Corby & Oakham
Rockingham Castle,near the town of Corby, was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and has been privately owned by the Watson family ever since Queen Elizabeth I bequeathed it to them. Charles Dickens was regular visitor, and members of the public can tour the house and grounds on Sundays and Bank Holidays during the summer months. Another local attraction is Rutland Water, which is the country’s second largest artificial lake, and is very popular with water-sport enthusiasts.
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns' birth. Burns was a poet and a lyricist and is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.
The Burns Supper was started a few years after his death by a group of his friends; they held the supper to honour and remember Burns. The tradition caught on and the ritual of Burns Supper is now held all around the world.
His life and work will be celebrated throughout the year at many Burns-related events.
