Yesterday I spent the first
day of spring with 4 wonderful new friends exploring Lacock Abbey and village
and the nearby Avebury stone circle.
Located in Wiltshire,
Lacock village is owned by the National Trust and is well known for it’s
unspoiled and charming appearance. Every
building in the village is at least 200 years old, if not much older. As such, Lacock is often used as a TV and
film set. Just outside the village is Lacock Abbey, a quirky country manor of
various architectural styles, built upon the foundations of a former 13-century
nunnery. The abbey was used as Hogwarts classrooms in the first 2 Harry Potter
movies. The village is stunning and the abbey-turned-manor
amazing. It is easy to see why it is so
often used as a film and TV set.
About 30 minutes from Lacock
is Avebury Stonehenge, the world’s largest stone circle --16 times bigger than
Stonehenge. Despite its size, it is much less touristy than Stonehenge and it
is not yet roped off. One can wander freely among 100 stones, ditches, mounds,
and curious patterns from the past, as well as through the village of Avebury,
which grew up in the middle of this fascinating, 1,400-foot-wide Neolithic
circle.
Avebury’s stone circle was
originally composed of at least 98 stones but there are now only 27 left
intact. The main circle was probably
constructed first, around 2600 BC, while the large outer ring and earthwork
dates from 2500 BC. I am constantly amazed at how things here were built to last.
From 5000 year-old stone circles, 2000 year-old roman walls and fortresses, to
medieval castles, 13-century abbeys, and 300-year-old villages – all built
without the benefit of today’s technology and machines. All built with exquisite artistic detail,
craftsmanship, herculean effort, and all built to last through centuries and millennia.
I can’t help but be awestruck, or as they say here in England, gobsmacked.
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| Lacock Abbey |
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| Fun exploring with new friends |
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In the mid-16th century the Abbey was converted into a house
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| These rooms where used as classrooms in the first 2 Harry Potter movies |
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| It is easy to see why this place is used in films |
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| The artistry and attention to detail is breathtaking |
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| A small stone henge guarding a burial ground. |
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| A great place to enjoy the equinox. |
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| Avebury Stone Circle |
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| The largest stone circle in Europe |
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| There were a few pagans also enjoying the lovely first day of Spring |
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| The village of Avebury |
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| 5000-years-old -- built to last |
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