Nice blue sky this morning, 14 degrees. The sun was out, although it was a bit windy. Showered early and they were pretty good, despite their initial appearance. Decided on a trip to Berwick for the day. Filled the car with diesel on the way in and parked near the ramparts for free all day. We walked up to the ramparts and walked around them towards Berwick Barracks. These massive defences were built between 1558 and 1570 in the reigns of the Tudor monarchs Mary I and Elizabeth I. The ramparts were designed to mount guns to defend the town at a time of great conflict between England and Scotland.
When we got to the barracks, we went to have a look around. Managed by English Heritage, Ravensdowne Barracks were completed in 1721. An adaptation of a design by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, they were one of the first purpose built barracks in the country. Up to 636 soldiers were accommodated here in the 18th century. The last regular soldiers left in 1964, it now houses the museum of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers.
We went a little further around the walls before dropping into town for a drink and a bowl of chips. Very good value for money. After a walk around the shops for a while, during which we partook of a nice Thornton’s ice cream, we headed back to the ramparts for a steady walk back to the car. Although the rain threatened a couple of times, it never materialised and overall was a very nice day.
We headed back to the van, calling in at Tesco for a bit of shopping on the way.
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