December 4, 2013

IS THE UK CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER READING THIS BLOG?





STOP PRESS! Lola here with a question: is the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, reading this blog? I ask this 'cos he's just posted a pic of his new puppie, a white bichon frise called - you guessed! - LOLA! 

Just look: Lola could be moi as a puppy (see sidebar, below!) 

Watch this space for any snippets of earth-shattering insider gossip information from Downing Street - just between one Lola and - another... 











Now where we, dear readers? Ah yes, continuing our mini virtual tour of the UK where, this week, C is for the city of *C*hester...

Founded as a Roman fort, Chester has just been voted Europe's fifth prettiest by American newspaper USA TodayThe paper explained: "In Chester, Roman walls surround a charming collection of Tudor and Victorian buildings and a delightful shopping district filled with half-timbered shops reminiscent of a Grimm tale. There's not a modern structure in sight, making Chester one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Cheshire."
The more unusual landmarks in this Cheshire city lying on the River Dee are its walls, the Rows and the black-and-white architecture.

The walls encircle the bounds of the medieval city and constitute the most complete city walls in Britain, the full circuit measuring nearly 2 miles (3 km). The only break in thecircuit is in the southwest section in front of County Hall. A footpath runs along the top of the walls, crossing roads by bridges over Eastgate, Northgate, St Martin's Gate,Watergate, Bridgegate, Newgate, and the Wolf Gate, and passing a series of structures, namely Phoenix Tower (or King Charles' Tower), Morgan’s Mount, the Goblin Tower with a spur leading to the Water Tower & Thimbleby’s Tower.


Walls linking Bridgegate to Eastgate:









On Eastgate is Eastgate Clock, allegedly the most photographed clock in England after London’s Big Ben (above top & below):





The Rows are unique in Britain. They consist of buildings with shops or dwellings on the lowest two storeys. The shops or dwellings on the ground floor are often lower than the street and are entered by steps, which sometimes lead to a crypt-like vault. Those on the first floor are entered behind a continuous walkway, often with a sloping shelf between the walkway and the railings overlooking the street. 

Bridge Street showing Chester Rows and St Peter’s Church:


Much of the architecture of central Chester looks medieval and some of it is but by far the greatest part of it, including most of the black-and-white buildings, is Victorian, a result of what is called the “black and white revival”.

Black and white architecture at Northgate:



And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Enjoy!

XOXO NORA & LOLA:)

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20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can see why the city was voted one of the prettiest ~ and love the new British Lola ~ thanks, carol, xxx

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

It really is lovely...

Jeanne said...

How quaint and charming! I love the beautiful clock and the mossy bricks.

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Truly, truly amazing. What a glorious city. those buildings are magnificent!!! I wish I could visit such a place.
By the way...Our Lola has prettier eyes and cute doggie smile. And don't I always state what I mean???
When you have time, I would like for you to visit Sherry and me. We have a special post for Dec. it is a long post , but I hope it will be a treat for you,
Merry Christmas, with all the love and best wishes for a Holiday Season,
Marie Antoinette

Susan Anderson said...

I would love to go to Chester!

=)

Eden House News and views said...

I so love Chester , Lola also.
One slight correction Big Ben is not photographed that often as it is the name of the BELL not the clock.
Are you ready for christmas?

Anonymous said...

That really is a beautiful place!

Unknown said...

Very pretty houses!

Arija said...

Thank you for taking us on this lovely tour of Chester.
I would dearly like to walk the walls but due to a heart condition that cuts out flying, this particular wish will have to be dropped off my 'bucket list', as so many others, unfulfilled.

bichonpawz said...

It IS quite lovely, isn't it?? Now...about that other Lola!! You do know that you are the BEST Lola out there...right?? We think so! xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

betty-NZ said...

What a great place! I'd love to spend a day wandering around there.

Andrea said...

Wow wonderful ancient architecture, reminds of almost similar designs in Strasbourg, France. It's great that you don't have strong calamities visiting your area to preserve these buildings!

Lina Gustina said...

Thanks for the tour. That's a dream destination!

http://www.homezweethome.info/2013/12/a-theater-or-restaurant.html

Gerald (SK14) said...

Totally agree with Tracy Cook about the name of the clock - I know Chester quite well and actually it does have some modern architecture too - it can get a bit overrun by tourists but there some quiet places like Grosvenor Park.

DrillerAA09 said...

I love everything about that clock tower.

Sandee said...

He just might be reading your blog. Perhaps even Lola is too.

Have a fabulous day. ☺

Jenny said...

Chester looks like a charming city...

I have always been fascinated by castles and clocks!

Thanks for linking to the letter "C" - Cool post!

And Lola is certainly a cutie-pie!

Jenny said...

A+

Jim said...

So beautiful. Awesome clock tower.

Annesphamily said...

I would love to visit Chester! Amazing always how you work so hard to share such beauty with us.