David, I'm loving your travelogue and commentary. When you're in London, see if you can fit in a visit to the British Library, one of my favorite places in the world. It might not completely fit in with the Greek theme, but it does have multiple copies of the Magna Carta! Re slavery, there was an exhibit in the Netherlands during COVID which showed how the Dutch wealth and economy was based on slavery. Apparently it was a shock to the Dutch since there were very few slaves ever in the country.
Thanks for the suggestion Marjorie. I will try to visit the Library. I wasn’t aware the Dutch were also involved in the Slave Trade, though I knew that they had African colonies. Cheers!
Yes, all the European powers were involved. In fact, to be wealthy in the 17th-19th century, slave trading was involved or slave labor was relied on. Interestingly a careful reading of Jane Austen shows that the wealthy people all had interests in the Caribbean, ergo slavery. Sigh. Same for "Jane Eyre." Here's an article about the Dutch: https://slaveryandremembrance.org/articles/article/?id=A0145. Basically the world economy of that time period relied on slavery.
David you are an open archeological treasure book. History in the making with information brought to life read between the lines. Thanks for bathing. I am refreshed.
Thank you Carol. I must admit I’m not a royalist, though my Brilliant Wife is and can rattle off most of the kings and queens in order. Rather we come from revolutionary stock, declaring independence from the Brits and their royalty in 1776. (Though it took a few years more to finally convince them to leave).
So I must admit to a bit of anti royalty bias.
But yes it is lovely here.
We had the pleasure of visiting South Africa a few years ago. It was marvelous! You too have a beautiful country well worth visiting.
Just reread this. I'm no relation to that Sir William Baker but I have a direct ancestor of the surname Woodford who was a rope maker of Northampton and (I forget the details I did this research long ago) but and this was circa 1760,he was a cousin to two brothers of the surname Payne. One brother was (at the time) Governor of the Bank of England,and the other brother Chairman of the East India Company. I was staggered to say the least. But I dont know much else about this line as I was winding up research about them so I didn't pursue it.
I'm so glad to read and see that you and Mrs Zoll had your BEST TIME in Bath and really enjoyed the city. I could advise you on Bath on a shoestring - don't eat,same as Paris on a shoestring,- just don't eat! Lol. I saw Bath from a different perspective in your take on it. I will be continuing with my Visit Bath series as there are places I havent yet covered (and it gives me a reason to go to them). 20 years ago in art galleries such as the Holburne there would be nothing in the picture captions linking these shrewd faces and bonnetted ladies with any sort of commerce,so now when you see how much of the gorgeous architecture and fine art and culture was funded by The Africa Trade it is shocking. It was always more open and acknowledged in Bristol,it could hardly not be,but Bath was 'genteel'. Your wealth was bestowed upon you by the Divine Order,that was the idea. I expect you will all love meeting up and sharing experiences of the places.
Do LOTS of research before visiting Bristol as unlike Bath,all the "good bits" are not mostly in one discrete area. And the post war planners did an awful job of carving up what's left. And while Clifton is great and historic dont believe the long defunct narrative that it's the 'posh' district. That was long ago. It's got good bits yes,but it's also full of rowdy student houses (some of them can still afford to be rowdy!!) but to be honest Upper Easton is in real terms posher than Clifton. I'll try and sprinkle into my Substack (I won't do a visit Bristol) hints on interrupting places in the Bristol area that you often have to get through formidable traffic system and go behind office blocks to find. Bristol is more hidden and obscure than Bath in our history probably because until the late 1960s Bristol was still a city based on industry and going forward.
Terrific videos of Athens!
Thanks for watching John!
David, I'm loving your travelogue and commentary. When you're in London, see if you can fit in a visit to the British Library, one of my favorite places in the world. It might not completely fit in with the Greek theme, but it does have multiple copies of the Magna Carta! Re slavery, there was an exhibit in the Netherlands during COVID which showed how the Dutch wealth and economy was based on slavery. Apparently it was a shock to the Dutch since there were very few slaves ever in the country.
Thanks for the suggestion Marjorie. I will try to visit the Library. I wasn’t aware the Dutch were also involved in the Slave Trade, though I knew that they had African colonies. Cheers!
The Dutch involvement in Slavery was mostly in Indonesia. They were very cruel,not the nice people we see them as now. Andre Rieu and all that.
Yes, all the European powers were involved. In fact, to be wealthy in the 17th-19th century, slave trading was involved or slave labor was relied on. Interestingly a careful reading of Jane Austen shows that the wealthy people all had interests in the Caribbean, ergo slavery. Sigh. Same for "Jane Eyre." Here's an article about the Dutch: https://slaveryandremembrance.org/articles/article/?id=A0145. Basically the world economy of that time period relied on slavery.
David you are an open archeological treasure book. History in the making with information brought to life read between the lines. Thanks for bathing. I am refreshed.
So happy you’re traveling along Richbee! Thanks
For the note. On the train to Paddington Station and
The underground.
Did you ever find Rusk or try posca recipe I sent you while in Greece?
Yes had rusk on a salad soo good! Thanks Richbee. Very interesting
I have always longed to visit England, to see the Queen.
The late great Queen Elizabeth II of your beloved country.
My friend’s daughter visited Bath a few years ago from our beloved country of South Africa.
This is where my friend’s mum, their Nana, originally came from.
I’ve heard those baths are very healthy and healing.
I love your shots of the beautiful cathedral, too.
Holly said that the architecture in Bath was boss.
Kindest regards
Carol Power
Johannesburg
South Africa
Thank you Carol. I must admit I’m not a royalist, though my Brilliant Wife is and can rattle off most of the kings and queens in order. Rather we come from revolutionary stock, declaring independence from the Brits and their royalty in 1776. (Though it took a few years more to finally convince them to leave).
So I must admit to a bit of anti royalty bias.
But yes it is lovely here.
We had the pleasure of visiting South Africa a few years ago. It was marvelous! You too have a beautiful country well worth visiting.
Thanks for traveling along!
Thank you for kind response, David.
I think I live in the most beautiful country in the whole wide world.
Isn’t it good to feel happy where one lives?
If I had one dream, it would be to return to my hometown of Simon’s Town, specifically my Nana’s house at Seaforth Beach in Cape Town lol
Just reread this. I'm no relation to that Sir William Baker but I have a direct ancestor of the surname Woodford who was a rope maker of Northampton and (I forget the details I did this research long ago) but and this was circa 1760,he was a cousin to two brothers of the surname Payne. One brother was (at the time) Governor of the Bank of England,and the other brother Chairman of the East India Company. I was staggered to say the least. But I dont know much else about this line as I was winding up research about them so I didn't pursue it.
Beautiful photos, David. I didn't realize the baths at Bath were open and in use. Pretty neat! Sounds like a great time there for you.
Thank you Jeanine. No photos allowed but the baths at our hotel were very clean and modern. There are other bath houses here too.
That’s neat!
I'm so glad to read and see that you and Mrs Zoll had your BEST TIME in Bath and really enjoyed the city. I could advise you on Bath on a shoestring - don't eat,same as Paris on a shoestring,- just don't eat! Lol. I saw Bath from a different perspective in your take on it. I will be continuing with my Visit Bath series as there are places I havent yet covered (and it gives me a reason to go to them). 20 years ago in art galleries such as the Holburne there would be nothing in the picture captions linking these shrewd faces and bonnetted ladies with any sort of commerce,so now when you see how much of the gorgeous architecture and fine art and culture was funded by The Africa Trade it is shocking. It was always more open and acknowledged in Bristol,it could hardly not be,but Bath was 'genteel'. Your wealth was bestowed upon you by the Divine Order,that was the idea. I expect you will all love meeting up and sharing experiences of the places.
Thank you Jane! We have vowed to return and Visit Bristol as well.
Do LOTS of research before visiting Bristol as unlike Bath,all the "good bits" are not mostly in one discrete area. And the post war planners did an awful job of carving up what's left. And while Clifton is great and historic dont believe the long defunct narrative that it's the 'posh' district. That was long ago. It's got good bits yes,but it's also full of rowdy student houses (some of them can still afford to be rowdy!!) but to be honest Upper Easton is in real terms posher than Clifton. I'll try and sprinkle into my Substack (I won't do a visit Bristol) hints on interrupting places in the Bristol area that you often have to get through formidable traffic system and go behind office blocks to find. Bristol is more hidden and obscure than Bath in our history probably because until the late 1960s Bristol was still a city based on industry and going forward.
I meant interesting places but maybe spell checker is on to something!
Thanks Jane. I love Naval history so looking to visit anything connected the the Royal Navy