UK Postscript

Leeds Royal Armouries Museum

• In between visits with our British friends, we did manage a few outings on our own. One was by bus to Leeds to see the Royal Armouries Museum for the first time.
  
  Some of the armour on display is simply magnificent, such as this not-quite-full-size recreated model:
  

  

  We pondered the reason for the little wing sticking out of the chest on the wearer’s right side. Later, we learned it was to help support a lance in jousting contests.
  
  Most of the museum armour is original. Here is an example, this suit made for a young Henry VIII for a tournament in France but never worn there:
  

  

  The reason for its non-use was a last minute change to the tournament rules which forbade the 100% protection afforded by this design. No doubt, a political decision.
  
  While many displays are behind glass, this life-size action scene was an exception:
  

  

  No reflections to worry about!
  
  The “Horned Helmet” was made by the finest armourers of the 16th century, that of the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I. Though originally a complete set of armour, only this helmet survives:
  

  

  Maximilian presented this armour as a gift to Henry VIII in 1514. (Such a gift!) It was intended for court pageants rather than for combat. Henry was said to be so impressed by its quality that he soon established his own armour workshop which became known as the royal armoury at Greenwich.
  
  There were too many displays in this museum from all over the world to document them here. One more will suffice for the flavor. The museum has the only surviving Indian elephant armour in the world, likely a product of the 16th century:
  

  

  The armour features sheet iron panels embossed with figurative designs. Though missing two panels on the hidden side, it is truly unique. While I do not know its weight, it did have a cotton lining for the comfort of the elephant.
  
  The Hall of Steel is one of the central features of this museum:
  

  

  Consisting of over 2500 objects of arms and armour, it is visible from every floor. This view is from the lowest floor, looking straight up.
  
  The Royal Armouries Museum is not far from central Leeds. Gazing out one of its many windows, a visitor would see this peaceful scene of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with many longboats parked alongside.

  

  
  Part of the enjoyment of this adventure by bus was simply watching the green fields of Yorkshire drift past with no need to mind the road:
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

  Gardens
  
  

  Thanks to our good friends, Frank and Flo, we enjoyed a splendid outing to Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate --- such a beauty spot and always a treat to visit:
  

  

  

  
  In a glasshouse they call the “Alpine House” are some really unusual plants --- this primrose, for instance:
  

  

  In case you wondered, it is called a Primula auricula ’Beppi’. I strongly suspect the good Lord was quite pleased with His work on this one.
  
  Another that caught my eye is this little bloom, sporting what looks like an oversized lower lip:
  

  

  Sorry, I did not catch its name.
  
  Harlow Carr is a timeless place where one could easily idle away a lifetime:
  

  

  
  Last but not least, we strolled through Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, a wonderful spot, harboring many fond memories for us:
  

  

  Our photo-journal ends with this shot of Patty, enjoying the sunshine in front of the Sun Pavilion. ... From that sentence, you might surmise that sunshine was plentiful; on the contrary, it was a rare treat. Then, again, getting a tan wasn’t our top priority.