Day Six: Bronte Parsonage, Ripon Cathedral, Fountain's Abbey

Today we left Carlisle and crossed the Yorkshire Moors as we traveled to Haworth. There we toured the quaint home of the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. They authored Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tennant of Wildfell Hall respectively. We learned much about their compelling life stories and their writings. The students were thrilled to stand in the home's dining room where the three sisters did most of their writing. Before leaving Hawarth, Steve (yes Steve is back and we are thrilled!) arranged for us to have a traditional English dinner of roast beef, yorkshire puddings, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. We enjoyed our meal together at the Bronte Inn. It was a delightful culinary treat!

Then it was a bit of a drive to visit Ripon Cathedral. Ripon was home to Lewis Carroll who authored Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. He was said to be inspired by a particular carving in the choir loft of a griffon chasing a rabbit down a hole. Before leaving Ripon, Steve arranged for us to take tea at a beautiful old inn. Another delectable and delightful experience. The tea room had a beautiful view of a magnificent weeping willow tree by a bending creek.

A traditional tea cream of scones, double cream and raspberry jam with tea

Our last tour of the day took us to the beautiful and ancient Fountain's Abbey, a 12th century Abbey in the Cistercian tradition. A small group of monks came here in 1132 to start a simpler life under the order of St. Benedict. Over 400 years later, when Henry VIII demanded the disestablishment of the abbey, the monks left behind this most complete Cistercian abbey in all of England. It truly was fascinating and tranquil!

We are now in Leeds, a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire. We have a full day of touring tomorrow and we are nearing the end of our journey through England. The students are getting along splendidly. So much of what they have read or will read in the coming years has truly come to life in the past week. It is a joy to see their excitement at each destination!