We rode to Salisbury to see the Cathedral there.
The first church was built in 1092 by William the Conqueror. Can you imagine recorded history that goes back that far?
It used to be called the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Christopher Wren was the architect for repairs in the 17th Century when it was rebuilt. He was tasked with the restoration of the spire after it has settled.
The spire was added in the 13th century. It is now the tallest in England. the spire was not originally this tall so the added weight pushed the walls outward. in the mid 14th century additional buttresses and iron ties were added.
Salisbury Church has one of the 4 surviving Magna Carta. The Magna Carta is a symbol of justice and fairness and has inspired freedom and constitutional governments in Britain and around the world. It was issued by England's King John in 1215 to prevent a war between the king and his powerful barons.
Before you get all up in arms about how great England is over the US, think about how many of England's colonies have fared over the centuries. All countries have baggage.
You can see the marks made by King John's seal since these documents were not actually signed.
Look at the thatched roof. This cottage was built in the in the 1600's.
This particular forest land is divided into 5 districts with a warden in each. The land's purpose was for it to be used for the King's pleasure and all others were to stay out. Unfortunately, two of William's sons died in this forest, one in and hunting accident; the other was murdered in retaliation for his own murderous acts.
There are game wardens who patrol the districts and take responsibility for the horses, rabbits, pigs and co
The rights of common to be on the land passes down in families and some have
The pigs love the acorns. But the privileged sows, the ones that are pregnant, are allowed out at anytime to forage.
The animals are rounded up in a rodeo of sorts once a year and vaccinated and vetted. There is a fair and festivall and everyone dresses in Medieval clothing.
The English love gardens. They can make gardens in just about any place. The colors are beautiful against the red bricks that are so prevalent in the city.
The Medieval Gates still cross the narrow streets. This is where the old city walls offered protection to the serfs and countrymen.
I can see the tradesmen going in and out with their their wagons and wares.
This reminds me of the alleyways in New Orleans down in the French Quarter. I guess some things are universal.
Dr. Who?
This looks like an amazing manor house.
This is a mail box. I guess they call it a Post. It looks like a post. Right?
And this is part of the outer wall of the Medieval protection wall from 1500s. I love the whole picture in my head.
Can you see the damsel in the window?
MARVELOUS post!! The cathedral in Salisbury must have been an amazing experience. It is pretty cool that even back in the 9th century it was important to people to keep a record of events. I suspect a lot of that was done by the Church. You sure had a lot of English history to soak up. I think it's all so interesting, as I suspect many do, due to the popularity of period pieces on TV. I was pretty surprised to see a telephone booth. I had seen a news piece that said "they" were being collected and refurbished to other purposes. The report showed mini book exchanges, and there was even a cell phone store in one.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a great post.
xx, Carol
Wrat a great way to share your vacation. It looks like you had great fun and saw some amazing things.
ReplyDelete