A recent trip to Oakwell Hall, run by Bradford Council, brought back memories.
I loved the arms and armour in the window. I had plastic versions as a young knight. You too? These were a bit later. Cromwellians with muskets, big news round here during the English Civil War with the Battle of Adwalton Moor close by.
The shop sold die-cast soldiers, civil war key rings ....
And boxed canons. These seem to have always been around. I don't think they're toys but I had some as a kid too; you?
The sweet corner was ... Sweet! What's your favourite? I'm very partial to a chocolate peanut.
Do you visit old halls, houses and monuments?
I live in a city that is an ancient monument! They started building Chester in 79AD. It'll probably be quite nice when it's finished!
ReplyDeleteChester's lovely. Like York I bet. Long time since I've been to Chester. In the mid 80"s when we lived in Gwynedd. I sold some family silver in a pawn shop there, cos we was broke!
DeleteYep, it is nice and, as you say, very like York, which is another nice place.
ReplyDeleteA nice selection of souvenirs. The boxed cannon pencil sharpeners are something I have not seen in NZ for decades. I never had any of these as a boy, but have picked up a few in recent years at various fairs. Usually there will be one or two tables with a few.
ReplyDeleteAirfix did 1/12th scale figure kits of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell in the 1960s; and 54mm kits of a Pikeman, Musketeer, and Cavalryman in the 1970s. All out of production for many years.
Thanks Paul. These die-cast souvenirs seem to be popular in museums here. thanks so much for the extra material on Airfix, which I'll post soon.
DeleteAre they pencil sharpeners? I hadn't noticed that Paul!
ReplyDeleteYes, pencil sharpeners. It actually says so on the box: Pencil Sharpener No.9304. The side of the box has Antique Finished Die-cast Miniature, and Made in China. I actually have this exact model, but mine came on a card, not on a box. There is a very wide range of subjects. I will see if I can find a photo.
ReplyDeleteVery nice display in that window! Reminds me of the tourist office in Ypres, where they had a complete belt-fed water-cooled Vickers machine gun in the window.
ReplyDeleteWas it particularly muddy there that day Woodsy? You appear to've gone out well-prepared in wellies. :)
Best -- Paul V
Paths were indeed muddy after Storm Otto Paul but alas I'm not wearing wellies. Its a optical illusion!
DeleteI enjoy reading about European history and every now and then articles about the English Civil War pop up that catch my eye. I do miss being in Europe and being so close to awesome historical sites. Love these posts!
ReplyDelete