to have been discovered at the legendary birthplace of King Arthur.

Archaeologists have unearthed walls about 1m (3ft) thick at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall in the first excavation of a five-year English Heritage project.

It is thought the walls formed part of the seat of the rulers of the early medieval kingdom of Dumnonia.

Winn Scutt from English Heritage said it was a "very dense settlement".

"It's a complex of buildings and many people since the 1980s have argued that it's a royal centre, and that it's the royal centre of the kingdom of Dumnonia", the properties curator said.

"We haven't found any others, so it's quite possible that this was the centre, and maybe they were static."

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionThe excavations at Tintagel Castle are part of a five-year project organised by English Heritage

Some of the buildings had been excavated in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Ralegh Radford who had thought they formed part of a monastery, Mr Scutt said.

He added the excavations did not tell us "anything" about King Arthur, the legendary ruler who was conceived at Tintagel Castle according to the 12th Century writer Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Discoveries at the site also include large amounts of pottery from the eastern Mediterranean used for olive oil and wine, as well as Merovingian glass and fine Phocaean tableware from the west coast of Turkey.

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionOther findings at the site include large amounts of pottery and glass from the eastern Mediterranean

Mr Scutt said the richness of the discoveries made Tintagel "one of the most important sites in western Europe".

"It isn't just a trading centre to move olive oil around, they're actually indulging in it, they're feasting here", he said.

English Heritage has appointed Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) to carry out the excavations which form the first major research project of the area since the 1990s.

Archaeologists have unearthed walls about 1m (3ft) thick at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionArchaeologists have discovered what are believed to be the walls of a 6th Century royal residence

The royal residence of 6th Century rulers is believed to have been discovered at the legendary birthplace of King Arthur.

Archaeologists have unearthed walls about 1m (3ft) thick at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall in the first excavation of a five-year English Heritage project.

It is thought the walls formed part of the seat of the rulers of the early medieval kingdom of Dumnonia.

Winn Scutt from English Heritage said it was a "very dense settlement".

"It's a complex of buildings and many people since the 1980s have argued that it's a royal centre, and that it's the royal centre of the kingdom of Dumnonia", the properties curator said.

"We haven't found any others, so it's quite possible that this was the centre, and maybe they were static."

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionThe excavations at Tintagel Castle are part of a five-year project organised by English Heritage

Some of the buildings had been excavated in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Ralegh Radford who had thought they formed part of a monastery, Mr Scutt said.

He added the excavations did not tell us "anything" about King Arthur, the legendary ruler who was conceived at Tintagel Castle according to the 12th Century writer Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Discoveries at the site also include large amounts of pottery from the eastern Mediterranean used for olive oil and wine, as well as Merovingian glass and fine Phocaean tableware from the west coast of Turkey.

Image copyrightENGLISH HERITAGE

Image captionOther findings at the site include large amounts of pottery and glass from the eastern Mediterranean

Mr Scutt said the richness of the discoveries made Tintagel "one of the most important sites in western Europe".

"It isn't just a trading centre to move olive oil around, they're actually indulging in it, they're feasting here", he said.

English Heritage has appointed Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) to carry out the excavations which form the first major research project of the area since the 1990s.

sending slaves to the Vikings in Dublin

sending slaves to the Vikings in Dublin, Ireland

Exactly when the city was founded is unknown. The earliest relic is a silver coin in the Royal Collection at Stockholm, Sweden. The coin bears the image of Ethelred Unrede (978 – 1016) and was minted in Bricgstowe (Bristol) by a man named Aelfweld. If Bristol was important enough to have a mint by 978 it must have been in existance sometime before then.
It is fairly certain that no town existed here before 577 AD. The reason being that in 577 two Saxon kings (Cuthwine and Ceawlin) fought and killed three British kings (Commail, Condidan and Farinmail) at a village called Dyrham near Pucklechurch, just outside of the present city. Although the towns of Bath, Gloucester and Cirencester are mentioned in the account of this battle, Bristol isn’t mentioned at all, even though it would have been closer than those mentioned.
Thus, Bristol was founded sometime between 577 and 978 AD. Even by this latter date the town was known to be dealing sending slaves to the Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
Bridges at this time were of vital importance. There are three reasons why Bristol, as a port, is situated 7 miles inland with access to ships up a very tortuous river. A bridge across the Avon nearer it’s mouth would have been technologically very difficult, the land there was very prone to flooding and the town would have been very exposed to attack. Ships would make their way up the Avon until they reached Bristol Bridge and lay beached at low tide on the mud ready to be unloaded.

Zoo wardens could use the recorded call of an escaped lynx's mother in a bid to capture it.

The wild cat, named Flaviu, was reported missing from Dartmoor Zoo on Thursday.
Staff believe the animal is on farmland around the zoo, near Plymouth.
Bedding from the creature's former home at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent will also be used as the round-the-clock search continues.
More on the missing wild cat, plus more Devon and Cornwall news

Image copyright Dartmoor Zoo

Image caption Keepers at Dartmoor Zoo found that newly-arrived Flaviu had escaped

Dartmoor Zoo owner Ben Mee said he was hoping to get the recording of Flaviu's mother Klementyna, who remains at Port Lympne.
He said: "Flaviu is a bit of a mummy's boy, so we think he is really missing his mum.
"That is why he could have escaped last week, because he was trying to get back to her."
Flaviu arrived in Dartmoor on Wednesday.

Image copyright Google

Image caption The zoo took delivery of the animal on Wednesday, but it escaped on Thursday morning

Park staff have set a number of humane traps after a sighting on farm land outside the boundary of the park in Sparkwell.
Mr Mee said he was sure Flaviu was still in the area.
He added: "We have definite signs - we would have expected to catch a badger or a fox by now, but something is scaring them off.
"Livestock in the area is herding around its young protectively and our wolves are prowling in that direction."
He said Flaviu would not be starving as he had been used to catching wild animals at his former home.
He also asked people to stay away or the operation could be compromised.
Police have also said Flaviu, which is the size of a large domesticated cat, could be dangerous if cornered.

Ivy killing trees in England

whilst driving and photographing large parts of somerset and devon many beautifull trees need urgent help strangled by Ivy
1st photos at tamerton foliot to warleigh

missing lynx.

A dog walker who came across a dead sheep near Dartmoor Zoo believes it may be connected to the missing lynx.
The resident of Lutton, who did not want to be named, said he was walking his dog this morning and accidentally strayed into a segregated area where Flaviu the lynx is believed to be living.
"I came across a sheep which had been killed," he said.
"It had an open wound on the top of its neck.

"It might have died of natural causes then something has tried to eat it, I'm not sure because I'm not a qualified vet.
"It seems a bit of a coincidence that this sheep has died in the segregated area while the lynx is still missing."


Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/dartmoor-zoo-to-probe-sheep-attack-as-lynx-hunt-enters-second-week/

DUNSTER

DUNSTER17

there, though the historian quaintly adds that the plague was at the same time “ hot round Dunster.” Behind what is still called the Prince’s bedchamber is a secret chamber or hiding-place of small dimensions. Later, the Castle was besieged by Colonel Blake, the Parliamentarian Governor of Taunton, who, after a close siege of 160 days, forced Colonel Francis Wyndham to surrender, but with the honours of war. In 1648 the Castle was the prison of William Prynne, who had been sent there by Oliver Cromwell. During his imprisonment he employed his time in examining and scheduling the many documents connected with the history of the Castle. Perhaps the most interesting of these is a small slip of parchment bearing the original receipt of the Lady Joan de Mohun to the Lady Elizabeth Luttrell for 500 marks, the purchase money paid by the latter lady in 1376 for the right of succession to the Great Barony of Dunster.The Tor on which the Castle stands was the site of the Norman Keep, but all traces have disappeared, the Keep having been destroyed, by order of Parliament, in 1650. The Tor is covered with fine trees and every variety of flowering shrub, among which, growing in the open air on a wall in front of the Castle, is a lemon tree of remarkable luxuriance and beauty, bearing fine fruit. On it may be noticed the unusual sight of bud, blossom and fruit at the same time.

The view from the neighbourhood of the Castle is varied and imposing, including the extensive Deer Park, several miles in circumference, and, nearer, the verdant lawns, 300 acres in extent.On the heights of the Deer Park, on Gallox Hill, are two ancient camps. The prominences silhouetted against the sky mark the site of a roughly rectangular earthwork, known as Bat’s Castle, and often called the “ Roman camp.” It is enclosed by a double vallum of stones and a fosse, except on the southern side, where the steep declivity renders such protection unnecessary. Not far away, to the north-west, on the same hill, is a well-marked circular camp.The High Street.Dunster High Street, once called “ Chepyng-strete, ” is a broad and dignified thoroughfare, flanked by many charming Tudor houses with carved oak doorways and heavy window-frames, and quaint little old-fashioned shops. High above the Castle mounts guard over the lower end, and at the otherMinehead (c)

Nissen huts

U.S. wartime billets mystery solved

Nissen huts on Hockey Lane Estate were the home for military personnel working at various local aircraft establishments. NMLHS archive
A family from Welwyn Garden City has found the site of wartime billets in Brookmans Park occupied by American forces thanks to the North Mymms Local History Society.
Family members had made several trips to the area to try to find the location of the second world war accommodation without success. The father in the family remembered meeting his brother, who was an American serviceman, at the site during the war.
He remembered that there was a large building at the end of a long driveway. But despite lengthy searches he was unable to jog his memory. In the end his daughter e-mailed this site asking for help.
Now the local history society's secretary and archivist, Marian Benton, has dug into the archives and found details of a number of locations used by Americans.

The Nissen huts on Hockey Lane Estate were later used as temporary homes for families on the waiting list for houses in the new Hatfield Town. NMLHS archive
According to John Harris, the society’s membership secretary, North Mymms House and Hatfield House were both used as allied military hospitals during WW2.
Approximately 50 Nissen huts were built in the grounds of North Mymms House which were used for kitting out ATS personnel before they were drafted to the Middle East and also as local accommodation for military personnel working at local aircraft establishments.
After the war, what was known as the Hockey Lane Estate was taken over by the council as temporary accommodation in order that local people could be put on the permanent housing waiting lists for the new Hatfield Town. The site was sold off in the late 50’s.
To find the site of the old Hockey Lane Estate head for St Mary's Church, drive over the bridge but continue straight on when the road turns to the right and the foundations of the Hockey Lane Estate can be seen in the fields to the left of that road.
January 8, 2001
Related Item
Mystery of U.S wartime billets - January 5, 2001
On the Home Front - Chapter Seven - The North Mymms Auxiliary Hospital

Augustine

Augustine - 1st Archbishop of Canterbury

"Your words are fair, but of doubtful meaning; I cannot forsake what I have so long believed. But as you have come from far we will not molest you; you may preach, and gain as many as you can to your religion" Greeting of King Ethelbert, Isle of Thanet, to Augustine in the Summer of 597
Details of Augustine's life are scarce. Believed to have been a pupil of Felix, bishop of Messana, he became a monk and later Prior of St Andrew's in Rome. He was sent by Pope Gregory to lead a party of around 30 monks to bring England (such as it was) under the influence of the Roman world. The journey was halted at one point, the monks losing their nerve and returning to Rome, before successfully landing at Ebbsfleet in 597. Received cautiously by the King of Kent, Ethelbert, Augustine managed to estbalish a community of monks based first at St Martin's church, later transferring to the site of the present Cathedral.
Augustine struggled to establish his authority within the British Isles and did not bring to completion Gregory's plan to form an English church based on two provinces and twelve bishops.
He died on May 26th, now remembered as his feast day, but the year of his death is uncertain, between 604 and 609. He was buried at what is now called St Augustine's Abbey.
Research by Jenny Childs and Steve Empson
Detailed biography:
Augustine (? - c604)
St Augustine or Austin, of Canterbury (Evangelizer of England - as distinct from Roman Britain; feast day 26 May in England, 27 May in the RC Church since 1969 & outside England now). 'Bishop [or Archbishop] of the English' (as consecrated); 'Apostle of the English' (originally a description of Pope Gregory).
Italian by birth.
d. May c604; some reports put it as late as 609. Buried at the Monastery of St Peter and St Paul (afterwards known as St Augustine's) Canterbury.
Ministry
Prior St Andrew's Monastery Rome ? - ?; Leader 1st Mission to England 596-597; chosen by Pope Gregory I to lead between thirty and forty monks to Kent 596, departed 596, landed Summer 597 at Ebbsfleet and received in Thanet by Kentish K Ethelbert.
Archbishop of Canterbury 597- c604; Consecrated before his 1st arrival in England, possibly with the title 'Bishop of the English', possibly  at Arles, but also possibly after becoming established in England. The pallium  - the symbol of office - was sent from Rome by Pope Gregory I in 601.
His time as Archbishop coincided with with » Kings and Queens: Kent » Ethelbert 560? -616 » East Saxons » Sabert ? -616 » West Saxons » (Ceolric 592-97) » Ceolwulf 597-611 » South Saxons » ? » Mercia » Crida or Creoda or Cearl 593-626 » Northumbria » Ethelfrid 593-617 » East Angles » ? (Redwald ? -627) » Popes » Gregory I 590-604 » (Sabinianus 604-06) »
Known writings:
helped Ethelbert to draft the earliest Anglo-Saxon written laws to survive.
Firsts:
1st Abp of Canterbury.

Augustine - 1st Archbishop of Canterbury

The Alfred Jewel

The Alfred Jewel

The Alfred Jewel is among the most famous of Anglo-Saxon objects. It was discovered at North Newton in 1693, not far from the abbey at Athelney, founded by Alfred the Great. Around the edge are the words AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN (‘Alfred ordered me to be made’).
Over the years the jewel has been the cause of as much speculation as admiration. Precisely what its purpose was has remained a source of much uncertainty. The jewel may have been the head of a pointer used for following words in a book.
The original jewel is preserved in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, and was made in about AD 890. This replica, which was made in 1901 to mark the thousandth anniversary of Alfred’s death, can be seen in the ‘Making Somerset’ gallery in the Museum of Somerset.

'Hundreds' of young in old people's homes

By Eleanor Bradford BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

• 29 February 2016
• From the section Scotland

Image caption Romana was placed in a care home after suffering a brain haemorrhage at 23

Younger people with neurological conditions are being cared for in old people's homes, according to the charity Sue Ryder.

It said there is nowhere else for them to go because of a lack of specialist facilities.
The Scottish government said it wants people to be treated in their own homes or as close to home as possible.
Minister Jamie Hepburn said it plans to invest £250m a year to "protect and grow" social care services.
Romana was placed in a care home for the elderly at the age of just 23, after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage when she was four months pregnant with her second child.

She couldn't see her children apart from short visits.
"It felt very strange because everyone around me was so much older; I was a very young girl at the time, and I felt I had lost my family," she said.

Image caption After two years at a Sue Ryder centre, Romana is preparing to move into her own flat

After two years, the Sue Ryder charity heard of her case and offered her a place at their neurological centre in Aberdeen.
With specialised rehabilitation, Romana learned to walk and live independently.
She is now looking forward to having her own flat, and sleeping under the same roof as her children for the first time in seven years.

Older people's care homes do a great job for people in their 80s and 90s but people like Romana need a differnt environment

Pamela Mackenzie, Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder asked every local authority and health board in Scotland how many people with neurological conditions are being cared for in old people's care homes.
Neurological conditions include Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington's disease and brain injuries.
Only a third of local authorities provided figures. They said 63 people under the age of 65 were being cared for in such an environment.
If those figures were replicated across the remaining health boards it would mean about 250 people are in an inappropriate environment.
They said a further 182 people aged over 65 with neurological conditions were in a care home for older people.

Image caption The charity believes up to 1,000 people could be missing out on appropriate treatment

Image caption The charity has called on the Scottish government to "take immediate action"

The charity said this meant a total of nearly 1,000 people could be missing out on specialist treatment, support and rehabilitation.
Sue Ryder's assistant director Scotland, Pamela Mackenzie, said: "Romana was quite a different lady when she first came. She was withdrawn and depressed and she really had been written off.
"Older people's care homes do a great job for people in their 80s and 90s, but people like Romana need a different environment. Their conditions are quite different.
"It is clear from our research that the needs of people with neurological conditions have largely been overlooked in recent years.
"We urge the Scottish government to take immediate action to address these inequalities so people with neurological conditions get the chance of a better quality of life."

'Vital role'

The minister for health improvement, Jamie Hepburn, said: "Our 2016/17 budget sets out plans to invest a further £250m per year through health and social care partnerships, to protect and grow social care services, and invest £11.6m to implement self-directed support.
"We also recognise the vital role specialist nurses play in patient care. This is why we committed £2.5m of recurring funding for specialist nursing and care, including up to £700,000 to specifically target MND care.
"The health boards involved are currently recruiting additional nurses, or increasing the hours of existing nurses in order to fulfil our pledge to double the number of MND nurses in Scotland.
"Some posts have already been filled and the remaining posts are expected to be filled by spring 2016."