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The Olympic Torch dates back to ancient times when a continuous flame burned atop the altar in the sanctuary dedicated to Hestia, the Greek goddess of architecture, domesticity, the family and hearth.  However, the Olympic Torch Relay as we currently know it was re-introduced during the Games of the IX Olympiad held in 1928 at Amsterdam.

photo by Leshaines123

The 2012 Olympic Torch is being carried by Ben Ainslie, the former three-time winner of the Olympic Gold Medal.  Located at the tip of Cornwall, Land’s End was the starting point for the torch’s 8,000 mile trip through England to the London Olympic Games.

The Relay Route

The first day of the journey ended on entering Devon, where an evening celebration was held at Plymouth Hoe.  Young and old members of the public took turns carrying the torch as they were nominated for their achievements and the work they have performed in their respective communities.  There are a total of 8,000 torch bearers that will complete the journey, each of them carrying it for some 300 meters before lighting the next carrier’s torch with a “kiss” of flame.

Interestingly enough, the first day’s torch was seen on eBay within hours after the first day’s leg of the journey was complete.  During the balance of May, the torch will travel from Plymouth to Bolton passing through the following cities along the way in the order listed:

• Exeter (20^th May)
• Gloucester to Worcester (24^th May)
• Swansea (26^th May)
• Stoke-on-Trent (30^th May)
• Bolton (31^st May)

During the 30 days of June, the Olympic Torch will start its journey in Bolton and then pass through the cities below:

• Liverpool (1^st June)
• Belfast to Dublin (6^th June)
• Glasgow to Inverness (9^th June)
• St. Andrew’s to Edinburgh (13^th June)
• York to Carlisle (20^th June)
• Kendal to Blackpool (22^nd June)
• Leeds (24^th June)
• Nottingham (28^th June)
• Birmingham (30^th June)

As the torch continues along its journey during the month of July it will pass through the following cities and end in Olympic Stadium on the 27^th:

• Coventry (1^st July)
• Norwich (4^th July)
• Cambridge (7^th July)
• Southampton (14^th July)
• Dover (18^th July)
• Wandsworth (23^rd July)
• Westminster (26^th July)
• Olympic Stadium (27^th July)

On the morning of 27^th July, the torch will reach Hampton Court before reaching the River Thames and arriving at the Tower Bridge in mid-afternoon.  From here, it will find its way to the Opening Day Ceremony in Olympic Stadium were thousands will be awaiting its arrival.

 

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