Roman Soadjers.
Workington Hall.
Dating from the 14th century this was one of the finest Manor houses in the region. The ruined hall was once a magnificent fortified home belonging to the powerful Curwen family. The Hall is said to be haunted by the Jacobite, ‘Galloping Harry Curwen.’
The manifestations take the form of banging noises similar to a bang on each step of the staircase. The noise is said to sound like Harry’s head banging against each step as his female French visitor, seeing Harry was ill, tried to hasten his death along by dragging him downstairs before making off with his jewels. The galloping Jacobite had secured his place in history as being the original ‘Head Banger.’
The family gave shelter to Mary Queen of Scots during her last night of freedom in May 1568.
Mary at this time was just 25 years of age and in the heyday of her loveliness. She was a mistress of modern languages a poet and writer of prose.
Mary and Francois.
She was married to the Dauphin Francois at aged 16 years and became Queen of France at the age of 17 years. She was widowed a year later when Francois died. At age 23 she married Lord Darnley and two years afterwards was privy to his murder by the Earl of Bothwell whom she married within two months of the crime.
Carlisle Castle Fort
The Motorhomers had ventured south in an attempt to further their vast knowledge of the Roman Empire;
‘They a’ talk funny doon here, Josie, dae ye no’ think?’ asked Francie.
‘Aye, Francie, that’s because their forefaithers were a’ Roman soadjers,’ said Josie.
‘Och, Josie, ye’ve put me in the mood for a cup o’ tea an’ a couple o’ Jammy doadjers, let’s join the wimmin in the tea shop,’ said Francie.
The two lads’ women were in ‘Ye Olde Tea Shoppe’ enjoying a jug of Oxo and a sausage roll. Jessie was telling Phemie of an encounter she’d had with a woman at a bus stop in Glasgow;
‘Well, Phemie, she says tae me, could ye go a pie? Aye, says I, never thinking, no’ that I was carin’, but it was the dirty way she said it. So I hitched up my skirt put my fit on the bus and walked hame, ye know what I mean, Phemie?’ asked Jessie.
‘Sure, Jessie, sure, Jessie,’ said Phemie.
‘Och, here come yon two eejits noo, Phemie, we’ll let them fill their guts and then we’ll head back tae the van,’ said Jessie.
‘Sure, Jessie, sure, Jessie,’ said Phemie.
‘Hullaw there! Are ye two wummin looking for a lumber?’ called Josie.
The waitress appeared just then;
‘Two mugs o’ Bovril and a couple o’ mince pies, if ye would pardon my expressions, hen,’ said Josie. ‘Is that ok wi’ you, Francie?’ asked Josie.
‘Sure, Josie, sure, Josie,’ said Francie.
For the adventures of Francie and Josie, click here.
