From photographs and manuscripts to items belonging to Robert E. Lee and ‘Stonewall’ Jackson and other artefacts, the The American Civil War Museum offers a comprehensive insight into life in the Confederate States.

History of The American Civil War Museum

The American Civil War Museum is a multi-site museum in the Greater Richmond Region of central Virginia, dedicated to the history of the American Civil War. It is made up of three sites: The White House of the Confederacy, American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, and American Civil War Museum at Appomattox.

In 2013, the Museum of the Confederacy and the American Civil War Museum merged, creating the museum in its current state. The Museum of the Confederacy was founded in 1894, 29 years after one of the final battles of the war in Appomattox. I contains more than 15,000 documents and artefacts along with 500 original wartime battle flags from the Confederate States of America.

Beyond its three levels of galleries, the The American Civil War Museum also has one exhibit of special interest – the original White House of the Confederacy. Built in 1818, the house was the official seat of President Jefferson Davis during the Confederacy. The neoclassical building, which forms part of the museum complex, has been restored and can be toured.

The final site, The American Civil War Museum in Appomattox, opened in 2012. It tells the stories of the closing days of the Civil War, and the beginnings of the United States’ journey toward reunion.

The final site, Historic Tredegar, is home to the American Civil War Museum and traces its roots to 1836, when the iron works it now encloses were founded. In 2019, the museum opened a site of more than 7,000 square feet of new gallery space for permanent and changing exhibitions.

The American Civil War Museum Today

Today, all of the museums which make up the American Civil War Museum are popular sites, containing a huge amount of artefacts which relate to America’s often divided history, past and present.

It is worth taking the time to visit all three sites, if possible.

Getting to The American Civil War Museum

From the centre of Virginia, the American Civil War Museum: Historic Tredegar is an hour and a half drive via US-60 E road. The American Civil War Museum in Appomattox is only an 18 minute drive from the centre of Virginia, and an hour and 40 minutes from the Historic Tredegar site.

Avenue des Champs Elysees history

The area where the Champs-Elysées is now used to be covered by fields (“champs” in Frencg) where vegetables were grown. The merchants who grew here sold their goods in the Paris markets – not too far to travel with perishables.

In the early 17th century, Queen Marie de Medici (wife of Henri IV of France), who loved her Tuileries Garden, decided to create an avenue of trees where these fields lie and so the change began. In the late 17th century the great French gardener André Le Nôtre was called upon to update the area even more.

Over the years, this corridor of trees which was part of the Tuileries Gardens grew and in the early 1700s it was given the name “Avenues des Champs-Elysées”. The name translates as Elysian fields – where Greek Gods and heroes went after death according to Greek mythology.

During the 18th century grand houses and buildings were erected along the avenue and the Elysée Palace, now official home of the French president, was built close by. The area had been the location for palaces and fabulous buildings of the rich and aristocrats since the 1600s but, by the 1800s, it became a very fashionable spot.

In 1828, the Champs-Elysées was officially declared the civic property of Paris, and the council commissioned fountains and gas lamps and cleared footpaths.

In 1836, the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate his victories in war was completed at the west end of the Champs-Elysées.

Avenue des Champs Elysees today

Today, Avenue des Champs Elysees is a focal point for both Parisians and tourists and is lined with some of the city’s most important sites such as the Arc de Triomphe.

Home to luxury shops and businesses, restaurants, cafés, theatres and museums, the Champs-Elysées is 70 meters wide and 1910 meters long. It stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle and attracts millions of visitors every year.

On Bastille Day, the avenue is the place to go: it is decked out in the French national colours to host the world-famous 14 July parade.

Getting to Avenue des Champs Elysees

The address of Avenue des Champs Elysees is De l’Arc de Triomphe à la place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris.

Paris Métro Line 1 runs under the Champs-Elysées. Station Charles de Gaulle – Étoile is at the west end of the street. Stations with entrances directly onto the street are gare George V by the Hôtel George-V; gare Franklin D. Roosevelt at the rond-point des Champs-Elysées and gare Champs-Elysées – Clemenceau at place Clemenceau. Gare Concorde (Paris Métro) is at the southern end of the avenue, where the Place de la Concorde is located.

There are mutliple bus routes which can take you to the historic road (22, 28, 30, 31, 32, 42 etc.)

Bryggen history

Founded in 1070, Bergen’s Bryggen area came to encompass all the buildings between the sea and the road leading south to Vågsbunnen. The pier was constructed as early as 1100 and around 1350 the office of the Hanseatic League was established in Byrggen.

As the town grew into an ever-more important trading centre, the buildings were taken over by Hanseatic merchants and the warehouses used to store goods, such as stockfish from the north and cereals from Europe.

In 1702, many of the Hanseatic League’s offices were damaged in a fire and shortly after the league stopped using the offices in Bryggen. While another fire in 1955 devastated the original buildings furthers, during the excavations, 647 medieval day-to-day runic inscriptions were revealed.

Bryggen today

Today, the notable and colourful buildings in Bryggen still stand, including the 300 year-old Bellgården and the oldest, tallest building in the area, St Mary’s Church. You can also visit the Bryggens Museum to see the medieval runes, as well as the beautiful Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene.

Getting to Byrggen

Bryggen is just off the E39 and 555 highways through Bergen, most easily reached by car.

History of Deichstraße

Located adjacent to Nikolaifleet canal and close to the Speicherstadt, the timber-framed houses with their baroque fronts are characteristic of the area and some of the last remainders of a time long gone.

Back in the 17th century, large parts of the Hamburg city centre looked like Deichstraße. The houses combined counting houses, living quarters and storage spaces all under the same roof, and could be entered from either land or from water.

Between 5-8 May 1842, the ‘Great Fire’ broke out, actually in Deichstraße (42) itself, destroying many of the original buildings – and indeed large parts of the city. The southern end of the street was spared, with the fire spreading mostly northeastwards, driven by the wind.

Consequently, Deichstraße is one of the last remnants of historic Hamburg, along with a few other alleys and the oldest remaining warehouse, at Peterstraße 27, built in 1780. The cause of the Great Fire remains unknown.

A century later, Allied bombers left devastating destruction in their wake during World War Two. Hamburg was an easy city for them to reach and considered an appropriate retaliation for the Nazi attacks on London and South England. Fortunately, most of the houses on Deichstraße remained intact.

Large traffic management projects in the 1970’s almost caused the demolition of the old houses, but they were saved by a referendum, and funds were raised to pay for their renovation.

Deichstraße today

Today, Deichstraße (along with Neustadt’s Peterstraße) now contains carefully restored 17th-19th century houses, and is all that is left of the old harbour district.

Deichstraße was once an old merchant street, but today it hosts many old established and traditional restaurants as well as boutiques. It’s an ideal area for a stroll along the cobbles to take in the views of the houses, or to get a bite to eat in one of its many restaurants or cafes.

Getting to Deichstraße

Deichstraße is very close to the Rathausmarkt, next to the historic Speicherstadt. To get here on public transport, take the U3 to Rödingsmarkt, or bus routes 17, 607 and 608 to Rödingsmarkt. It is about a 20 minute walk from Hamburg’s main station.

Nonetheless, the street has echoes of the city’s flourishing medieval past and boasts many beautiful Tudor buildings that include homes, shops and small cafes for visitors to enjoy.

Elm Hill history

While there is no specific date for when Elm Hill came into being, there is a presence recorded around 1200. Few of the remaining buildings pre-date 1507 when a devastating fire destroyed over 700 houses across Norwich. The Britons Arms was the only surviving timber-framed and thatched-roof structure along Elm Hill and was established in 1347. The building likely had a semi-religious role because it was so close to St. Peter Hungate church.

The street gained its name in the 16th century after some Churchwardens of St. Peter Hungate planted elm trees in the square (although elm trees no longer stand at Elm Hill because of disease). The street was re-aligned in the 15th century to make space for the Dominican St Andrew’s and Blackfriars Halls.

Many wealthy merchants has their homes in Elm Hill, with houses facing the front and workshops in the back. The north end of the lane runs parallel with the River Wensum, and so many merchants even had their own quays backing onto the river, making Elm Hill an important commercial thoroughfare particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Elm Hill today

Elm Hill has aged remarkably well since the 16th century and all year-round is a ideal spot for photographers. Browse the specialty craft shops and antique galleries within the historic building fronts before stopping at a tea room or coffee shop for a slice of cake and a hot drink.

Then, make your way up to the imposing flint structure of St. Peter Hungate following in the steps of medieval travellers and pilgrims. You can take a great tour of the Cathedral Quarter by following the Elm Hill Norwich Trail map. At the bottom of the hill at the corner of Princes Street, see if you can spot the ‘fossilised keyboard’ artwork by Molly Sole, which has sparked many urban legends as to the keyboard’s origins since it was laid in 1999.

Getting to Elm Hill

Situated in the centre of Norwich city, Elm Hill is easily found on foot and is only 5 minutes walk from Norwich Cathedral. Otherwise, most Norwich buses stop at Tombland (stop CM) including the 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 36 networks.

History of Fiskars Village

The ironworks of Fiskars Village were established in 1649, after Queen Christina of Sweden granted Dutch businessman Peter Thorwöste the privilege of manufacturing cast iron and forged products, except for cannons. At the time, the region of Finland was renowned for the production of iron.

The eighteenth century was hard on Fiskars. Years of famine and being plundered and wrecked in 1713 after ten years of Russian occupation – a period known as the Great Wrath – meant that Fiskars’ future was uncertain. By 1740, some 115 people lived in Fiskars village.

Fiskars Village thrived again and went on to flourish during the 19th century under Johan von Julin. During this time, Fiskars was advanced in terms of agriculture, medicine and education, having its own doctor as early as 1860, a hospital from 1892, and a school (now the oldest part of the Clock Tower building) from 1826.

As demand for iron production reduced into the twentieth century, Fiskars diversified its manufacturing portfolio.

Later, under the slogan ‘A Living Ironworks Village’, Fiskars transformed itself into a space for artisan craft making, and by 1993, professionals from more than 20 fields of arts had moved to the village as part of the joint exhibition.

Fiskars Village Today

Today, Fiskars still operates as an international corporation creating consumer items, but is also one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in some 25,000 visitors per year.

Fiskars Village is considered to be a cultural hub and visitors can also tour its ironworks museum which tells the story of how the village developed.

It is a totally unique experience, featuring unique outdoor, design, and culinary treats, and is dotted with top quality hotels, restaurants, and boutiques.

Many are attracted to the village because it is home to some of the best bike trails in the country, as well as the work of leading Nordic designers as part of many events which the site runs all year round.

There are around 600 residents who live at Fiskars. For those who really enjoy the Fiskars experience, houses and plots of land are available to buy or rent.

Getting to Fiskars Village

From Helsinki, Fiskars Village is an hour to an hour and a half drive, via Route 51 and E18. There is also a regular connecting bus schedule which takes around an hour and a half from Helsinki to the village.

History of Fortress of Louisbourg 

Begun in 1719 on what the French called the Ile Royale (Cape Breton Island) at the eastern end of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the Fortress of Louisbourg was a thriving cod fishing port town and trading centre.

It was originally home to L’nu, also known as the Mi’kmaq, and throughout the 18th century a combination of French, Basque, German, English, Irish, Scottish, and African people were drawn to its shores.

Named after Louis XIV of France, the fortifications which surrounded the town were mainly constructed between 1720 and 1740, and were one of the most extensive and expensive European fortifications constructed in North America.

Twice successfully besieged by the British in 1745 and 1758, the Fortress of Louisbourg was also dismantled by the British. The British continued to have a garrison at Louisbourg until 1768.

The town and fortress were partially reconstructed in 1960 and 1961 using some of the original stonework, which provided jobs for unemployed coal miners.

Fortress of Louisbourg Today

As the largest reconstruction project in North America, the Fortress of Louisbourg is a time capsule of its own past frozen in its heyday in 1744.

French soldiers march down the streets while ladies dance in formal parlours. Cannon fire shakes the ground as harpsicord melodies mingle with the aroma of baking bread which drifts from the stone bakery.

It is possible to chat with fishermen, sailors, and servants, while sipping rum and watching lace-making and children playing 300-year-old games.

Visitors can tour the town including shops, homes and defences. From June to mid-October, there are daily guides and costumed actors around the site (available by pre-booking at other times).

Getting to Fortress of Louisbourg 

From the centre of Nova Scotia, the Fortress of Louisbourg is reachable in just under 5 hours by car via the Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104 E roads. From the centre of Cape Breton Island, the site is reachable in 2 to 2 and a half hours via the Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-105 E roads.

History of Hatton Garden

Originally known as Ely Place, Hatton Garden was part of the estate of the Bishops of Ely. In 1581, Queen Elizabeth I gave Ely Place to her closest aide, politician and advisor Sir Christopher Hatton. The property featured a beautiful garden, and by the 19th century, the area became known as Hatton Garden.

In medieval London, certain crafts and industries clustered around specific neighbourhoods to ease production and trade. Hatton Garden was already a popular residential neighbourhood, but after the Hatton family began to sell parts of their Ely estate, wealthy merchants and businesses occupied the spaces, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, the district began to attract skilled artisans, particularly goldsmiths, clockmakers and jewellers.

At this time, London was confined to the square mile City of London, and Hatton Garden became the reputable destination for trusted experts and quality craftsmanship. Infrastructure improvements, the area’s proximity to London’s financial centre, and its connection to the aristocracy all contributed to Hatton Gardens’ allure as a destination for those seeking exquisite craftsmanship and luxury. By the mid-1880s, there were over 60 merchants in the Hatton Garden area, specialising only in precious stones.

As London expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, the district became a hub of commercial activity, with shops, businesses, and workshops. The establishment of the nearby Leather Lane market also attracted a diverse range of merchants and customers.

By the 20th century, Hatton Garden had firmly established itself as the epicentre of London’s jewellery trade. Skilled jewellers, gemologists, and craftsmen flocked to the district, creating a close-knit community of artisans. The street-level shops showcased displays of precious stones, diamonds, and exquisite jewellery, drawing in customers from around the world.

Unsurprisingly, Hatton Garden has been the site of many heists, including the £7 million Graff Diamonds heist in 1993 – London’s biggest jewellery robbery. The district also gained infamy in 2015 when a group of ageing thieves executed an audacious heist, stealing millions of pounds worth of jewels from a vault located beneath the streets. This brazen act captured global attention and has been made into several films.

Hatton Garden today

Today, Hatton Garden continues to be known as London and indeed the UK’s jewellery and diamond centre, with nearly 300 jewellery-related businesses, and over 70 shops and workshops offering an array of precious stones and bespoke pieces. The area’s historic charm is also complemented by contemporary media and publishing businesses, as well as art galleries, cafes, and design studios.

Additionally, the district’s streets are adorned with architectural gems, ranging from elegant Georgian townhouses to modern developments. The area is also home to many narrow alleys, underground tunnels, office and vaults, as well as hidden courtyards that help provide a glimpse into London’s past.

Getting to Hatton Garden

Hatton Garden is fairly equidistant to Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations. From Chancery Lane, turn left onto Leather Lane and right onto Greville Street towards Hatton Garden. Alternatively, walk straight up Greville Street from Farringdon Station. Many buses serve the area, including the 63 from King’s Cross and the 172 from Clerkenwell Green, which stop at Farringdon Station.

History of High Street

The Roman road which gives the fell its name connected the fort at Brougham near Penrith with the fort at Ambleside. The gentle slopes which characterise the hills of High Street as well as its flat summit plateau may have appealed to Roman surveyors more than the possibly forested and marshy valleys below.

High Street’s summit is 828 metres high and is the highest point in the far eastern part of the Lake District national park. It is located south west of Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the flat summit of High Street was used as a venue for summer fairs by the local population. On 12 July, people would return stray sheep. The summit is still known as Racecourse Hill as a result of the horse racing and games that took place on the fell.

There are other Roman remains in the Lake District, such as the Roman fort of Hardknott and the Roman bath house at Ravenglass. There are also the remains of Ambleside (Galava) Roman fort and evidence of other Roman camps in the region. These can be identified on Ordnance Survey maps.

High Street today

High Street is one of the lesser visited high fells in the Lake District, yet offers visitors with excellent views and hiking experiences. The fells remain a vast grass and sheep monoculture as they have for centuries, and from the height of High Street the broad-backed ridge that was formerly a Roman road is visible for miles.

Getting to High Street

A number of exhilarating routes can be taken along the Roman road which peaks on High Street fell. The road can be traced from Troutbeck near Ambleside to Brougham near Penrith and offers a range of opportunities to enjoy it.

For a moderate to challenging hike, experienced walkers can embark on an 18 mile (29 km) march over High Street from Troutbeck in the central lakes to Pooley Bridge on the eastern side of Ulswater. This route provides for fantastic views along the Roman road which snakes the fell tops. A map and compass are recommended.

A shorter but still strenuous route heads up from Howtown on the south side of Ullswater. This 8 mile route ascends via the beautiful Fusedale and returns south and west by Saturna Crag, Angle Tarn and then Patterdale. From here at the west side of Ullswater the steamer can be caught from Glenridding.

Newman Passage history

Dating from 1746, the high walls and small windows of Newman Passage give a sense of the seedy underbelly of 18th-century London – one almost expects Bill Sykes to come strutting around the corner with Bullseye in tow.

In the 19^th century, Fitzrovia and the adjacent Bloomsbury became a melting pot and gathering place of left-wing literary types, anarchists, radicals and other pseudo-politicos, with Newman Passage itself home to a co-operative kitchen for Communist refugees. It was also a famous location for London’s ‘streetwalkers’.

Adjacent to the lane is the Newman Arms, a pub built in 1730 that was used previously as a tallow chandler, an ironmongery, a picture framers, and a brothel. A popular hangout for George Orwell, it inspired the ‘Proles’ pub in his dystopian novel 1984.

Newman Passage today

Today Newman Passage is a stereotypical ‘ye olde’ London alley, and has been used by a plethora of filmmakers for a dark Georgian or Victorian atmosphere.

The big draw for visitors is the Newman Arms however, where patrons can drink in the same spots as the likes of George Orwell and Dylan Thomas. The nautical-themed ground floor is tiny, but the upstairs Pie Room is permanently packed so make sure to book!

From outside the pub a painted picture of a woman may also be viewed in a top-floor window, a reminder of the buildings past role as a brothel.

Newman Passage is easily overlooked for the more prominent tourist spots in London, but for a genuine peek at what life may have been like in the 18th and 19th centuries, take a walk through and imagine if the walls could talk…

Getting to Newman Passage

Newman Passage is located in Fitzrovia in London, and can be reached via a number of public transport options. Tottenham Court Road Underground station is a 5-minute walk away, while a number of bus services run to Oxford Road, a 7-minute walk away. The nearest train station is also London Euston, a 20-minute walk away.