Towering contribution

I received a lovely surprise as I was reading your December issue and came upon the name of my small state and the tower in Newport [Beyond Shakespeare, Issue 224]. I have seen it many times.

For a long time, it was attributed to Vikings and its use was a mystery. You can find a photo of it if you search for “Viking tower Newport”.

On my first visit to England in 1973, I treated myself to a watercolour of Warwick Castle which hangs in my home to this day. The town to the north of us is named Warwick, and there are other English place names as well, Portsmouth and Bristol to name two, and I am proud to make my home in another one.

I read your magazine from cover to cover. Thank you and keep up the good work.