Historically, the Earl of Mercia, gave the village of Burbage to Coventry Abbey in 1043, which wasn’t much of a gift as it was only valued at two shillings. However by the time of the Domesday Book (survey of England) in 1086, its value had risen to a spectacular £4. There were 150 acres of land with two ploughs plus twenty villagers held two smallholdings, with two slaves and eight ploughs. Burbage also had a meadow and a woodland area half a league by four furlongs (2.2 square kilometres).
These days Burbage is an unassuming suburb of the larger urban area of Hinckley in Leicestershire. It has a right lovely wood, which rates highly for bird watching. With a nearby Cafe that offers a great selection of baked spuds with various fillings I suspect an enthusiastic young twitcher could easily spend a quiet day here checking the ornithological delights. The Burbage Birders recent August sightings include, Spotted Flycatcher, Peragrine, Yellow Wagtail, and a flock of six Spotted Flycatchers, Ee ba gum SIX!
But were not here for the woods or birds were here to visit with Brian Jackson Snr., Brian Jackson Jnr’s dad on our way to Bath. A lovely visit made all the more pleasant by getting the Australian Jacksons out of bed at 9.30 pm.
Group family photograph was interdicted so this is the closest I got to an acceptable family photo (the Jackson Kittlin), I guess we will have to wait for the next opportunity, perhaps after Germany? Germany? What’s this about Germany?
Running a little short of time we gave the twitching a miss and headed straight for Stratford on Avon for what can best be described as “The Disney/Shakespeare Experience”, very sad to say the least. Bill’s friend Anne had a nice house though.
Anne Hatherway’s cottage.
On the way to Bath one can, if one desires pass through The Cotswolds. We did and popped in to Upper and Lower Slaughter (Garry’s mother’s family name) with the aim of selecting a potential Slaughter homestead. Garry selected Slaughter Manor House and why not, if you are going to create an image you may as well make it a good one.
Garry’s Granny’s House. Hmmmmmm!
Some of Garry’s second cousins who stayed in England. Perhaps they look a little better for it? Who knows.
leschalmers 