England's ancient heartlands spared Pope's presence

The interactive map provided by the Daily Telegraph and linked here illustrates quite clearly that the West and South Western Celtic fringes together with the Saxon Kingdoms such as Wessex , Northumbria, East Anglia, Sussex and Kent all escape this visit. While the visit to Birmingham prevents the inclusion of Mercia in this fortunate list, we can console ourselves that like London, Birmingham cannot really these days be considered as an English City. The letter I quoted yesterday (on my posting of the Pope's visit) from Queen Elizabeth I to five Catholic Bishops asserts the more ancient pedigree of her Protestant Church. Those interested in her argument may wish to learn more of the "ancient monument of Gildas" she refers to. This is believed to have been in Kent while Gildas himself is well described in this link, where much further reading is available.