Megalithic graves across Europe. Populated, or not, 3 to 4 thousands of years Before Christ. While in Ireland I toured the Burren and stopped at the Paulnabrone dolmen. Very atmospheric. “The Modern Antiquarian” a fabulous book by Julian Cope lists megalithic sites throughout Europe. The book is one of my most treasured possessions. Websites selling the book under-detail the sheer volume and depth of research that Julian put into constructing this fabulous book.
Before the advent of anti-aging products these dolmen represented the celebration of aging, death, and life beyond. Julian Cope is one of the most influential celebrity individuals in my formative years, I blame him alone for a pair of black leather jeans being a main stay of my wardrobe and, or course, my RAF orignial flight jacket.
When I told mumzie that I was suprised to find a Castle named after the English King John in Limerick on an Island called Kings Island in English town, Mumzie wrote:
John (lackland) as he was called, was so annoyed that his brothers had their own land, dukedoms etc. that his father gave him Ireland.
King John was born the 5th and youngest son of King Henry II. All reports of him appear to agree that he was treacherous, cowardly and an ill mannered sloth. He was excommunicated by the Pope and divorcing his first wife well before King Henry VIII. He was the younger brother of King Richard I, Richard Couer de Lion. He ran Britain while Richard was fighting the Holy wars and Robin Hood was doing his legendary deeds in the North of England. Wikipedia has an entry specifically on John’s relationship with Ireland. I suspect you can now see why I was surprised to find a castle named after him, in a predominantly Catholic nation.
Mumzie also had some useful insights on the new ripping yarn in 10 episodes for the TV “The Tudors“:
Terrible history, and script….really corny. Got bad reviews here. Hairstyles a bit ahead of the times, more Elizabethan, and they certainly didn’t have underpants, just long shirts that tucked under.
Run away!
…after you’ve cautioned some children, as a car with a puncture is approaching you in an alley with tall walls in Limerick?
I wonder what the sign is actually trying to say?
Beware adults running in front of cars?
Beware cars skidding on corners, you may have to run for it?
Beware, children drivers?
If I had the courage and time I would wait near this sign to check if there are children driving cars attempting to run-down adults here.
