And did those feet...

...in ancient times walk along what became the M1. It may have been Britain's first motorway when it opened back in the 1960s, but did the ancient Britons get here first? How else to explain these mystical stone figures guarding the entrance to the al fresco seating area at the Toddington services, picturesquely situated overlooking the iconic motorway. It's a scene worthy of an Arthurian legend. Anyway, I woke up at that point, got a cup of Costa coffee and continued on my way to Southwell where I was to pick up papers from the former Chair of the Trust I am Secretary to and staying overnight at his house, which used to be the home of Lord Byron from his mid-teens to his early 20s  Needless to say, mine host is an expert on Byron and will shortly be publishing his 3rd book on the charismatic poet who was famously described as "mad, bad and dangerous to know" and was the father of Ada Lovelace recognised now as a key figure in the development of mechanical mathematical tools that led in time to the advent of the computer. The extra is of Burgage Manor, Byron's former home, where I stayed on Sunday night.