PAGE
4
March 2018
Going Coastal around Britain BY
Ian McBeath
I
n early summer of 2016 I set out on a quest to discover my roots by driving around the coastline of Britain, by whatever road was closest to the ocean – a journey of 5068 miles and five weeks. What I discovered was not only my own history but also much of that of Britain itself. Going Coastal is a personal observation on the history of Britain, both ancient and modern—unfolded in geographic rather than chronological order. What I found is a rich and beautiful land whose people have been shaped and influenced by their many invaders, who came either by force or in peace. I discovered the continuing influences of kings and queens, Vikings, Celtic priests, smugglers and the ordinary people of Britain. The diverse origins of its peoples are
still evident, as seen in language, accents and place names, but with the longest threads to the past being most notable in monarchy and religion both of which were strongly intertwined and influenced many of the forces of history. With a Scottish father (whose mother was an Irish Kennedy) and an English mother (born within the sound of Bow bells, whose father was a Welsh Morgan), I can lay claim to a very British set of genes. Wanting to reconnect with the land of my birth and the home of my ancestors, I began researching my family history. The furthest ancestor I can trace on mother’s side is to 1475 in Sussex and
“
“I set out to discover if the Britain I hold in my heart and in my memories still exists.”
Anti Aging Medical Cosmetics Botox® | Dermal Filler | PRP Facial Rejuvenation PRP Hair Regeneration | Vitamin Facial | Dermal Needling Medical Grade Facials & Skincare
Vitamin & Mineral Injections & IV’s Myer’s Cocktail | Anti Oxidants | Immune Boosters Energy Boosters | Vit B Vit B12 | Vit C | Vit D3
Dr. Natalie Waller ND
BioIdentical Hormone Therapy | Weight Management | Womens Health | Auto Immune Disease Management | Pain Management Stress Management 1447 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver, V7T 1C3
on my father’s side to 1390 in Fife, Scotland. With the name of McBeath though, I feel I should belong to a particularly noble lineage in Scotland! As my journey was coastal, the greater part was on roads that were no more than narrow lanes. And for four days in Scotland the roads had no markings at all. Where I could, I used vehicle ferries to save long drives around an estuary. Highlights were the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish west coast and its magical islands, such as Skye and Iona, the latter being the burial place of many Scottish kings, including my muchmaligned ancestor, MacBeth. The rugged Cornish coastline at the other end of Britain was also spectacular with remembrances of King Arthur and its history of smuggling. I set out to discover if the Britain I hold in my heart and in my memories still exists. My conclusion is that it does. Much has remained the same and Britain continues as a wonderful, sometimes magical place. Seen from its coast, Britain presents as a nation that is thriving, attractive and mostly unspoiled. Before I finished my trip though, the
Brexit vote happened with the vote being, by a very small margin, to leave Europe. I found this sad as history clearly shows that much of the origins of the British people are from Europe. Ian will be at West Vancouver Memorial Library on March 8 at 7pm for a slide and video presentation of “a short history of Britain, ancient and modern.” Copies of his book, Going Coastal, will be available on that evening. Going Coastal is available as an e-book or in printed format, directly from the author at imcb@shaw.ca
Photo provided Ian at the northern point of Great Britain.
upWardcoNStructioN.ca 101 - 1305 Welch Street, North VaNcouVer MOBILE: 604.790.0472 OFFICE: 778.340.1355
Integrity and craftsmanship on Vancouver’s North Shore