The kids and I had a great day out with friends at Bolsover Castle yesterday.
I know, I look a bit shit, but the castle doesn't disappoint!
Nothing like a bright blue sky to act as the perfect backdrop for a bit of English history!
The older parts of the castle are ruined, having been damaged by the Parlimentarian forces in the Civil War, and subsequently allowed to fall into disrepair.
The English Civil War is one of my favourite periods of British history; the radicalism and passion and daring were astonishing. Yet it seems largely ignored. I wonder why?
This part of the castle (the Little Castle) is intact, with lots of rooms to explore.
Beautiful painted ceilings and decorative panelling.
The kids loved all the nudity. And truthfully - so did I!
My dear bessie mate Joanne and I pondered whether our figures were better suited to these 18th century images of big bottoms and sturdy thighs...
Those kick-ass little cherabim really make me smile!
The Venus Fountain.
Joanne, being an organised kind of person, had discovered that there were themed kids' activities happening, based around Heroes and Villains.
Now I have to say I didn't expect much, maybe a few half-arsed craft activities with most of the supplies used up, or the odd dressing up box.
But hush my cynical mouth, there was a day-long schedule of interactive sessions with 2 actors, who were completely brilliant, and managed that clever trick of entertaining and involving the kids while amusing the parents.
No mean feat.
They loaded and fired muskets.
They were dastardly highwaymen.
They learned about crime and punishment back in the day.
Eldest had been adding unsavoury ingredients to her bread and cakes, so was pinned to a stake by her ear, which was then cut off. Seems fair, if you're going to put rabbit droppings in the "chocolate chip" cookies.
I think I may have a little crush...
... on Mr Hottie McHighwayman.
Stand and deliver, baby.
I think we should get back to the architecture, don't you?
And the view.
That's better.
There was a little bit of dressing up.
Let Mama join in, darlings.
Too cool for school...
Ooh, big old hips!
If I was naked, and on a ceiling, around 300 years ago, I'd be considered a goddess.
We had a fabulous day.
The End.
xxx
