Hadrian's Wall With Music On History Visit To The Border Between England And Scotland

Tour Scotland short travel video clip, with Scottish music, of Hadrian's Wall on history visit and trip to the Border between England and Scotland, Britain, United Kingdom. Hadrian's Wall, Latin: Vallum Aelium, also known as the Roman Wall, Picts Wall, or Vallum Hadriani in Latin, is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. It ran 73 miles from the banks of the River Tyne near the North Sea to the Solway Firth in Scotland on the Irish Sea, and allowed the Roman Empire to project power some distance to the north, into the lands of the northern Ancient Britons, including the Picts. There was a fort about every five Roman miles. From north to south, the wall comprised a ditch, wall, military way and vallum, another ditch with adjoining mounds. It is thought the milecastles were staffed with static garrisons, whereas the forts had fighting garrisons of infantry and cavalry. In addition to the wall's defensive military role, its gates may have been customs posts. Hadrian’s Wall marked the boundary between Roman Britannia and unconquered Caledonia to the north. Hadrian, Latin: Caesar Traianus Hadrianus, born 24 January 76, died 10 July 138, was Roman emperor from 117 to 138. He was born into a Roman Italo-Hispanic family that settled in Spain from the Italian city of Atri in Picenum. His father was of senatorial rank and was a first cousin of Emperor Trajan. He married Trajan's grand-niece Vibia Sabina early in his career, before Trajan became emperor and possibly at the behest of Trajan's wife Pompeia Plotina. Plotina and Trajan's close friend and adviser Lucius Licinius Sura were well disposed towards Hadrian. When Trajan died, his widow claimed that he had nominated Hadrian as emperor immediately before his death. Rome's military and Senate approved Hadrian's succession, but four leading senators were unlawfully put to death soon after. They had opposed Hadrian or seemed to threaten his succession, and the Senate held him responsible for it and never forgave him. He earned further disapproval among the elite by abandoning Trajan's expansionist policies and territorial gains in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Armenia, and parts of Dacia. Hadrian preferred to invest in the development of stable, defensible borders and the unification of the empire's disparate peoples. He is known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Britannia. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Family Roots in Scotland or England who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs

Brougham Castle With Music On History Visit From Scotland To England

Tour Scotland 4K short travel video clip, with Scottish music, of Brougham Castle near the confluence of the rivers Eamont and Lowther, in Cumbria, on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip from Glasgow to England, Britain, United Kingdom. The site of Brougham Castle has been fortified since the Romans erected the fort of Brocavum at the intersection of three Roman roads. In its earliest form, the castle consisted of a stone keep, with an enclosure protected by an earthen bank and a wooden palisade. When the castle was built, Robert de Vieuxpont was one of the only lords in the region who were loyal to King John. The Vieuxponts were a powerful land-owning family in North West England, who also owned the castles of Appleby and Brough. In 1264, Robert de Vieuxpont's grandson, also named Robert, was declared a traitor, and his property was confiscated by Henry III. Brougham Castle and the other estates were eventually returned to the Vieuxpont family, and stayed in their possession until 1269, when the estates passed to the Clifford family through marriage. With the outbreak of the Wars of Scottish Independence, in 1296, Brougham became an important military base for Robert Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. He began refortifying the castle: the wooden outer defences were replaced with stronger, more impressive stone walls, and a large stone gatehouse was added. The importance of Brougham and Robert Clifford was such that, in 1300, he hosted King Edward I of England at the castle. Robert's son, Roger Clifford, was executed as a traitor, in 1322, and the family estates passed into the possession of King Edward II of England, although they were returned once his son Edward III became king. The region was often at risk from the Scots, and in 1388, the castle was captured and sacked. Following this, the Cliffords began spending more time at their other castles, particularly Skipton Castle in Yorkshire. Brougham descended through several generations of Cliffords, intermittently serving as a residence. However, by 1592, it was in a state of disrepair, as George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland was spending more time in southern England due to his role as Queen's Champion. The castle was briefly restored in the early 17th century, to such an extent, that King James I of England was entertained there in 1617.[2] In 1643, Lady Anne Clifford inherited the estates, including the castles of Brougham, Appleby, and Brough, and set about restoring them. Brougham Castle was kept in good condition for a short time, after Lady Anne's death in 1676; however, Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet, who had inherited the Clifford estates, sold the furnishings in 1714. The empty shell was left to decay, as it was too costly to maintain. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Family Roots in Scotland or England who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs

Coldstream Bridge With Bagpipes Music On History Visit To The Border Between England And Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K travel video clip, with Scottish bagpipes music, of Coldstream Bridge which spans the River Tweed on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit to the border between England and Scotland, Britain, United Kingdom. The 18th century bridge carries the A697 road across the Tweed. The toll house on the Scottish side of the bridge became infamous for the runaway marriages that took place there, as at Gretna Green, hence its name, the Wedding House or Marriage House. It ceased to be a toll bridge in 1826. The architect for the bridge was John Smeaton, responsible for the third Eddystone Lighthouse, working for the Tweed Bridges Trust. Construction lasted from July 1763 to 28 October 1766, when it opened to traffic. John Smeaton was born on June 8, 1724, in Austhorpe, Leeds, England. After studying at Leeds Grammar School he joined his father's law firm, but left to become a mathematical instrument maker, working with Henry Hindley, developing, among other instruments, a pyrometer to study material expansion. In 1750, his premises were in the Great Turnstile in Holborn. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1753 and in 1759 won the Copley Medal for his research into the mechanics of waterwheels and windmills. Employing his skills as a mechanical engineer, he devised a water engine for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1761 and a watermill at Alston, Cumbria in 1767, he is credited by some with inventing the cast iron axle shaft for water wheels. In 1782 he built the Chimney Mill at Spital Tongues in Newcastle upon Tyne, the first 5 sailed smock mill in Britain. He also improved Thomas Newcomen's atmospheric engine, erecting one at Chacewater mine, Wheal Busy, in Cornwall in 1775. Smeaton died on 28 October 1792, after suffering a stroke while walking in the garden of his family home at Austhorpe, and was buried in the parish church at Whitkirk, West Yorkshire. He is highly regarded by other engineers, having contributed to the Lunar Society and founded the Society of Civil Engineers in 1771. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs

Grey Squirrel On Early Spring Tuesday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short early Spring 4K Tuesday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a Grey Squirrel spotted eating on a morning isit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. While they are known for their agility and resourcefulness in finding food, providing them with supplementary nourishment can offer an exciting opportunity for observation and interaction. As its name suggests, this squirrel typically has a grey coat with white undersides, though the coat colour can also be quite brown at times. Grey squirrels are mainly herbivorous, eating acorns, hazel nuts, berries, fungi, buds and shoots, and even bark. The grey squirrel was introduced to Great Britain in the middle of the 19th century. There is now an estimated population of 2 million making them much more common than the native red squirrel. They arrived in England from North America and are now one of Britain's most well known and frequently seen mammals, with an estimated population of 2 million. It is a myth that grey squirrels chase red squirrels away. Greys are just more adaptable to new surroundings. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing. Feeding grey squirrels provides a wonderful opportunity for observing their behaviours up close. You might witness their playful antics, social interactions, and even their impressive agility while navigating your garden. While squirrels may become accustomed to your presence, it's essential to remember that they are wild animals. Maintain a respectful distance, and never attempt to handle or approach them closely . Feeding grey squirrels in your garden can offer a unique connection to nature, fostering a sense of appreciation for the wildlife that coexists alongside us. By providing suitable and healthy food options, you can contribute to their well-being while enjoying the delightful charm these creatures bring to your outdoor space. The date for astronomical spring is Sunday 20th March, ending on Tuesday 21st June, while by the meteorological calendar, spring will start on Tuesday 1st March. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs

Blue Tit Bird On Early Spring Tuesday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K early Spring Tuesday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a Blue Tit bird spotted eating on a morning rain weather visit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. Tits are easily recognisable. Small and agile, they can extract food from the feeders with ease. You will notice the difference when comparing to other garden birds. They often arrive at the feeders in small groups. Generally, tits have a lifespan of two or three years but they can live for longer. They are vulnerable at feeders and the risk comes from cats and birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing. The date for astronomical spring is Sunday 20th March, ending on Tuesday 21st June, while by the meteorological calendar, spring will start on Tuesday 1st March. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs