A sizeable town in the north-west of Hampshire, Andover has a population of 52,000, and it stands on the banks of the River Anton roughly equidistant from the city of Winchester and the town of Basingstoke. Like most English towns it dates from Anglo-Saxon times and was recorded in Saxon annals as a royal hunting lodge belonging to King Edred (this was in the tenth century), and even saw the holiding of a Saxon ‘Parliament’. Later also recorded in the Domesday Book, Andover even at this early time had six watermills. Plodding along as a little market town it became quite significant for producing wool, which was the main source of income for the town. At this time Andover had a church, a priory, a hostel and a lepers hostel, the priory being eventually closed by Henry VIII. Much later in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is developed into an important stagecoach stopping off point being on the route between London and Exeter (via Salisbury).
April 19, 2011
April 16, 2011
Warminster Wiltshire
A small town standing on the River Were in the county of Wiltshire, Warminster (population 17,000), dates from Anglo-Saxon times, though there may well have been settlements in the area as far back as the Iron Age. During the Middle Ages, Warminster grew in size and wealth through the wool and cloth trade, and also due to its importance as a corn market (only surpassed in this region by Bristol). Warminster later became significant as the home of a bell foundry, which produced high quality bells for local churches throughout the 17th century. During WW1, many troops from various countries of the British Empire, were garrisoned in and around Warminster. When the weather is fine, take a pleasant stroll along the River Were, or visit the Minster Church of Saint Denys.
View a map of Wiltshire here: Wiltshire Street Map.
April 15, 2011
La Zenia Costa Blanca
Planning a holiday in Spain this year? Then why not try out the super Orihuela Costa coastal resort of La Zenia and have a great time on the Costa Blanca. Enjoying wonderful sunny weather, La Zenia is a great spot for a family holiday, for couples or just for a short break in the sun to get away from the misery of the UK. Sunbathe on the beach, have a tipple in the local La Zenia bars, luxuriate in the first class La Zenia Hotel, walk along the seafront to nearby Cabo Roig, visit Torrevieja, or just relax in your apartment or villa. Whatever is your thing, you will enjoy it best at the Costa Blanca resort of La Zenia, so why not head there soon for the holiday of a lifetime?
View a La Zenia Guide here: http://www.la-zenia.my-costa-blanca.co.uk/
April 3, 2011
St Lucia Windward Islands Caribbean
An island country situated in the Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea, St Lucia covers an area of about two hundred and thirty eight square miles, it has a resident population of just over one hundred and seventy three thousand. The first settlers in St Lucia came from France, and they found the native Carib people already on the island, control of St Lucia changed continually between France and England, until 1814, when the British finally took over total control of the island. St Lucia is a popular holiday destination and the most poplar time to visit is between January and April when the weather is at its best (this being the dry season). The capital of St Lucia is Castries.
History of Fuengirola Costa del Sol
Location of an early Iberian settlent, what is now known as Fuengirola was originally known as Suel. A little later the Phoenicians founded a trading post there, to serve their ships, which regularly plied their trade along this coast, on their way to Portugal and beyond. Subsequently occupied by the Romans, and noted by Pomponius, a Roman historian, a fortress was built in Fuengirola, together with spa baths and residential villas. Sohail Castle was built much later, and by another civilisation, namely the Moors, this was during the 10th century. The settlement was burnt to the ground in the Middle Ages, and became little more than a heap of ashes and rubble, its remaining residents fleeing to nearby Mijas. In the late 15th century Fuengirola was recaptured from the Arabs, by the Christians, it soon became depopulated, but eventually recovered to become the sizeable town that it is today. In the 20th century tourism arrived and saw the area grow considerably, attracted by the wonderful weather, excellent beaches, and good amenities, Fuengirola has continued to attract visitors up to the present day, becoming one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol.
March 31, 2011
Ibiza Resorts Santa Eulalia
One of the largest towns and resorts on the island of Ibiza, in the Spanish Balearics, Santa Eulalia des Riu has a pretty palm tree peppered town square, typical of Ibiza (and Spain for that matter), and this is an ideal spot to order a coffee in one of the surrounding bars, and simply watch the world go by. The beach at Santa Eulalia is, of course, the main attraction, and THE place for enjoying the sunny Ibiza weather, relaxing, or maybe even taking part in some water sports. At night don’t expect the vibrant nightclub scene that you might find in San Antonio or Ibiza Town, but Santa Eulalia is still buzzing, with plenty going on for those who like a bit of nightlife, and entertainment. When you have a spare day, pop along to Es Cana and visit the Hippy Market, the best place to buy gifts for those left at home.