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Castle Conference 2014 pt. 2 The Castle

The conference we go to every year is held at Herstmonceaux Castle. This is a Tudor building. It is unusual as a such because it is made of brick, an uncommon material at the time. It was constructed for comfort more than defense and was home to one of Henry VI's treasurers. For several about 30 years it was a Royal Observatory (1957-1988), but now it hosts Queen's university's study abroad program (Canadian university). One of the scholars in our community works at Queen's University and he arranges for the conference to be here. The castle has been in several movies and was part of a Harry Potter sweepstakes promotion. 


There are a number of very fine statues on the grounds. Some are permanently installed and others are for sale. They are too expensive for me, but I like them. 



Here is the observatory.

There is a pretty good wikipedia entry about the Castle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herstmonceux_Castle

The conference lasts three days. The first day we have sessions interrupted only by lunch and tea. The second day we have sessions in the morning and then we are free to tour in the afternoon. There are tours available or you can strike out on your own. We usually strike out on our own. In the evening, we have a formal banquet in the upper hall of the castle. The third day is full of sessions and tea again. The conference sessions are help in the castle and that is where we eat, but we don't sleep there. Instead, we stay in a newer dorm-type building on the grounds. As is common in Europe, you can get a room with a private bathroom or share one. This year, we sprang for a private one in our room. There was wifi this year so we could call Hannah. Traditionally, it is a pretty rustic place. Behind the castle is the famous 1066 road where William the Conqueror and his men came to Battle to open a new era of world history. This road was paved this year. It had been dirt. 

Brian's presentation was on the first day in the morning. My presentation was with colleagues from Utah. We presented the last session of the last day. All of our work was well attended and well received. Every year for several years now I have said "this is my last castle" when I go to apply. But when I leave, I always want to return, just one more time. 

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