During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell’s army laid siege to Borthwick Castle, which lead to the downfall and execution of Charles 1

Borthwick Castle is one of the most noteworthy of historical buildings in Scotland. Borthwick was built in 1430, by Lord Borthwick as a twin towered keep. His tomb and that of his wife can still be seen in the old village church.

In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots and her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, sought refuge in this impenetrable fortress. Here they spent their remaining days together before being parted. Mary escaped dressed as a pageboy and today her ghost has been seen in this disguise. She died upon the scaffold approximately 18 years later in 1588, whilst her husband passed away in a Danish prison after leaving the safety of the castle.

During the Civil War, roughly 100 years later, Oliver Cromwell’s army laid siege to Borthwick. This lead to the downfall and execution of Charles 1. Today, the castles walls still bare the scars of Cromwell’s cannons.

The castle’s history is a gruesome one. The Borthwicks were known as warriors, who did not take kindly to prisoners. Legend has it that a popular pastime of the early lords was to grant the prisoners their freedom if they could complete just one feat. This feat was to jump across the gap between the castles towers, a distance of 12 feet. This may not seem a great distance until you realised that you had to do it with your hands tied behind your back. If you succeeded you were free to leave, if you didn’t then……! I will leave the consequences to your imagination!

1/2 cup (2 oz) figs,

1/2 cup (2 oz) raisins, 4 x Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped,

2 x Pears, peeled, cored and chopped,

1 cup Wine, 1/4 cup Sugar,

1/2 lb Pickled salmon, cod, or haddock,

1/4 tsp Ginger, Nutmeg, Whole allspice,

1/2 tsp Cinnamon and Salt,

1 x 10" pastry shell, 1" deep,

4 x Prunes, stoned and quartered,

4 x Dates, pitted and quartered, and

4 x Damsons, stoned & quartered

Method :

. Take the figs and raisins, wash them in wine and mince with the apples and pears.

. Put in a pan with the wine and sugar, pickled fish, and chop finely.

. Mix in the spices and salt and cook together for 15 minutes. Leave to cool.

. Put the fish, and minced figs, raisins, apples, and pears into the pastry shell.

. Arrange the prunes, dates, and damsons on top and bake at 375f for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serves six people.

Serve forth and Enjoy!

As Europe’s population grew, so did the size and grandeur of her churches.

Monasteries in the middle ages were based on the rules set down by St. Benedict in the sixth century. The monks became known as Benedictines and took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to their leaders. They were required to perform manual labour and were forbidden to own property, leave the monastery, or become entangled in the concerns of society. Daily tasks were often carried out in silence. Monks and their female counterparts, nuns, who lived in convents, provided for the less-fortunate members of the community.

Monks went to the monastery church eight times a day in a routine of worship that involved singing, chanting, and reciting prayers. Their day would start at 2 am culminating in "Vespers" in the evening and "Compline" before the monks retired at night. Between prayers, the monks read or copied religious texts and music. Monks were often well educated and devoted their lives to writing and learning.

Pilgrimages were an important part of religious life. Many people took journeys to visit holy shrines such as the Church of St. James at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the Canterbury cathedral in England, and sites in Jerusalem and Rome.

Plan your trip.

Start looking for special deals and other discounts for which you may qualify.

Do some research on the area you’ll be visiting and on the way you’ll be getting there? This is especially important to start your research early if you are planning foreign travel.

Check the valid dates on your passport if you are planning on leaving the country.

Take care of medical and dental checkups and vaccinations if necessary.

After consulting your physician, consider starting an exercise program to prepare your body for the extra exertion you’ll experience while travelling.

Make reservations

THREE WEEKS AHEAD

Watch the weather, so you’ll know what to expect and can pack accordingly.

Check with your credit card company for available spending amount; ask your bank for an increase if needed. Don’t forget about the deposits that will be charged and leave some room on the card for emergencies.

Check the valid dates on your credit card to make sure they will remain valid while you’re travelling.

Notify the Credit Card Company that you’ll be travelling, so they will expect charges from your destination.

Check your ATM and debit card for both daily and total limits.

Remember your PIN numbers or get new ones issued for all your credit, debit, ATM and phone cards.

Purchase automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening.

Check your driver’s license to make sure it will remain valid while you’re travelling.

Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary, and film.

Make an arrangement with a neighbour, friend or relative to check your home periodically. If a friend or neighbour cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.

Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighbourhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.

Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.

Arrange boarding for your pets.

Start breaking in the shoes you’ll be taking with you on your trip.

Add some yogurt to your diet to strengthen your digestive system. This is especially important if your plans include travel to foreign countries where you will be exposed to elements that are hostile to your digestive system.