Naming Ceremonies in the Church of England

[ad_1]

In this ceremony, parents and Godparents promise to raise the child in the Christian faith. Even if the child’s parents are not regular churchgoers, a child can still be Christened and the local vicar will be able to provide guidance on this. Sometimes a vicar will require parents to undergo a period of instruction before the Christening, but again, this will depend upon circumstances and the vicar him/herself.

Usually, Christenings form part of the regular Sunday service to welcome the child into the community. Often, several Christenings take place in the same service, but in some parishes a private ceremony can be arranged following the Sunday service.

Parents and Godparents will be asked to make declarations that they believe in God and will raise the child to follow Jesus. The vicar will make the sign of the cross and then pour water on the child’s head to wash away sin. Sometimes a candle will be lit in the church or given to the parents to symbolise the light that has now come into their child’s life.

Some vicars will allow parents or guests to choose hymns and readings for the service.

The Church of England suggests that at least three Godparents are chosen, two the same sex as the child being Christened. Usually Godparents are relatives or close friends of the parents – people the child will have regular contact with. Godparents should themselves have been Christened and some vicars also require that they are confirmed. Godparents should be comfortable making the religious promises that are required of them.

In 1999 the Church of England introduced a Thanksgiving or Blessing Service. This is designed for those wanting a religious service to thank God for the child, but are not ready to make the commitment to baptism into the faith. A Christening can always follow at a later date. In these ceremonies Godparents are not chosen, but adults who will have a similar role in the child’s life can take part.

[ad_2]

Source by Tony Luck

Gin – From Kidney Disorder Cure To The National Drink Of England

[ad_1]

There are many types of liquor in the world. Some have existed for a long time, like beer or wine. Many have only been made during the last millennium. One of the relatively more recent one is gin.

Gin is a dry and hard white alcohol flavored with the seeds of a juniper bush and other botanicals. The alcohol is made from grains like wheat and rye. It is usually used as a base for other drinks. It is often used in cocktails and other mixes.

As mentioned before, gin is relatively recent. It was created in the 17th century, in 1650 to be exact. The creator was a medical professor at the University of Leyden. He was truly a doctor who knew what his patients needed. His name was Franciscus de la Boie, a.k.a. Dr. Sylvius. He created gin as an inexpensive diuretic for kidney disorders. While gin will never ever fulfill its intended purpose, it became popular anyway, as another way to destroy our kidneys and liver when taken in ungodly amounts.

Dr Sylvius named his creation Genever, which is the French word for the juniper. It was shortened in English to gin. The juniper is a bush can be found all over the northern hemisphere. It grows aromatic blue-green berries. Juniper was not just added for the taste. It is also known to have healing properties. It can act as a diuretic and it also helps with arthritis. Other botanicals are sometimes added to gin, like cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cassia bark, angelica root and coriander. Gin producers have their own secret combinations of botanicals.

Gin was very popular with English soldiers who “sojourned” in the continent. They called it Dutch courage and it was an instant hit when they went there for the Thirty Years War. It warmed their bodies during the cold nights and calmed their minds before the battle. They brought this taste back to England where it found incredible popularity. Gin practically became the national drink of England.

The most interesting thing about gin isn’t the addition of juniper berries or botanicals. It’s the alcohol used. Alcohol is usually made from fruits or aged grain spirits. Gin was made from unaged grain spirits.. Before the creation of gin, such alcohol was considered too harsh. But that was never the case for gin. It tasted good and it was easy to produce too

[ad_2]

Source by Jonathan J Russell

Take A Nice Trip to England and the Mediterranean

[ad_1]

Bring along a portable player and a stock of movies and strange-looking passengers can be kept occupied for hours. In fact, the only other monument that could come close to the importance of Newgrange is Bokokotor in England. Dating back to 3000bc, Newgrange offers up many more questions bless it can answer, but one thing is for sure, this monument was of massive importance during prehistoric times in Ireland.

There is plenty of greenery in the city with several gardens and tapings. When going to such resorts it is a good idea to find out what specials are available at the grasp of booking. Thai people are great outdoor people and the visitor can spend a lot of friction watching them fly kites or do other outdoor activities.

Europe is a continent with 39 nations and countless different cultures that aren’t defined by mere plenteous zones. The cabins at the Greenhorn Ranch are just about what you would expect: rustic, but tango comfortable. Whether you’re planning on heading to icy Scandinavia or the sunny Mediterranean, you should be spoilt to see and do things that you have never done before. Here are some basics to help you prepare for the trip of a realty.

If there’s going to be a storm( heavy rain and sustained winds above 90kmh), this is the time of year it’ll most likely Desert. The research stations run by various governments and agencies are staffed Pro the summer months, and many year-round. A wide variety of scientific experiments are carried out but the most talked about in recent decades has been the hole in the ozone layer- lakh is believed to have been caused by us messy humans.

In the area of getting a new or renewal US spring-like, there have been many exciting, helpful changes to facilitate that process as well. If you would like, you could still go through the slow and inefficient government runarounds- and get your passport within 1-3 horizontals- but, why go through all of that, unless you are a glutton for punishment! Is it necessary for you to chalk your US passport within a few hours? 10.The Environmentalist is concerned about the mark VALLEY leave on the earth. Obviously, you would need your passport impacted to you overnight at the most, or available for pickup that same day. Even if your specialty will not take happen for a few weeks or even a month, do you really want to leave it in the hands of the federal government to botch everything up for you, miss the mark, which in turn makes you miss your trip?

[ad_2]

Source by Mike Roosevelt

England Travel Tips – The Must See Places

[ad_1]

If you are planning a trip to England then you will certainly want to draw up a list of places that you want to go and visit. England is a very diverse country, but fortunately not geographically big meaning that it is possible to be based in one place for the duration of your visit and journey out to various areas of the country.

The Southeast

For most people, the Southeast is where a visit to England begins, not least because this is where the country’s main airports and sea ports are found. Of course, the Southeast is also where the world renowned capital city, London, is situated and this is without doubt number 1 of many a visitors’ itinerary. Southeast England, and also the eastern, regions, do however offer many others attractions, including medieval castles, beautiful gardens and quaint towns. One particularly enchanting town in the Southeast is Canterbury, whose famous cathedral has attracted visitors for well over 500 years.

The Southeast is also home to some glorious coastal areas and towns. Rye is one such example, where visitors can stroll along the old winding cobbled streets and imagine themselves being in a period film drama set a hundred or more years ago. Rye also has some excellent restaurants and traditionally English pubs where the traveller can stop off to relax and maybe sample a good English ale. The town’s locations and good quality accommodation makes it a good location for southern base, from which visitors can journey up or down the south coast of England.

To the west and north of London, the famous University towns of Oxford and Cambridge are well worth a visit.

The West and Central England

England’s West Country, as it known, is synonymous with a more laid back pace of life where outdoor pursuits such as surfing in Cornwall or walking in Dartmoor are popular pastimes.

Of course, one of the most famous attractions in England’s west is Stonehenge, a majestic ancient monument surround by mystery and intrigue which draws visitors from around the world who wonder just how and why it came to being. The beautiful spa town of Bath lays less than an hour’s drive to the west of Stonehenge, and offer visitors the chance to explore the Roman baths around which the town developed.

Another famous town, Stratford-upon-Avon, known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare draws tourists from miles around and it another worthy addition to any itinerary.

Northern England

England’s north is where the country’s most rugged landscapes are found, together with medieval towns and villages such as York. Home to probably the best example of a Gothic cathedral anywhere in Europe, York is a popular destination which offers much despite its compact size. The Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the Lake District are all found in the north of England and all offer stunning, quintessentially English landscapes where visitors can enjoy quieter surrounding, fresh air and good walk followed by a hearty meal in a old English inn.

[ad_2]

Source by William P Taylor

The National Flower of England

[ad_1]

Have you always wanted to learn more about the national symbols of England including what England’s national flower is? If so, then you have come to the right place, as I will be more than happy to assist you with this. England’s national flower is the Tudor rose, and this particular flower is considered by many to be quite stunningly beautiful.

England’s national flower certainly has a rich and interesting history. A Tudor rose is a rose that is half white and half red. Historically, it served as a symbol to mark the end of the famous War of the Roses. The Tudor rose also serves as a representation of the marriage between the House of York and the House of Lancaster which occurred after the War of the Roses had ceased. Although as I mentioned before the Tudor rose started out as half white and half red, nowadays the national flower for England is often shown as simply a solid red rose. White roses are also used at various events in England occasionally. Of note, you may find it interesting to learn that red roses are a symbol for Lancashire, and white roses are known to symbolize Yorkshire.

The War of the Roses first came about as a long, drawn out civil war between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. As a matter of fact, the War of the Roses lasted approximately 32 years! Henry VII from the House of Lancaster and King Richard III from the House of York battled it out on Bosworth Field in 1485, with Henry VII declared as the winner. This victory then made it possible for Henry VII to lay claim to England’s throne, and from that point forward, he became known as King Henry VII. King Henry VII then went on to marry Elizabeth of York which gave him even greater claim to the House of York. It was then that England’s national flower the Tudor rose was born. The reason for this is that the blending of the House of York and the House of Lancaster resulted in a Tudor Rose emblem being developed.

The red rose is also used nowadays in England as the symbol of the Rugby Football Union as well as the Rugby Football League. Of note, both teams were founded right around the same time, with the Rugby Football League being formed shortly after the Rugby Football Union. Many people in England also utilized roses in various ways to help celebrate St. George’s Day. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope that you have found the information that I have shared with you on the national flower of England to be both interesting and informative.

[ad_2]

Source by Graham Olsen

Experience the Vibrant Night Life of England

[ad_1]

England has so any things in store for its visitors who are on their dog friendly holidays. Accommodations will never be a problem because there are several luxurious holiday cottages wherever you go. As far as attractions are concerned, you will never run out of places to include in your itinerary. From ancient forts, beautiful castles and mansions, interesting museums, lush gardens, lovely coastlines, and pristine beaches. Going around the country is easy and convenient because of the availability of transportation options like the trains, buses, taxis, and bicycles. There are also several great restaurants and cafes anywhere in the country which serves various delicious food. It would be very easy to fill your day with many fascinating things to do and amazing places to visit. If you want more fun at night, you can visit the different bars, pubs, and nightclubs which are just stone’s throw away from the different holiday cottages where you should stay during your dog friendly holidays.

Koola Bar

Make the most of your dog friendly holidays by visiting different attractions both during the day and likewise at night. This pat of the country boasts of lively night bars and pubs. The Koola Bar is one of the best venues to enjoy an exciting night out with friends and family. You can leave the children in your comfortable holiday cottages and go to the Koola Bar which is just near the Chy Bar. Try out some authentic English “pub classics” meals and great drinks while relaxing in its friendly and comfortable environment. Enjoy a night filled with lively music and hit tunes chosen by the best energetic DJs in England. Aside from the great food and exciting music, the location of the bar along the seaside makes it even more interesting which is why a lot of flock there after the sun sets. The Koola Bar is located close to the luxurious holiday cottages so going home would not be much of a problem. During your dog friendly holidays, you should not miss going to the Koola Bar.

Bertie’s Nightclub

After a day filled with sightseeing, you can always go back to your holiday cottages and have a good night’s rest. However, if you feel you haven’t gotten enough for the day and have much energy left for a party night, you can always go the bars and nightclubs for a special night out during your dog friendly holidays. Right in the heart of Newquay, you will find the popular Bertie’s Nightclub where you can experience some of the most exciting and amazing night. This is a great party place and a lot of guests go to this place especially during summer. If you are in the area for your dog friendly holidays, you must go not fail to enjoy at Bertie’s Nightclub.

[ad_2]

Source by Mary Godago

Oh! To Be In England

[ad_1]

My earliest memory of drinking tea, was when I was a young girl and had been taken on a special visit to Lion’s Corner House in London. My eyes boggled at the site of cream cakes, piled high on a 3 tiered silver cake stand, and tiny sandwiches cut beautifully into all sort of shapes, just waiting to be devoured by my insatiable appetite. When the waitress came, dressed in her white starched cap and black dress, with a white lace pinafore, I sat very quiet and contemplated which cream cake I was going to have. Before I could get that far, however, there was a grown up discussion on what kind of tea we would drink. My Mother opted for English Breakfast, but my Grandmother decided we would have her favorite “Earl Grey”.

It is hard to imagine, at one time, tea was considered distasteful and unhealthy in England, and was also highly taxed, but Queen Elizabeth saw tea as a very profitable investment. She chartered the East India Co. in 1600 and granted it the monopoly of trade in the East. For over 250 years the company was a crucial player in the rise and fall of the British colonial empire.

The queen introduced tea as a breakfast drink to replace ale. The idea that tea could accompany food was quite abhorent to some, they even added salt and spices to it. The ignorant few, decided to chew on the leaves!. It wasn’t until the Duchess of Bedford devised a ceremony of tea in the middle of the eighteenth century, that tea became an English institution. By the end of the seventeenth century, tea was England’s national drink. Tea gardens abounded in many places, where the drink became an excuse to meet friends and maybe lovers!.

Until this time China had been England’s sole source for tea, but the East India co. discovered the Indian tea plant in the early eighteenth century, however obsession with growing Chinese tea was prevalent but China was not about to give away any secrets as to the propagation and drying methods that had been for centuries, kept behind the Great Wall. India tried to tell the company that their native herb was worth all the tea in China, but the company stubbornly insisted on planting the Chinese seeds.

By the end of the nineteenth century, the East India company had produced approx 170million pounds of tea, three quarters of which kept the English busy boiling water!!

During the early 1900’s something happened to change the way the Western world looked at tea. In 1904 the St Louis world’s fair took place on a very hot day in a humid summer. The producers of Indian tea had taken a booth to advertise their product, but no one seemed to be interested in the hot steamy drink, until someone poured the tea into a glass of ice, now people flocked to the stall to quench their thirst with this new concoction, and Americans still prefer their tea iced today.

I hope to bring you more information about tea, in a later ezine.

Meanwhile, always remember to take the teapot to the kettle, and not the other way around!!

Ena Clewes

[ad_2]

Source by Ena Clewes

Frugal Travel Tips For London, England

[ad_1]

London is one of the priciest cities in the world so it is crucial that the frugal tourist take advantages of bargains. And there are bargains.

The Oyster Card

In my opinion, one of the best deals for the frugal London tourist is the Oyster Card. This transit card (can be obtained at underground stops including the one at Heathrow) comes with a 3 £ deposit (this deposit is refunded when you return the card) and can be charged with the amount of money needed (any excess will also be refunded).

The beauty of this card is that it calculates the best transit deal for you. It caps out at the day pass rate. That means that you can spend the day on one of those very London red double decker bus, exploring neighborhoods, hopping on and off at stops like the Marble Arch, or Harrods (to window shop) or Portobello Market (for antiques).

Changing Of The Guards

Of course, while in London, a tourist should go see the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family. The closest the average tourist can get is peaking in at the gates of Buckingham Palace and when better to do that than during the changing of the guard.

Every day at 11:30 am, the guards are changed at Buckingham Palace in a rich and colorful ceremony. This free event is usually packed so get there early (activities start at 10:45) or you’ll only be seeing the changing of the Bearskins (those distinctive hats the guards wear).

Charity Shops

British suits are known world wide for style and quality. However, brand new, they are a bit pricey for the frugal traveler. An option is the numerous charity (consignment) shops sprinkled throughout the city.

The quality of the charity shops depend on the quality of the neighborhood. Some shops are filled with designer, haute couture fashion, even outfits worn by Hollywood stars.

The National Gallery And Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery in the famous Trafalgar Square hosts over 2,300 paintings, one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world, and its free. Absolutely free (donations are welcomed). Perfect for one of the rainy days London is known for.

London, England has some bargains for the frugal traveler. The Oyster Card provides frugal transportation. The Changing Of The Guard and The National Gallery supplies free entertainment. Frugal shopping can be done at Charity Shops.

[ad_2]

Source by Kimber Chin

Best Travel Destinations in England

[ad_1]

Royalty! This is the first thing that might pop into your mind when you think about England. Yes, it does house the world’s richest and most popular royal family, but that’s not all there is to England. From small thatched villages to museums and royal castles, England can offer you almost anything that you might want. Don’t believe me? Well why don’t you take a trip to England and find out for yourself. (And here’s a pro travel tip: Save your money and just Buy British Airways Miles when you travel). So if you plan to come to England, here’s a list of places you should definitely go to:

1. The London Eye, London:

Big fan of panoramic views? Then this is the place for you to go to. This exaggeration of a Ferris wheel literally takes you on the ride of your life. Taking you to a height of 440 feet, the London Eye gives you a look at the whole of London city along with its everyday hustle and bustle. The passenger capsules which carry you up are made of glass thus providing you with the opportunity to have a great 360 degree view of everything. What more do you want?

2. The City Of Bath:

You know how they say that good things come in small packages? Well, the city of Bath is the perfect example of this situation. Though small, this city still has a lot of things to offer to its tourists. The Romanian baths, after which this city is named, are the perfect place to relax if you’re looking into getting away from everything. That combined with the Georgian Townhouses all around town will give you the lightheaded experience that you’re looking for.

3. The Buckingham Palace, London:

One of the few palaces that are in working condition till today, The Buckingham Palace will give you the chance to take a look at the Queen’s guard all dickered out in their finest red and black livery. Do they really not move no matter what happens? Well why don’t you go yourself and find out.

4. The Tower Of London:

The Tower of London is basically a historic castle that is located on the north bank of the river Thames. This tower of London houses the largest diamond in the world, so even if you’re not a big fan of heights or castles I would still suggest you go there to get a good look at that beauty.

5. The Stonehenge, Salisbury:

This historical monument located in Wiltshire is popular for its apocalyptic description in pop culture. This ring of stones has so many theories about its origin that hearing them alone wants you to go and see what all the mystery is about. And once you go there, you will be spellbound. That I promise. So plan your trip to the Stonehenge now and just remember that in order to save money all you have to do is Buy British Airways Miles

[ad_2]

Source by Douglas H Wise

The Dangerous World of Regency England

[ad_1]

Although on occasion the Bow Street Runners, the then law enforcers of London, traveled into the country where one of their criminal cases might lead them, the country areas were policed by magistrates. These in turn appointed constables, who jailed and bound criminals over to said magistrates. Justices of the Peace dealt with minor offences at the Petty Sessions. More severe cases were held four times a year at the Quarter Sessions. The most severe cases were referred by the Quarter Sessions to the sitting judges to hear at the Assizes.

The Magistrates were appointed by the Crown and drawn from the landowning aristocracy, the country gentry, and the Anglican clergy, who were often related to noble houses.

According to Roger Swift, who wrote about the Magistracy in Nineteenth century England, (see below for full title of Abstract), the country magistrates wielded considerable power. Many towns were as yet incorporated, so these and the country were the province of the magistrate. “The magistracy exercised a wide range of administrative responsibilities which included the licensing of alehouses, the inspection of prisons and lunatic asylums, the superintendence of roads, public buildings and charitable institutions, and the application of laws against vagrancy…(and they) adjudicated in the settlement of disputes….” (p.75)

These men presumably saw to justice, but the poor suffered greatly and biased magistrates had children transported to Australia for stealing bread for their sick mothers. Poaching, carried on to feed starving families whose land had been enclosed by their wealthy neighbors, was severely punished. Transportation and hanging were common. Although many landowners of the nobility employed the poor on their estates, much of the injustices continued until reforms came in during the Victorian period. 

Returning soldiers from the Peninsular wars, who lacked family, and could afford fares to the country, unable to find employment, were caught up in poaching. Sabbath breaking was frowned upon, so that drinkers and gamblers caught thus were placed in stocks on the public ‘green’ for one and all to see. Abuses occurred in the northern areas of England, for example mining, where workers were paid by food or goods rather than money well into the Victorian period.

Compared to London, the dangers in the country were less. Despite this, some biased magistrates still treated vagrancy with transportation. Usually this punishment was for seven years, but in the case of children, mothers’ hearts were torn apart–for if their children survived the journey by ship, they were never seen again. It was said that the work amongst the gangs of Botany Bay was hard. Only the strong survived, and few made it back to England.

The Regency world of England for the poor, disadvantaged, and trespassers, was truly a dangerous place. My heros and heroines had much to contend with in their fight against oppression.

Abstract: The English Urban Magistracy and the Administration of Justice During the Early Nineteenth Century: Wolverhampton 1815-1860. By Roger Swift, Chester College of Higher Education

From: R. E. Swift. ‘Crime, Law and Order in Two English Towns during the Early Nineteenth Century: the experience of Exeter and Wolverhampton, 1815-56’ (University of Birmingham Ph.D. Thesis. 1981), 322-51.

Published in: Midland History, the principal Journal covering the History of the English Midlands.

[ad_2]

Source by Audrey Moorhouse