Tower and Tor, Folklore and more
January 7th, 2007
My first adventure this year, solo I might add, on an Antiquarian journey.
Todays destination - Glastonbury Tor. You wouldn't believe what the elements are like today, cold, wet and bloody windy - perfect conditions for such a mission.
As I began the climb fighting the wind I walked through the stones halfway up by the bench, the doorway to the Labyrinth, and opened it with my tiny footsteps.
Onward I pressed towards the top almost getting swept away by gale force.
I'm sat inside the tower on the tor for shelter and I can barelly write the conditions are that extreme but the beauty which surrounds me all over Street and Glastonbury is so impressive and the feeling I get whilst sat here is one of calmness which combined with liberating, I think i'm on my very own journey.
The lush countryside being blown around in the wind seems all the more rich with character and definition today.
People are milling about though not for long as they can't brave the weather, I though am enduring it and now all alone up here on Glastonbury Tor i'm finding peace and solitude. I only took one wrong turn in the car on the way here, pretty impressive considering my sense of direction is slightly off balance.
I had a cup of coffee from the flask before I left the car, just to warm my bones before coming up here. I will look forward to another on my return.
To imagine what it was like up here all those years ago intrigues me. I delve into my mind and take it back. The last Abbot of Glastonbury was hung on this very Tor for what reason I am unclear. The monastic church of St. Micheal which is closely linked to the Abbey in the town fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries.
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Weekend of exploring
Last weekend, 16th & 17th we went in search of stones we've not visited before, so map at hand we headed for North East Somerset/Bath and Wells area.
Saturdays adventure took us to The Weddings at Stanton Drew, The Great Circle, North East Circle and Avenues. The weather was a particularly humid but overcast and damp day which made it all the more prolific in my mind. I could not get over the enormity of the Great Circle once we approached it. After parking in the alloted parking area for visitors (only on a short term basis, and which requires funds for the box on departing as an act of good will for the use of the private property!) we walked through the gate towards the circles. It's amazing how breathtaking this site is. It felt slightly unearthly when the bells to the church started ringing in the near distance, apparently a wedding was taking place.
I was tempted to start counting the stones, knowing full well the folklore and supposed misfortunes of this folklore, but lost count after a while. The smaller North East Circle is practically perfectly formed running alongside a avenue.
We then proceeded to the circle in the top field which after scrabbling underneath barbed wire saw the route which we should have taken, just up the track and into the field. The stones lay beautifully in a secluded section of the field. Geese were roaming in the adjoining grassland minding there own business squawking away to each other.
After studying the stones to some degree we thought we would walk to The Cove, but having not been to this area before thought it best to go in the car, so we left the car park of the unfriendly locals and headed towards the Druids Arms where, standing proud as you like are the three standing stones which make up The Cove. Perfectly positioned by the pub what better way to end the day than with a cold pint - but no, the pub was closed.
We decided to find Hautville's Quoit which took two trips up and down the long road (where we passed it) and came back on ourselves to Quoit Farm, where we had to drive into the farm itself and park up and walk towards the hedge. There, buried underneath the hedgerow we found the remains of the stone, which is now minimal to say the least, but worth the visit.
This was our last port of call for the saturday so it was time to head home, but not without stopping off at two pubs on the way. The first being the Half Moon, and the second the Black Horse at Sturminster Marshall, perfect end to a perfect day!
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I'm passionate about mysterious places of interest and the history that hides behind them. A close second is writing and poetry.
I'm a keen fitness freak too, whether it's tennis, keep-fit or walking. As long as i'm full of energy i'm happy.
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