A Day Out - Part 1

Yesterday we had a much-needed day out checking out, firstly, the Fleamarket at Abergavenny. 

Just a swift internal photograph.  There were LOTS of different stands and we browsed very slowly and enjoyably.

There was a sheep market on too.  Lots of pens of sheep from farms all around the area, and quite a few buyers as well.

The Blorenge, above as viewed from the castle at Abergavanny.  We were there too early to look inside the castle/museum, but we have been there before so left that for another day out.  The Blorenge has a summit height of 561m (1841 feet), and overlooks the Usk Valley in Monmouthshire.  The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal hugs its flanks, and used to carry coal.

Harry Llewellyn's famous showjumper Foxhunter (who won the only Gold for Britain in the 1952 Olympics) is buried close to the Blaenavn to Llanover road (a car park was sited there in his honour.)  I remember Foxhunter (being a horse-mad kid) - he had a slit in his ear from an accident as a young horse.  And couldn't he JUMP . . .

If you want ore scenery, HERE is a link to a photo gallery of wonderful photos taken from the Blorenge Mountain.

 

I "think" this is the Blorenge as viewed sideways on from White Castle, which was our next port of call.  I have been there before, but my husband hadn't, so we took our time wandering round and relaxing.  As you will see, I was brave enough to climb up to the top of the tower - though I chickened out at first (I get vertigo).

The approach to the castle is over the moat, which provides a wonderful habitat for wildlife.

View of the outer walls from inside the central courtyard.  It was originally known as Llantilio Castle and indeed, is situated near Llantilio Crossenny.  The Welsh name for it was Castell Gwyn, taken from a leader in Norman times called Gwyn ap Gwaethfoed.  I believe he was a High Prince or King of Cardiganshire who died 1047 (but he was a long way from home here).  Legend has it that he showed great fearlessness when summoned by the Saxons to Chester when he refused to pay homage by rowing King Edgar up "the Dee.  He stated "Let him be feared who fears not death."  In later life he entered a Monastery at Llanwit Major (near Cardiff).  But I digress . . .

HERE is a link to the castle's history in full, and further photographs.

The wretched phone line is playing up no end - since BT came and replaced a pole t'other side of lane.  It won't load photos at present, so I will have to finish this off later.