Bayeux and History

7 March. After arriving at Gare du Nord Paris, we made our way to Paris St. Lazare train station for the 2 hour trip to Bayeux in Normandy, (marked by the “A” pin on the map).

 

 

 

 

 

Bayeux, (pronounced Bye-you), was the first town liberated by the allies after D-day, and was never harmed. However, Caen, 20 miles to the Southeast, was brutally destroyed (75% of it), and has been rebuilt. All the Normandy D-day tours begin in Bayeux.

We checked into the Hotel Churchill, and then walked a short distance to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Now, I’ve seen lots of tapestries, and most of the time I politely say, “That was very nice.” But this is different. It’s not really a tapestry, but a 1.6’ x 225’ embroidered cloth, that depicts the story of William, Duke of Normandy, and how he became William the Conqueror, and King of England.  It “probably” dates back to 1077, and was done in pictures so the parishioners, who were illiterate, could understand the story.

Most everyone knows that William the Conqueror defeated Kind Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You knew that, right? Well, now you do. Do you know why a Norman like William would travel from France to fight a battle in England? I wasn’t quite sure, until I visited the Tapestry Museum. I know your time is precious, so I’ll try to keep the story succinct.

Edward the Confessor, childless and nearing death, wanted his cousin, William, the Duke of Normandy, to succeed him. In 1064, he sent his brother-in-law, Harold Godwinson, the  Earl of Wessex, to Bayeux, Normandy, to inform William of the planned succession. During the crossing, Harold was blown off course, and captured by unfriendly forces. William ransomed Harold and saved his life. Together, William and Harold went off to battle and defeated Conan II, Duke of Brittany. On that occasion, William knighted Harold and with his hand on religious relics, Harold swore loyalty to William.

Harold returned to England, and shortly thereafter, Edward the Confessor died. Harold did not want a Norman king. He was a Saxon, and felt that Saxons should rule England. Ignoring Edward’s desires, and his pledge of loyalty to William, Harold Godwinson was crowned King in January, 1066. William gathered an army of Normans to teach Harold that it is not nice to break an oath of loyalty and sneak upon the throne.

At the Battle of Hastings, Harold was shot in the eye with a Norman arrow, and English history  changed dramatically.

William then set about building castles and fortresses throughout England – places like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. He didn’t want someone else doing as he had done – conquering England.

 

There’s no need to be charitable or polite. This tapestry is quite a treasure, and the museum is very well done. I loved it!

 

We then visited the Bayeux Cathedral (1077) and walked about the town. I love medieval cathedrals and this one is especially beautiful inside and out.

Bayeux is a beautiful and gracious medieval city. If our French faltered – and it often did – no problem! The people of Normandy did their best to speak English and make us feel welcome. What wonderful people in Normandy!

 

 

 

 

THE REST OF THE STORY

Near the British War Cemetery in Bayeux, there is a memorial that commemorates those killed in the Battle of Normandy, and the advance to the Seine from 6th June to 29th August 1944, but have no known grave.  Inscribed on the top is, “NOS A GULIELMO VICTI VICTORIS PATRIAM LIBERAVIMUS”

 

Freely translated, it means: "We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror's native land."

 

Freedom comes at a terrible price. In the Bayeux War Cemetery, 4,144 British Commonwealth soldiers have been buried.

The Eurostar Experience

Monday, 7 March, we boarded the Eurostar for the 2 hrs 25 min trip to Paris. Speeds vary, depending on the track and proximity to people, but advertised top speed is 186 mph.  The Eurostar is in the Chunnel (English Channel Tunnel)for only 20 minutes.

I wasn’t even sure we were in the Chunnel because since we had left London’s St. Pancras Station, we had traveled in other tunnels. When I noticed that the cars were driving on the right side of the road – we were in France.

THE CHUNNEL is 31 miles long, from the English entry point of Folkestone near Dover, to the French exit near Calais.

The Chunnel’s Lowest point is 250 feet below sea level.

IMMIGRATION is easy, because French officers check your passport in London, and for the return, UK officers take care of matters in Paris.

Feeling a Bit Redundant

In Britain, when you are laid off from work, they have a very nice phrase, that goes something like this: "He was made redundant." Almost takes the sting out of a terrible situation, doesn’t it? That's how I feel right now - Redundant.

2 March, Tuesday afternoon, Sister Price and I had our final interview with President Patch. Then, we went to their flat and enjoyed our farewell dinner with he and Sister Patch. We really enjoyed being with them, and we’ll really miss their love and leadership. 

Sharon Hintze, the London Family History Centre’s director, declared that Wednesday, 2 March, would be the last official day in the Centre for Elder and Sister Price. Not being ones to argue with Sister Hintze, we bowed to her desires, and Wednesday afternoon, we quietly walked away. That was somewhat surreal. I mean, where’s the brass band, bagpipes, and gold watch?! Of course, that’s not the last time we’ll see our friends. We’ll have one last Senior Missionary Family Home Evening on the 21st, and a farewell dinner with the Family History Centre missionaries on the 18th.

3 March, Thursday afternoon, our nephew and his wife – Lea and Shanna Hunt, arrived for a ten day visit. Since then, we’ve re-visited lots of sites, plus a few new things, like the London Eye. Each capsule holds about 25 people, and the ride lasts 30 minutes. At the top, (443 feet), it’s taller than any of the London buildings, so the view is quite wonderful.

 

A view of Parliament and Big Ben from mid Westminster Bridge.

Shanna is a Nurse Practitioner, and she really wanted to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum – a Nursing Mecca for her. I’m glad we went, because I had forgotten about Florence’s fantastic contribution to nursing and humanity.

During the Crimean War, she greatly improved hygiene, sanitation, and the survival rate. To the soldiers, she was an angel. We all owe her a great debt of gratitude.

< Shanna Hunt and Florence

 

 

 

 

 

We visited Westminster Abbey, where the coronations of Kings and Queens have been been held since 1066. (King Harold and William the Conqueror). It’s also the burial place for Kings, Queens, poets, authors, musicians (Handel), and scientists (Newton).

 

 

 

The Cabinet War Rooms – Underground headquarters from 1939 through 1945. It’s always a fascinating visit. It’s also the  Churchill Museum.

During Churchill’s meetings with the military staff, if someone said something that he didn’t agree with, he’d pretend that his hearing was bad, and ask someone to explain it all over again.

Saturday, 5 March. Although the London Temple is closed for scheduled maintenance, Lea and Shanna wanted to visit the grounds. I’m always up for a train trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the ground breaking ceremony for the London Temple in 1955, President David O. McKay spotted a very large oak on the property. He said that he felt it was special, and that the workers were to work around it. On our walk, Lee and Shanna were able to find the tree called the “David O. McKay Oak”.

 

 

 

The David O. McKay Oak was alive in 1492, when Columbus discovered the “new world”.

 

 

After retuning from the London Temple, we visited the Tower of London. Begun in 1066 (William the Conqueror), it’s still a royal palace, and the Crown Jewels are kept there.

Yeoman Warders, also known as Beef Eaters, lead entertaining one hour tours of the tower. Funny guys. These guys love to tease the Americans and test them on Kings and Queens of British history. Actually, our group did pretty good.

Sunday morning, we took Lea and Shanna to the London North Ward. They now fully appreciate the time and distance that we travel to and from church. Lea commented that while on his mission in Portugal, he never traveled an hour and half to and from church. Like Sister Price and I, they loved the ward and the members.

Who Do You Think You Are? Live

Every year, the world of Family History holds the biggest show in the world at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre. It’s called “Who Do You Think You Are? Live”, or simply WDYTYA? FamilySearch, the Church’s family history department and their website, www.FamilySearch.org, is a major exhibitor. We did a lot of work preparing for the event, and for a few hours Friday, Gerry and I were able to participate.

Each year, thousands of wild and crazy family history enthusiasts descend on Olympia seeking help with their problems. Two couples asked me to help with their “mind bogglers” that they had been struggling with for years. I was able to help both. I was 2 for 2. Last year I was 3 for 20, or something ridiculous like that. Am I getting smarter or are the questions getting easier?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Welsh couple from Cardiff gave Gerry a yellow daffodil to pin on her sweater to help her celebrate St. David’s Day. St. David is the patron saint of Wales and his day - March 1st – is celebrated all over Wales.

We saw lots of FamilySearch friends from last year – sixteen of ‘em flew in from Utah to help support WDYTYA. Great fun, but I’ll admit that the real reason I like to help at Olympia is to be near Oddono’s Italian Gelato stand - situated next to the FamilySearch exhibit! It was either that, or dine with the “Proper Sausages” folks who were selling Pork, Wild Boar, Venison, and Buffalo sausages. Hmmm. Gamey sausages?! Naw - I’ll take the Gelato!

Saturday, Gerry and I worked in the Centre, while the other missionaries worked at Olympia. That was our last WDYTYA? and our last Saturday working in the Centre.

Sunday, WDYTYA continues, but we’ll be attending our beloved London North Ward.

The Old Number 9 Bus

Transport for London puts an old, tireless “Routemaster” bus on the number 9 route that runs along High Street Kensington. While serving in London, I have not had the chance to take a nostalgic ride on number 9 .  . . until Thursday, when I needed to run an errand. There is a big difference thanks to advances in technology.

 

 

 

 

The newer buses have chip readers, so passengers just place their Oyster card (London travel card) on the pad, and take a seat . . . if you can find one.

 

 

Using iBus technology, the newer buses have  signs driven by GPS (called Sat Nav in England). The signs illuminate and a woman’s voice annunciates, as the bus approaches the next stop.

When you want to get off at the next stop, just push one of the many stop buttons, and signs illuminate, indicating that the bus is stopping.

 

Many bus stops, employing this GPS tracking technology, have “countdown signs” posting the various buses and when they are due.

The older number 9 doesn’t have a travel card reader, but has the personal touch; a real live conductor who looks at your ticket, or uses his portable chip reader to check Oyster cards. Because the older bus doesn’t employ GPS technology, you can’t be daydreaming because a gentle voice won’t alert you to the next stop. Instead of lots of stop buttons, you pull a cord strung along the length of the bus to ring a bell in the driver’s cab.

It was fun, and took me back about 35 years. It made me realize just how spoiled we have become!

O.D. on 3D

Monday, 21 February, we had a day off. So, what to do? We decided that we’d go to the London Science Museum’s Imax theatre and, along with Gil and Mariett Campbell, watch a few 3D movies. The second and third movies were half price, so why not?

The 3D experience is incredible, especially when one sees movies about space and the ocean. We were so close to the ocean, but we didn’t get wet.

The best movie was “Hubble 3D”. What a ride. Who wouldn’t like astronauts space walking as they repair an incredible telescope? Learned that stars are formed and nurtured in “star nurseries”. Billions of galaxies out there. It’s almost as though there’s a Father-in-Heaven in charge of all the matter.

“Deep Sea 3D” was very entertaining, with lots of interesting creatures I’d never seen. “Wild Ocean 3D” was a mediocre masterpiece, for someone took 15 minutes of good footage and looped it over and over again to produce a 50 minute movie.

As we walked out of the Science Museum, I told Gerry that I didn’t need to watch another 3D movie for a long time.

As it were unto us a dream

Where has our mission gone? Time has flown by, and it seems to be picking up speed. one more weekend, and March will be here. We feel like we’re in a runaway bullet train driven by a lunatic who feels “the need for speed”. Hold on Chewbacca, the next few weeks will seem like a jump to light speed.

This week seemed to pass like a meteor. We thought that we would begin the cabinet drawer rearrangement project, but after two cabinets, I realized that with six boxes (180 films) already on the floor, by the time we had finished four rows of cabinets, it would take us over 30 hours, and we would have more than 60 boxes (1,800 films) strewn upon the garage floor. We returned the films to their former drawers, to wait for the arrival of more empty boxes. That will probably occur after we have departed.
Elders and Sisters Crandall, Fugal and Robertson have taken our former responsibilities. Missionary and staff Scheduling, Film ordering, Visiting Group management, building scheduling, web site updating – even Gerry’s toilet paper supply duties -  those jobs have been placed upon the willing shoulders of others. We are consultants.
The Book of Mormon’s Jacob said it so poetically -   “. . . the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream.” (Jacob 7:26).