latedaytraveler

Hi again SUSAN001,

This is the part of your journey I have been waiting for - Cornwall.

"With guidance from both the du Maurier literary centre in the village and the hotel proprietor, I was able to find my way to du Maurier’s estate, Menabilly, which had been the inspiration for Manderley in the novel Rebecca — a novel I taught to high school seniors for many years."

Yeah! " Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again" and so on. Love the movie version too. An unforgettable story. I also admire her novella THE BIRDS, fabulous setting.

Then on to Hardy Country - I adore Hardy, especially RETURN OF THE NATIVE! I have always wanted to visit his homestead - thanks so much for the beautiful pics! I felt as if I were there. Recently I read an accessible bio of Hardy by Claire Tomalin - his home and hearth were central to all of his fiction.

Wow, and then to visit HIGHCLERE and the Jane Austen country - what a way to end your literary journey. I feel I was with you in spirit.

Looking forward to your next jaunt.

susan001

latedaytraveler -- thanks so much for tagging along in my telling of the journey. About THE BIRDS, I recall thinking that I understood why du Maurier was inspired to write that short story. Squawking birds seem to own Fowey, their loud echoes heard throughout the streets.

My Jane Austen guide recommended Claire Tamalin's bios on both Hardy and Austen! Must get to that!

Yes, week 4 was rich with sights, and that's why it took a while to write it up!

Thanks again for your meaningful comments!

irishface

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful trip. I enjoyed your tour.

susan001

Thanks so much, Irishface. Glad you enjoyed it!

annhig

susan, you need to look for Claire Tomalin.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Claire-Tomalin/e/B000AP9OPC

I really enjoyed her biography of Dickens, but watch our for those feet of clay!

latedaytraveler

SUSAN & ANNHIG,

Another book I enjoyed by Claire Tomalin was THE INVISIBLE WOMEN, THE STORY OF NELLIE TERNAN AND CHARLES DICKENS. Sad - the extent to which the great writer went to hide this late in life affair to save face in Victorian Britain.

Cindywho

Susan, just reading this trip report. Ahh, what lovely photos! I was in the northern part of England in 1976 and spent 4 weeks with a family near Darlington. I was curious about your photo of the Black Bull Inn. The family I stayed with owned such an inn with the same name. I am wondering if it is the same. I believe it is now owned and operated by the daughter, whose name was Sarah and she had black hair. Do you remember anything about that Inn? I have to dig out my photo book and journal to see if I was in the same places you were.

My trip to the Moors for a few days was the highlight of my trip!! I was only 17, but traveling by myself on an exchange that a friend and I did both ways.

Thanks for sharing the map, photos, and your report.

susan001

annhig and latedaytraveler: I will definitely start reading Claire Tomalin! My Jane Austen guide had her Austen book in his car -- held it up as a recommended bio. She's written quite a few: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...claire+tomalin

latedaytraveler: I saw the recent film version of The Invisible Woman with Ralph Feines.

Cindywho: Thanks for your kind words about my photos and report. My photo of the Black Bull was taken in Haworth. That particular Black Bull is famously where Branwell Bronte -- brother of the famous authors -- spent a considerable amount of time. Haworth is a tourist town mostly for fans of the classic novels, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

susan001

annhig: my apologies! I see now that you provided the same link for Tomalin's books. Thanks!

Cindywho

Ok I dug out my photo book and now I see the Black Bull Inn I know is in Moulton, Richmond, Yorkshire. Not the same one.

I spent some time this morning pouring over my memories!!

FabulousFrance

susan001

Thank you for this wonderful report. Your photos are wonderful as well. As England is on my list for 2016, your report will be one I will use to do my planning-I loved your map-cool idea to post.

susan001

Cindywho: glad my photo prompted you to get out your photo album and enjoy the memories! I would like to visit the area of Richmond in Yorkshire.

FabulousFrance: Thank you for the kind words about my report and photos. I'm glad my report will be useful in planning your 2016 trip!

flpab

Nice, nice pictures. Great report.

susan001

fpab Thank you for taking the time to read and view -- and for the kind feedback.

AtlTravelr

Susan - stumbled upon your trip report as I'm researching how to spend a month in England. You've given me some great ideas and I'll chime in about how helpful it is to see your map. We will have a similar trajectory except for the Cornwall portion. Loved Cornwall the one time we were there but I'm trying hard to see some new places and not just revisit...Thanks again for taking the time to write this wonderful report!

Dee_Dee

Great report. Glad it resurfaced. Bookmarking.

susan001

AirTravelr & Dee Dee: Thank you both for the kind words. AirTravelr, let me know if I can be of further assistance or if you have any questions. I loved my trip to England! My favorite place there was the Yorkshire Dales -- so hauntingly beautiful.