They call it Bonfire Night, or more officially, Guy Fawkes Night, a night (5th of Nov.) to set off fireworks and bonfires all over town. The fireworks have actually been going on for about a week now and will continue through the weekend. The pub next door has a pretty good fire going in its back patio and if the proprietor can find more furniture to burn we'll be able to feel the heat in our flat. The bonfires are used to burn effigies of Guy, who was part of a failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He was found guilty, hanged and QUARTERED!
Sunday is the London to Brighton Run when vintage automobiles drive from Hyde Park, London to Brighton (62 miles south). There are 601 cars entered this year. Cars must have been built by 1905 and may not exceed 20 mph. Some don't look like they can go much faster than that. It takes all day and many don't make it to the finish line. Some are quite posh, but some look like 62 miles of discomfort. Of course you need the full driving outfit - bear coat, goggles, fur blankets.
The Parrot is the oldest pub in the town of Canterbury, which means it's really old. We're talking 1370. On a mission to find The Parrot a woman told us when we came to the crooked house turn left.
