- features on the wail - sumptuous gardens
III.AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1. Think of all the components that make Belsay Hall a harmoniously beautiful landmark of the Border Country. Which of them seems to you the most stunning one?
3.3. One author described a fabulous house surrounded by picturesque environs like "a jewel in a ring". This metaphor can be well-applied to Belsay Hall, cant it? Can you come up with some of your own metaphors to refer to Belsay Hall?
DOVER CASTLE (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
1. In the video you will hear several outstanding historical figures mentioned. Some of them are: William the Conqueror, Sir Winston Churchill, QueenMother. Do you know anything about their role in history?
1.2.These words will help you to grasp the narrator's speech better:
- astride - a sweeping view
- a rampart - a siege
- a keep - a stronghold
II.WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. Try to catch the names of two more famous Britons mentioned in the narration. Both were military leaders. Their names are…Can you say anything about their role in the history of Britain? Which of them appeals to you more and why? Don't hesitate to defend your point of view.
2.2. Give answers to the following questions:
a) Where and with what purpose was Dover Castle built?
b) What is its oldest surviving building? By the way, does the name ring a bell?
c) What can you say about Hubert De Burk and his contribution to the castle appearance and role?
d) The castle retained its strategic importance for centuries didn't it? Why was it put to military use during World War II?
e) What is so special and unique about Dover Castle?
2.3. Dover Castle is often referred to as the key to England. Pay special attention to the information who and when tried to use that "key".
2.4. The conclusion to the narration is that Dover Castle is the most important coastal defense work in Europe and probably one of Europe's best preserved strategic strongholds. Take note of the facts to prove that.
III. AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1.Watch the video again and find detailed information for the following:
a) Dover Castle in Early Britain;
b) Dover Castle in the Middle Ages;
c) Dover Castle in the 19th century;
d) Dover Castle during World War II and in the period of the so-called nuclear threat.
TINTAGEL CASTLE (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
1.1. Some architectural relics owe their fame to myths or legends. Could you recall but a few of such places located anywhere in the world.
1.2. Comment on the following passage from Thomas Malory's Death of Arthur. "Yet many men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of Our Lord Jesus into another place; and many men say that he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross. I will not say that it shall be so, rather I will say that here in this world he changed his life. But many men say that there is written upon his tomb this verse: HIC IACET ARTHURUS, REX QUONDAM REXQUE FUTURUS. (Here lies Arthur, the once and future king.)" What does this text imply?
II. WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. Two enigmatic personalities are mentioned in the video. Try to catch their names and try to recall where and when you might have come across the information about them. Are they just mere names or more than that?
2.2.These words will help you understand the narrator's speech better. Make sure you understand them well.
- to jut out - an enigma
- a causeway - obscure
- to foster(somebody)
2.3. Complete the following statements according to the narration.
Tintagel Castle is a place without _________________on the British Isles.
The building site must have been a former ________________________.
The evidence is that it could have been the stronghold of ____________.
Legend has it that it was in Merlin's cave that _____________________.
Tintagel's fame is based not on fact but on ________________________.
III. AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1. Fact and fiction are intertwined in Tintagel Mythology. Separate fact from fiction with the help of the following chart.
| Fact | Fiction |
3.2. So what is it that draws crowds of curious tourists to this enigmatic place: historic facts or legends? Try to argue your point.
3.3. If you ever made up your mind to go to Tintagel, what would be your primary reason to do so? Explain your point of view.
3.4. Use the information in Appendix 3 to tell a magical Tale of Tintagel.
AUDLEY END (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
1.1. There are some mansions and palaces that simply compel us to describe them in such terms as "magnificent", "opulent", etc. Could you name several places with such excellent characteristics?
1.2. Biblical themes and allusions are many in any form of art. Architecture and painting are no exception. What do know about the Last Supper. Why are so many works of art dedicated to this mythological meal?
1.3. Read the information below about an outstanding English landscape gardener. He is better known under his assumed name. Identify this name, which is a very unexpected one, by the way, while listening to the narration.
Lancelot Brown (1715-1783) is an English landscape gardener who codified and popularized the principles of "English", or "natural", landscape gardening. Building on the work of his predecessor William Kent, he rejected the geometric formality of the reigning French style in favor of more informal designs based on sweeping curves and natural groupings of trees and lawns. His landscapes often included artificially made but natural-looking lakes and watercourses. He landscaped more than 100 estates. Under his influence, the English style spread throughout Europe.
1.4. These word-combinations may come appear very handy while watching the video:
- the cream of the collection
- to complement something
- a huge undertaking
- to take pride of place
- a treasure trove
II. WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. While watching the video try to remember all the British monarchs whose names are connected with Audley End. Can you give any details concerning that connection?
2.2. Complete the sentences:
1) Originally Audley End was so magnificent that...
2) Audley End is distinguished by ...
3) At this or that time of its long history Audley End was linked with...
4) …adds to its splendor
5) Different elements like the Tea Houses Bridge, etc were added to.
6) The family accommodation was ... while the first floor was distinguished for....
7) Nowadays Audley End is one third of its..., but... nonetheless.
III. AFTER-WATCHING 'ACTIVITIES
3.1. Explain the meaning of these names and terms used in the narration.
· Lord-treasurer
· East Anglia
· Jacobine
· Venice
· Dodges' Palace
· St Mark
· Christie's
· Carpenter's Gothic
STONEHENGE (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
1.1. Naturally, you must have heard a lot or at least something about Stonehenge. What period do you think it belongs to: (1) Anglo-Saxon; (2) Celtic; (3) Roman; (4) Norman' Share your knowledge with others.
1.2. These words will help you comprehend the method that was used by prehistoric engineers while constructing Stonehenge:
- sandstone - bluestone
- a sarsen - a lintel
- mortise and tenon joints
II. WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. Some of the stones that comprise Stonehenge bear names. Try to memorise them and think what could have given rise to this or that name.
2.2. Find out what exactly makes Stonehenge so unusual in terms of architectural design.
2.3. Complete the sentences below and then arrange them in the order they
appeared in the video:
a) Exactly why and how Stonehenge was built and...
b) 3500 years ago this was a temple made...
c) The original entrance was marked...
d) This astonishing construction is...
e) The stones were held together by...
f) At the focus of a central bluestone horseshoe is...
e) The "heel"stone is the one over which...
III. AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1. While watching the video try to find the clues that could prompt an inquisitive mind a somewhat different version of Stonehenge's original designation.
3.2. Read through the information below and explain why the mystery of Stonehenge will never cease to captivate our imagination.
Why Stonehenge was constructed remains
3.3. Can you offer your own version what exactly Stonehenge was used for? Exchange your versions with your groupmates and find the most plausible one.
3.4. Now that you've seen the place live, share your ideas about what exactly Tess of the d’Urbervilles might have felt when she got to Stonehenge on that fateful night.
BATTLE ABBEY (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
1.1. October 14,1066. Does that date ring a bell? What history-making event took place then? What do you know about King Harold or about William the Conqueror?
1.2. These words might prove helpful in understanding the narration.
- to atone (for)
- a cloister
- a brazier
- a novice
1.3. While watching the video try to concentrate on some helpful clues that can give a hint at what kind of man William the Conqueror could have been. Charles Dickens in "A Child’s History of England" wrote, "O Conqueror! Of whom so many great names are proud now, of whom so many great names thought nothing then, it were better to have conquered one true heart than England!" Explain why the great novelist said so.
II. WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. Complete the following sentences and arrange them in the order they appear on the tape:
a) The monks lived in this huge building which...
b) The altar of this church should be here, where...
c) The charter house was the place...
d) It remains one of the finest...
e) William ordered the building of an abbey on the...
f) There were alterations and...
g) Much of the abbots great hall has survived and now...
2.2. What has become of the Abbey in later centuries? Is there any irony in the fact? Please, be prepared to explain your point of view.
III. AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1. The narrator calls the abbey a fitting tribute to a moment and a battle that changed the course of English history. Explain why.
3.2. The idea of atonement has always seemed very attractive. Can you recall any other structure(s) built with the same idea in mind?
3.3. Research the history of some famous British Abbeys (you may start with Westminster Abbey) and present your findings in class.
OSBORNE HOUSE (2 часа)
I. PRE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
l.l. Queen Victoria is definitely one of the most renowned and revered among British monarchs. What do you know about the Victorian Age (1837—1901)? Why was that time often compared, and not unfavorably, with the Elizabethan Age?
1.2. Pay attention to the following words that will prove to be helpful.
- ornate - tranquil - rigour
- conceive - submit - centerpiece
1.3. Explain the meaning of the following word-combinations.
- an idyllic retreat - pride of place
- dominate the eye - all walks of life
II. WHILE-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
2.1. Osborne house was above all a family vacation home. Take note of as many facts as you can that prove this.
2.2. Mark the sequence in which the following items appear in the video:
a) the Peacock Column e) the marble-top table
b) the bathing machine f) Albert's posthumous mask
c) the hand-operated lift g) the marble-winged Victory
d) marble copies of limbs h) the ornate billiards table
III. AFTER-WATCHING ACTIVITIES
3.1. Could one call Queen Victoria an enlightened monarch who strove to know her subjects better? Are there any arguments for or against this in the video?
3.2. London is rich in landmarks connected with Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their love for each other. Canyourecallafew?
3. УЧЕБНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКИЙ БЛОК: вопросы для самостоятельного изучения с помощью дополнительной литературы, тематика мини-исследования по теме
STOKESAY CASTLE
3.1. A parallel can be drawn between Stokesay Castle and one architectural relic in Belarus. Can you name this structure? Can you come up with its detailed description?
3.2. Scan the pages of historical /fantasy novel and find a detailed description of a castle. Translate it into English and present it to your group (with the original, if possible).
KENWOOD
3.3. Some names of the painters mentioned in the story definitely ring a bell. Point them out and present some information concerning their life and creative activity.
3.4. Scan the pages of historical novels, reference books and encyclopedias and prepare a mini-report on the Rumyantsev- Paskevich Palace in Gomel. Pay special attention to the personality of its creator.
3.5. Henry Moore's sculptures are famous all over the world. What do you know about the artist? Prepare a mini-report on his life and work.
3.6. Art on display in Kenwood grounds can hardly be called classical. What is your opinion of abstract art – is it a sign of changing times or changing mentality? Does any of the names seem familiar? (if not, some research is in store for you)
RIEVAULX ABBEY
3.7. Prepare a mini-report on ancient specimen of Belorussian religious architecture (you may start with Kalozha Church in Grodno).
BELSAY HALL
3.8. Study Appendix 1 and prepare a report on your favourite house plants.
TINTAGEL CASTLE
3.9. Study Appendix 2 and prepare a report on King Arthur's early life.
3.10. Now try to prepare a similar chart about one the many ancient architectural relics situated on Belarusian soil.
AUDLEY END
3.11. Conduct a research on the Dodges' Palace in Venice, Italy that inspired so many great masters, Canaletto included.
3.12. Audley End is but one place out of many on the British roil connected with the names of Royalty.
Make mini-research about one of such places and present your findings to the group.
STONEHENGE
3.13. Remember where famous commemorative stones are placed on Belarusian soil. What names or events are associated with them? Prepare a mini-report on each.
BATTLE ABBEY
3.14. Prepare a narration to accompany a tour of British school students to the Brest Fortress.
OSBORNE HOUSE
3.15. Reread the famous ballad Recessional (1897) by Rudyard Kipling and add a new dimension to your commentary on it.
3.16. Rudyard Kipling's father, Lochwood Kipling, made designs for part of hors d'ouevre's room. Do you think the designer's son took great pride in the fact? Do you think it could have shaped Kipling's attitude towards the great concept of the Empire where the sun never set?
4. ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫЙ БЛОК: дикторские тексты видеофильма
STOKESAYCASTLE
Not far from the border with Wales stands the ancient market town of Lladllow which grew up on the banks of the river Teem. In the late 13th century the leading wool-merchant of his day Lawrence of Lladllow decided to build a new home a few miles north of the town at the head of a narrow valley that runs to the midst of the Shropshire hills. The result is the most perfectly preserved early fortified manor house in England.
This is an extraordinary picturesque huddle of castle, parish church and gate house, quite simply, an architectural gem.
Built at the time of newly established peace on the Welsh borders, Stokesay took advantage of the first chance in centuries to create a community that had more a domestic atmosphere than a military one. It gives a unique glimpse into how a rich merchant would have lived seven hundred years ago.
The core of the house is the great hall, a vast room where an entire household would have eaten together including guests and servants as well as the family. The six large windows were glazed in the top half but only shuttered in the low half. The magnificent timber roof, recently restored as a part of extensive renovation program at Stokesay, is supported by huge curved pieces of wood standing on stone core walls. At the north end a very rare example of the surviving medieval staircase supported by large timber brackets built into the walls and made up of solid timber treads cut from whole tree trunks.
The stairs lead to the north tower where a spacious second floor apartment provided extra accommodation for family or guests. The arched recess would probably have held a lamp. Beside it is fine example of the late 13th century decorated fireplace, on the floor medieval clay tiles, some of which still show traces of decoration. The roofs on the north and west walls are timber framed and by projecting out of the outer wall give considerably more floor space.