The Barbican

Near the three local marinas is the Mayflower Steps monument commemorating the departure of the Pilgrims for America in 1620. It is believed that they actually departed from a pier, incorporated into the West Pier, which was built in the 18th century. Nearby is the Tourist Information office and here you will find sufficient information to keep you busy for days. One particularly interesting leaflet lists 20 historic sites within walking distance. These include the Elizabethan House which is said to be one of the first speculatively-built houses in Plymouth. It was erected by John Sparke, the first Englishman to describe tobacco and potatoes. Nearby you will find the Dolphin Hotel which is where the Tolpuddle Martyrs spent their first nights, back in England, on returning from exile in Australia in 1838. The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs is perhaps the best known case in the early history of the Trade Unions.

Today I also managed to finally fix the electricity supply to the instruments on the boat. It was finally traced to a small 20p fuse hidden behind the instruments in the roof lining!

Now heading back to Nottingham for a couple of weeks.

Up at Dawn

I frequently read photographic magazines and they talk about the wonderful light at dawn. Unfortunately, my body clock was not very happy when I get up at 5:00 am to try this idea out for myself. Anyway, I managed to get up on the Hoe very early. There were still some people around who had obviously not gone to bed on Saturday evening and were still up and around making a noise. I took several photographs on the Hoe and then some more down near the Barbican. I hope that you like the results.