Welcome to Novembers's edition of The Castle Times


In this months issue:

1.    Castle of the month - A Short History - The Moorish Castle, Gibraltar.

2.   Recipe Corner - Bruce , Leek and Tripe soup, 14th century English

3.    Life in Medieval times - Wedding Traditions and Marriage Laws Pt2

4.   Travel Tips - How can I avoid things being lost or stolen on my trip ?

5. Readers Story - A Day in the Life of being Henry - 21 Aug 2005 by Ray Irving

Construction of the Moorish Castle at Gibraltar was commenced in the 8th century AD, but there is no record of when it was completed

Gibraltar has always been of special significance to the numerous peoples and civilisations that have visited or occupied it over the ages, from the Neanderthal period, through the Classical and on to the Moorish, Spanish and the present British occupations.

The Moorish occupation is, by far, the longest in Gibraltar's recorded history, having lasted from 711 to 1309 and then from 1350 to 1462, a total of 710 years. In 1068, the Arab Governor of Algeciras, the city on the west side of the Bay of Gibraltar, ordered that a fort be built on "Jebel Tarik" (Gibraltar) to guard and watch events on the other side of the Strait.

The importance of Gibraltar to both Moslems and Christians lies in the fact that the Moorish invasion and occupation of Europe started from Gibraltar in 711 and, through to its final re-capture by Spain in 1462, Moorish rule was gradually undermined till, with the fall of Granada in 1492, the Moorish occupation of Europe came to an end after an uninterrupted 781 years.

Construction of the Moorish Castle at Gibraltar was commenced in the 8th century AD, but there is no record of when it was completed. Its walls enclosed a considerable area reaching down from the upper part of the Rock of Gibraltar down to the sea. The most conspicuous parts of the Castle now remaining are the upper tower, or Tower of Homage, together with various terraces and battlements below it, and the massive Gate House, with its cupola roof.

The Tower of Homage is the highest tower of the Islamic period in the Iberian Peninsula, and the Castle's Qasbah is the largest in the area. The Castle itself played a prominent part in the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which overran a large portion of it in two years - an invasion which led to Arab domination over part of Europe for over seven centuries. It is therefore of great heritage significance not only to Gibraltar and Iberia but also to Europe.

The present Tower of Homage, and most of what is visible today of the Castle, was rebuilt during the second Moorish period of occupation in the early 14th century, after its near destruction during a reconquest of Gibraltar by the Moors following a brief reoccupation by Spain (from 1309 to 1333).

• 4 Cup minced leeks

• 4 Cups chicken or other stock • 2 Cups water

• 1 Cup dry wine

• 1/2 pound pork or beef tripe or chicken gizzards

• 1/2 pound pork, beef or chicken liver • 3 medium onions

• 1 Cup white bread crumbs

• 1/3 Cup wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp each powdered ginger and black pepper

• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of cloves

• Salt to taste

Method 1. Mince the tripe or gizzards and the liver, but keep them separate.

2. In a large pot, over medium heat, combine stock and wine. Add minced tripe or gizzards. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for forty-five minutes or until the tripe or gizzards are thoroughly cooked.

3. Mince the leeks and onions, and add them to the pot. Continue simmering until the leeks and onions are done.

4. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, and add the minced liver. Reduce heat, and simmer for ten minutes or until the liver is tender.

5. Drain the cooked liver, put it into a bowl, and mash it into paste.

6. Add the mashed liver, bread crumbs, vinegar and spices to the pot. Simmer for another ten minutes. Serve in individual bowls.

Serves four to six.

Eat, Drink and be Merry

Wedding Traditions and Marriage Laws Pt2

During the early part of the 13th century most towns had a bath house of some description but as the forests started to dwindle, coupled with the soaring prices of wood to heat the baths, it became that only the wealthy could afford a bath. Everyone else was left to bath in cold water during the winter or wait until the warmth of the summer when it was warm enough to bathe without catching a cold or becomming ill.

It was not uncommon with the noble class to have an arranged marriage which was decided when the couples were young as 10 or 11 (A tradition which is still prevalent today in some Asian countries). The bride and groom would be kept apart until the day of the wedding and this would be the first time that many laid eyes on their betrothed for the first time. Usually an arranged marriage was organised so one party could advance their stature by acquiring wealth, usually property or a name.

The Catholic Church during this time allowed for the big event to be held outside of the church, usually in the castles great hall or other grand structure, so long as the happy couple had their union blessed by a priest at a later date (another tradition that is still practised today).

A lot of traditions from this time have hardly changed down through the ages with a few exceptions. A big celebration would be held after the ceremony which included a feast accompanied by music and entertainment. Nobles and distant relatives would be in attendance to mark the couple’s big day (sound familiar) and the Lord of the castle, if he felt moved by the occasion would free prisoners being held in his dungeon. Beggars would be allowed to gather around the gates of the castle to feast on leftover food.

In the countryside, a marriage born of love happened more regularly between peasants more so than between nobles. But! A peasant was more likely to marry due to a untimely pregnancy (Boy..! times haven’t really progressed much). Arranged marriages were still common place with the lower class just as it was with the nobles, but not as grand.

The ceremony would take place at the house of the bride and the whole village would gather to celebrate the day, and perhaps give the couple gifts of wooden utensils or other tools.

If groom was not local he would buy a round of drinks for the young men of the village whom he "robbed" of a possible wife. In return the young men would often organize a mock serenade, partly in hopes of spying on the newlyweds as they consummated the union.

In Pt 3 we look at Bridal Dresses, Clothing and Jewellery

• Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags.

• Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names, as it will make them more attractive to thieves.

• Use the locks on your luggage.

• Clearly label your luggage on both the inside and outside of your bags.

• Remove any items that are hanging off your luggage and could get caught on conveyor belts.

• Place a unique bright marking on your luggage so you can easily identify it. This way others will recognize that their similar looking bag did not have the markings and leave yours alone.

• Switch some of your items with those of a travelling companion. That way if your bags go missing, you’ll still have some items with you.

• If an airline loses your items make a claim before you leave the airport; some Airlines will not honour claims made after you have left the airport.

• Carry a list of all your items in your carry-on and leave one at home, to help you make a complete claim form if your items go missing. Carry a copy of the final list in your carry-on bags; you’ll be able to use it to fill out claim forms with the airline if they lose your luggage.

• Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property

I have been worried of late, up to now I have not had a heckler in the crowd and I thought that my luck must be running out soon. Today it did.

Not exactly a heckler, not even a person, no. It was a Ford Fiesta. During my tour I take the group outside into the gardens to view the structure of the building and to explain the way the house was built, the style of the house and the old saying such as “eaves-drop” etc. Except a Ford Fiesta moved in between us and revved up its tiny but noisy engine just at the most crucial time in anybody’s routine, yes the punch line. So how do you cope with a Ford Fiesta?

Well you take a large Royal Bow in front of the crowd and ask the driver if he can accompany me on a rendering of “I’m Henry the VIII I am”. The crowd’s laughter at his cost is enough to make him go away.

A small group of Americans, obviously still jet lagged as they didn’t arrive until 30 minutes before we closed, wanted a Royal tour. A wonderful set of people who were genuinely interested in our history, they found Alice Carpenter a new name to research when they get back to the States. Comments like “….are you sure you are not having us on?” made me feel like I was talking to non believers but I told them I would wink if I made anything up. From then on they believed the actual facts without querying. They gave me a memento of their visit, a 2 Dollar note. My reply was “are you sure you are not having me on?” , no, no was their reply there really is a 2 Dollar note! Well I didn’t know that, you learn something everyday.

I hope you have enjoyed reading issue 9. If you have an suggestions or comments about any part of the newsletter then please feel free to contact me.

As always, if you have a story,photos or questions you wish to ask or share with our readers then please email me and I will be happy to include them in our next edition.

All submissions should reach me by no later than the 20th of November