Megalithic Monuments

Our latest field trip on Wednesday was wonderful. We began the day with a stop at Avebury, a large stone monument. The stones are massive and it is possible to go right up to the stones and touch them. Sheep graze around the circle and you must step carefully in order to avoid little messages. The most unfortunate thing is the fact that the surrounding village has been built up from torn down stones. The stop ended with an amazing race between Amara, Dad and Joel. Dad lost, but only because Joel threw Dad to the slippery ground. 

Our next stop was the long barrow at West Kennet. The barrow is a short walk from the road through the English countryside. From the top of the barrow, I could see fields of wheat glowing golden under the morning sun and grasses blowing gently in the breeze. The barrow is still a center of worship for pagans and offerings had been laid upon the stones. Of course, the dark rooms of the barrow evoke images of the barrow-wight in the Lord of the Rings. 

Another quick drive took us to Stonehenge, one of the most famous sites in Britain. Other worldly stone giants call up images of druids and Old Sarum. While at Stonehenge we enjoyed a snack of Megalithic Rock Cakes.

Joel and me at Stonehenge

From Stonehenge we headed off to Salisbury. This drive was wonderful as the trees on either side of the road formed a leafy green canopy that shadowed the road. After a quick bite to eat from the chip shop we began our tour of Salisbury Cathedral. It is a wonderful old cathedral that is celebrating its 750th anniversary this year. Our guide shared with us many amusing stories and our 45 minute tour ended up lasting an one and a half hours. We even saw the most well-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. Two down, two to go!

Just a few minutes away from the mighty cathedral is the small parish church of St. Andrews in Bemerton. George Herbert, one of the authors we are reading, was rector at the church in the 1630's. Unfortunately the current rector who was going to show us the church did not show up. We found out later that he had been at the hospital with his wife who was having a baby. I think he's forgiven!

We finally headed home after a long day in the country. The most exciting part of this was seeing people playing polo along the side of the road. I think that I want to play polo. Anyway, the day was beautiful and delightful and the barrow is always one of my favourite field trips. This time was no different.