Where do I begin telling you about today’s adventure? It was so full of historical happenings that I will be forced to leave some of it off for fear of losing you.
2 Papa (he’s such a good man) hired a private tour guide to take us to Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Avebury for the day. His name is Phillp and he picked us up at our door at 9:45. How cool is that??? The weather continued on the cool side, but the sun was shining as we headed out to the south of Oxford. Our drive time was about two hours so we enjoyed the incredible English countryside with Phillip telling us little tidbits of information along the way. He’s very English and very entertaining. He was a teacher and then a school principal before changing directions and becoming a tour guide. He said it’s not quite as stressful as being a principal. I’m sure Bobby Stokes would agree, but tours of Monroe are not in high demand.
Tour guide, Philip, was a walking Google-man and we learned so much from him. I talked about thatched roofs in another blog, but today’s lesson from Philip concerns two inventions the invention of the thatch roof was responsible for. While a thatch roof was and continues to be a brilliant solution for keeping homes warm or cool as needed, they have a way of attracting birds, rats, bugs and more. At any time, day or night, these little critters could lose their footing and join the family living below. The solution, at least for the night, was a four-poster canopy bed which provided a roof under a roof. The fine folks below could then get a good night’s sleep (I’m sure the mom was still awake checking on all the kids). You may have heard some version for the origination of the expression raining cats and dogs, but in England the credit also goes to the thatch roofs. It seems the cats and dogs would also settle in for a cozy and warm night of sleep tucked deeply into the thatching. This solution was fine for most nights, but on a rainy night, the thatch would get soggy and weak and down came the cats and dogs. Hence, it rained cats and dogs. Today’s thatches are covered in a mesh to keep the birds from making a nest. It also keeps the critters out. A thatch roof will survive around twenty-five years, but are very expensive to have these days.
After our two hour drive, we arrived in Salisbury and were ready for lunch. We went to our first real true pub. At a pub, you order at the bar and then sit down and the waitress brings you your food. The food was good, but was definitely English. Mom had chicken pie and JL had fishcakes and chips. John Luke has been very adventurous with his menu choices. Tonight he had lamb and ate every bite before he said he would not order it again. I’m proud he’s trying everything. I think he’s definitely a growing boy.
Salisbury claim to fame is the Salisbury Cathedral. We have already seen our share of Cathedral’s, but this one is the top of the line in the Cathedral showroom. When walking through it you soon begin to feel as mom said, “I’ve run out of words.” Dazzling, exceptional, incomparable, beautiful….are just a few descriptors for this amazing Cathedral. It was built between 1220 and 1315 and houses one of only four remaining copies of the original Magna Carta. The spiral is the tallest in England and the second tallest in Europe.
Next, we headed further south to see the ancient remains of Stonehenge. Along the way, we went through the chalk hills. Literally, chalk is about six inches below the surface for miles and miles of rolling hills. One of the most beautiful sights is the hill carvings, some of which date back well before Christ. The one we saw today was an elegant white horse (Joneal, you would love it—see photo). The carving is done by removing all the topside above the chalk leaving the desired shape. Amazing! Stonehenge wasn’t our best stop as the rain was now of Louisiana proportions and it was very cold. We managed to get out, snap a picture, and head back to the gift shop. The last stop was Avebury, which is Britian’s largest and most extensive stone circle. Stonehenge has taken over in popularity, but this ancient monument is just as impressive. While indications prove that Stonehenge served as a burial ground dating back to as early as 3000 BC, Avebury looks to be a monument of sorts to fertility, dating back to 4000 to 5000 BC. Can you believe it???
Lots of history today so I hope you weren’t bored. JL and I went on another adventure tonight to find a video rental store. Success! A little home schooling was required first and now, he’s ready to pop in Harry Potter so we can see some of the places we’ve visited in another light. I guess I better go. You know how demanding this grandma job can be!One more thing, I gave John Luke the camera for five minutes. Guess which photo is his.
Prehistoric times, Medieval times, Victorian times, Modern times….we’ve seen it all since we’ve arrived in England. How amazing to think of the one thing that never changes—Jesus, the Same; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Love you all.
Hugs, 2 Mama
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