No, we’re not going on a Beatles road trip. I’m going to chat about some of the abbeys in the United Kingdom.
- Tintern Abbey was founded in 1131 in Wales. The architecture of the ruins spans 400 years.
- Woburn Abbey is now the country house of the Duke of Bedford and the home of the Woburn Safari Park. The abbey itself was founded in 1145. It became the seat of the Dukes of Bedford in 1547.
- Combermere Abbey is a former monastery in Cheshire, England. No word if the cats in Cheshire actually grin.
The abbey was given to Sir George Cotton in 1538. His family retained it until 1919. It is now run as an organic dairy farm.
- Buckland Abbey was founded in 1278. In 1541, Henry VIII sold Buckland to Sir Richard Grenville who, along with his son, converted it into a house. The house is now a museum run by the National Trust.
- Fountains Abbey was founded in 1132. It’s one of the largest monasteries in England. And also one of the best-preserved. Yes, I know it’s in ruins but they’re really spectacular ruins!
Today in history:
- 1881 – In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fought his last gun battle. No, he wasn’t killed in it. He didn’t die until 1921.
- 1889 – Silent film legend Charlie Chaplin was born. I don’t think he needs any further introduction.
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- 1907 – Canadian inventor Joseph-Armand Bombadier was born. Why am I including him, you ask? He invented the snowmobile!
- 1908 – Natural Bridges National Monument was established in Utah. We should visit there sometime!
- 1912 – Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel.
- 1915 – Actress Joan Alexander was born. She’s best remembered as Lois Lane on the radio version of The Adventures of Superman.
- 1817 – Actor Barry Nelson was born. Little known fact to most people, he was the first actor, and only American, to portray James Bond. He played Bond in a 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royale.
On TV tonight: the return of Eureka!!!!! (Too bad it’s their final season.) We also have a new episode of Castle.
Reading: Currently re-reading Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers.

