Today we traveled about 50 miles north of Portsmouth (but it took almost 90 minutes) to visit the ancient site of Stonehenge. Archeologists believe it was constructed between 3000BC to 2000 BC. We got there just before it opened so we were able to get on the first shuttle bus to the stone circle. We could have walked but since it is over a mile in each direction it should come as no surprise that we took the shuttle.
We have pictures from every angle but here are a few of the best.
After walking around the circle, and stopping to chat with a couple we met yesterday on the ferry, we headed back to the visitor center. There were several huts built in the style in which the Stone Circle builders would have lived.
Archeologists believe the circle was originally a cemetery. During excavation, they unearthed many fragments of bones. Get ready for another skeleton.
After finishing at Stonehenge, we headed back the way we came, to visit the town of Salisbury. I think the only reason anyone goes to Salisbury is to visit the Cathedral and with good reason. It is gorgeous!
It is the head of the Anglican Church in the diocese of Salisbury and the main body of the church was completed in 1258. As much time as I’ve spent in Europe, it still boggles my mind how old everything is here. I had a hard time selecting the pictures to include because they were all so beautiful but here are a few of my favorites.
Of course, the crown jewel of the cathedral is in the Chapter House, a very non-descript room. But what’s in it is precious….an original copy of the Magna Carta. King John was very unpopular and was forced to sign the document in 1215. It is the basis for British and U.S. government.
There are 3 other original versions still in existence but this one is, by far, in the best shape. The volunteer steward told me that the reason is because this one has never been removed from the Cathedral since it arrived. It was amazing to see.
When it was time for lunch, we found a restaurant called Prezzo and enjoyed some Italian. Peter had lasagna and I feasted on a Margherita pizza. It was quite good.
As a consolation, here’s the drink I had. This was taken before I had even the littlest sip. It is a Peach Bellini and was very yummy.
We were home very early, about 3:30, so it has been a very relaxing late afternoon/early evening. But now it’s time for dinner and while Peter is getting that ready, I need to start packing up for our departure. Tomorrow night we’re in Bristol at the Hilton Doubletree. I couldn’t find a reasonable priced Airbnb anywhere near Bath (which is where we wanted to stay), and since Bristol is only 30 minutes away, we decided to stay there and do Bath as a day trip on Friday.
Have a great evening everyone. Talk soon.
The Cathedral is spectacular but more amazing is the condition it’s in considering it’s age. Nothing built now would ever last that long!
I had a good laugh looking at your pizza picture! I could imagine how good it must have been.
Salisbury Cathedral is one of my favorites; right up there with the one in Salamanca Spain we saw in 2018. Neither are ornate like the baroque style of Italian Cathedrals, but they are gorgeous in their simplicity. As for the pizza, I thought you would enjoy that.