August 4/13

Forgot to mention yesterday that we went to the place where Wensleydale cheese is made. We read the history, viewed the place where the employees were making it, and had a chance to try various samples and purchase the finished product. It looked like hard back-breaking work, as the people had to work while leaning over large tubs. I had no idea that there were so many different kinds - some aged, some with fruit, blue cheese, and one very spicy kind that I couldn't resist.

Today was a longer driving day, as we went to Stratford-Upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace), stopping first at Ironbridge Gorge. This place is noteworthy because it's the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and also has the first bridge made of cast iron, dating from the 1700's. It was discovered that it was cheaper to use coke to smelt iron rather than charcoal. This was a coal mining area, and even children were used to cut the coal, because there were only 2 foot seams. They worked a full day by candlelight, and then had to turn their wages over to their parents. Here we visited Blists Mill Victorian Town, which simulates what life would have been like during this time period. At the town bank you could exchange pounds for shillings to by items for sale in the stores. It was neat to see a harmonium in the church that was made in Woodstock Ontario. The original blast furnace that was used to smelt the pig iron was on site, as was the original candle-making shop. There was a sing-a-long on the pub, led by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and in one of the homes there were parlour musicians playing violin, flute and parlour guitar.

In Stratford we had Michael's favorite meal of the trip, in a restaurant called the Church Street Townhouse, which came highly recommended. Mine was very good too. I purposely ordered a light meal, so I'd have room for a dessert called "Eton Mess" - berries, meringue and whipped cream. It was so good, and probably my last chance to have it.

After dinner we took a short walk to see Shakespeare's birthplace, as well as the festival building. I have to say that the one in Stratford Ontario has a much prettier setting.