Castle Rock, Edinburgh (Recollections)

Castle Rock is a volcanic rock formation in Edinburgh where Edinburgh Castle is located. The rock has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age, but Edinburgh Castle was built in the 13th century and has stood there ever since. The rock has sheer, craggy cliff faces on three of four sides, making it a good defensive position as the only access is to the east. It was the seat of the Scottish monarchy for centuries, but now functions mostly as a museum and is one of Scotland's top tourist attractions.

Leadhills, Scotland (Recollections)

Leadhills is a village in the southwest of Scotland, originally established for the accodmations of miners. It would have been a working, industrial town when Wordsworth visited it. It is the second highest village in Scotland. 

"Leadhills, another mining village, was the place of our destination for the night; and soon after we had passed the cart we came in sight of it. This village and the mines belong to Lord Hopetoun; it has more stone houses than Wanlockhead, one large old mansion, and a considerable number of old trees—beeches, I believe."

Longtown, UK (Recollections)

Longtown is a market town in Cumbria, England just south of the Scottish Border. It is on the River Esk. Unlike many towns, which grew from smaller villages or settlements, Longtown was planned and built in the late 18th century, by the local landowners. Longtown is mentioned in passing in the excerpts from Recollections of a Tour Made in Scotland, A.D. 1803. "Left Longtown after Breakfast" (Wednesday, August 17th). Wordworth is setting off on her tour of Scotland from here since it is on the border.

England

England as described by Jean Rhys, is a region of the United Kingdom widely known, yet often not known at all. In both Voyage in the Dark and Wide Sargasso Sea Rhys compares England to a dream, something fantastical, not necessarily well understood. There is even a moment in Wide Sargasso Sea, when Christophine asks if England is a real place and the narrator assures her that it is, to which then she regards the land as something she does not see, yet must believe in - almost like a religion.

Roslin, Scotland (Recollections)

Roslin, Scotland, is a village south of Edinburgh. It was surrounded by many active mines until around the 1960s, when deep mining practices declined.  The village originated with Roslin Glen, home to Rosslyn Castle, whose ruins remain there. The castle was built around the 14th century, and a chapel was built in the 15th century for the castle's residents. 

Firth of Forth

The Firth of Forth is an estuary located in the southern lowlands of Scottland. "Firth" is closely related to the word "fjord", which is an "narrow inlet" of water. The firth is populated by many small towns and industrial complexes. The firth is also home to some 90,000 birds every year that come to breed. Mentioned by Dorothy Wordsworth in Recollections in a tour made in Scottland,  Wordsworth is aware of the firth's location on her way to Edinburgh. She says, "Arrived at Edinburgh a little before sunset.

Jamaica

Jamaica is an island country located in the Carribean Sea. Jamaica was colonized as early as 1494, following the arrival of Christopher Columbus on behalf of the Spanish. The island remained occupied by Spain until it was conquered by the British in 1655. Whilst under British rule, the island became a leading exporter of sugar and its economy was dependent on African slaves. Even after the British emanicpated all slaves in 1838, indentured servent from India and China were used to work on plantations. The island gained its independence in 1962.

Jamaica

Jamaica is an island country located in the Carribean Sea. Jamaica was colonized as early as 1494, following the arrival of Christopher Columbus on behalf of the Spanish. The island remained occupied by Spain until it was conquered by the British in 1655. Whilst under British rule, the island became a leading exporter of sugar and its economy was dependent on African slaves. Even after the British emanicpated all slaves in 1838, indentured servent from India and China were used to work on plantations. The island gained its independence in 1962.