Situated in Wiltshire in the southwest, this is a Neolithic henge containing 3 stone circles around and through the village of Avebury. After Stonehenge, it is one of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain and contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. What makes it different though, is that it is so accessible - you walk through, alongside, in amongst and next to the stones, so it's a much more personal experience. Quite special.
The henge was constructed over several hundred years during the third millenium BC (3000 to 2000 BC) and is part of the larger prehistoric landscape containing the West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill. Today the weather wasn't great so inbetween showers I just did the stone circles.
The sheep weren't bothered by the rain.
Despite signs everywhere, there were still kids climbing on the stones, being photographed by their parents. No surprise then when monuments are fenced off and you can only view them from a distance. Morons.
These are Copper Beeches with their amazing root system. Word is that JR Tolkien used them as inspiration for The Ents. There are ribbons tied to the branches. Offerings, apparently. I like the idea of tree gods.
During it's history, the site has been abandoned, broken down, and rebuilt. Right now it is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Time for tea .. National Trust Cafe - reliably good scones.
Then on to the Manor. Built in the 16th century, on or near the site of a Benedictine Priory founded in 1114, the house is apparently haunted. There was no evidence of this on the day.
In 2011 in the BBC1 series The Manor Reborn, the house was refurbished by experts in collaboration with the National Trust. Many of the rooms were renovated in the style of one of four eras - the series illustrated the story of British design across 5 centuries. In a surprising move, visitors are now encouraged to sit on the chairs, test the beds and make themselves at home. Very unusual.
Leading out to the garden ..
Definitely Jack and the Beanstalk beans!
Lots of photographs, I know, but there was so much else to see which I haven't shown. If you are ever in the area, spend the day here. You'll be amazed.
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