Think out-of-date bed-and-breakfasts are a thing of the past? Not in the British Isles! "The old inn is a very living factor indeed in the scheme of modern existence. Attracted by its ineffable charm, thousands habitually resort thither for lodging or refreshments, and most innkeepers are fully aware of the substantial advantage they derive by preserving in their premises all the essentials of ancient character" (p. 261, "Visits to the Old Inns of England: Historic Homes of Hospitality for the Wayfarer Dot the Length and Breadth of the Kingdom," National Geographic Magazine, March, 1931, author: Harold Donaldson Eberlein).
Mr. Eberlein also recommends "the taverns and roadside alehouses. These have a set of characteristics and usages all their own. . .Time and again you will chance upon a bit of history or romance and find the local associations with some famous personage proudly treasured by the countryfolk" (p. 262). For sure, England is overflowing with history. The British savor and preserve every person, battle, castle, costume, and accounts of them all.
I personally love all the names of the English towns, duplicates of which many are found in our states - Ludlow, Norfolk, Paradise, Portsmouth, Worcester, London, and on and on. Some of the English inns have been in business more than 500 years. "Should you chance to visit Saffron Walden and put up at the Rose and Crown, you will be reminded that, almost beyond doubt, Shakespeare stayed here when he visited the town with his company of players in 1607" (p. 268).
The town of Shrewsbury was mentioned. Daughter #7, Marie, and I visited there on our visit to Great Britain in November of 2008. The occasion was Remembrance Day, November 11, to attend the service for my nephew, Justin, formerly in the United States Navy, then a member of the Irish Regiment of the Royal British Army, killed in Afghanistan September 4th. Remembrance Day is very big in the British Isles! Everyone in their country wears red poppies in remembrance of all of their serrvicemen and women who gave their lives for their country.
After being tourists in London for several days, Marie and I took the train to Shrewsbury. There we were met by a Royal British Army Sergeant who kindly drove us to Rosehill Manor Hotel, near the town of Tern Hill. After Marie and I freshened up, he took us to the guest house in the Tern Hill Army installation to visit with my brother Don, sister-in-law, Kathleen, Justin's widow, Velma, Velma's parents from Lithuania, and other relatives. Although we were very sad about Justin, it was wonderful to see each other.
Marie and I spent a lovely night at Rosehill Manor. We were the only guests and felt very pampered. It was very quiet. Marie had never seen a shower with water heated at the source. The inn was large and had an echo. The next morning at breakfast, the owner asked us, "What do you want to eat?" We had expected to perhaps see a menu and make a choice but we could order anything. I would like to stay there again, in warmer weather, and take advantage of their patio and the outside view.
The food in England is outstanding! Mr. Eberlein notes, "Is it any wonder that some of one's forbears had the gout?" (p. 282). I could get used to tea time every day!
"One might go on indefinitely telling of the old inns of England, dwelling on their associations, and describing their numberless allurements. The variety they afford is practically endless. The only sameness they all share is in the spell they exert, once you come in sight of them or cross their thresholds" (p. 285). I couldn't agree more!
Please see this blog, Friday, August 9, 2013, "Now to London," for more about our trip and several of our photos. Rosehill Manor may be viewed at www.rosehillmanorhotel.co.uk.
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