Last weekend - The second bit.

BEN AND RACHAEL AT WELLS CATHEDRAL


Ben has already filled you in on Avesbury and Stonehenge. Before we came to England I never realised that he was such an avid historian. Who would have thought that Ben would be so interested in stone circles, stone burial chambers, large stones, stones in lines – basically any stones. They say that travelling with your partner helps you to understand him or her more. Now I understand how much Ben likes stones.

Apart from the stones, which were really excellent, we had a great weekend seeing the countryside west and south of London. I drove (quite brilliantly, if I do say so myself) and loved the drive through country lanes and the gorgeous villages that seem to pop up everywhere. The cottages with thatched roofs, the black-faced sheep grazing in meadows and the daffodils that are popping up everywhere now were all truly delightful.

We saw some more cathedrals this weekend – three to be exact. We saw Wells first, and were very keen as this had come highly recommended from our friend Barry. Wells Cathedral did not disappoint. It is now top of my list. Unfortunately the photos below do not do it justice. It seemed much lighter than the other cathedrals we have seen and in the centre were the most magnificent inverse arches. The roof was beautifully patterned and the whole place was radiant.

CARVINGS OF PEOPLE ON THE CATHEDRAL WALLS


WHAT'S AN INVERTED ARCH??


ALL OF THE LIGHT WAS NATURAL OUTSIDE LIGHT IN THIS PHOTO.


We also saw Salsibury Cathedral which is very famous for having the highest spire in England (so there…everyone else who wanted that title…). It is also one of the earliest of all the cathedrals here. We were visiting on a Sunday so couldn’t do a tour up into the spire, which was a little disappointing. We were able to go in while a service was on. Although Salsibury has a rich and wonderful history, from the look of the tiny and half asleep congregation, we’re not too sure what’s happening there now.


SALISBURY CATHEDRAL (THAT'S RACHAEL AT THE BOTTOM)


ANOTHER ANGLE


SALISBURY CANALS. THE ROMANS MOVED THE RIVER INITIALLY BUT NOW THEY STILL REDIRECT IT TO HELP CONTROL FLOODING. I THINK WE SHOULD DO THE SAME IN THE HAWKESBURY!


On the way home we visited Winchester and managed to stop by thew cathedral there. It wasn't as lovely as the others we'd seen, but Ben was very impressed by the sculpture that changed colours. A walk through Winchester also revealed the house where Jane Austen lived her last six weeks and then died. I hope I'm not becoming cynical, but it really does seem that if Jane Austen had anything to do with a particular town (ie: her dog breeder's cousin once visited), there are plaques up and souvineers to buy. Nevertheless, rachael's book tour of England demanded a photo.

COOL ART SCULPTURE AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL. IT WAS A LIGHT SCULPTURE WHERE YOU COULD TEXT A NUMBER AND THE LIGHTS WOULD CHANGE COLOUR. FANTASTIC IDEA. I HAD TO TEST IT OF COURSE!


TREE LINED AVENUE APPROACHING WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL


THE HOUSE WHERE JANE AUSTEN DIED. ANOTHER TOWN CLAIMS HER AS THEIR OWN.


So that's it. Another brilliant weekend out of London. I'm off to Dublin tomorrow (Ben's still working) and will fill you in on all the details soon. Our love to all,

Rach and Ben