Wok N Roll with us...Bob and Teri Along with Atlas and Kalani: Stonehenge and Bath England July 29, 2019

The construction of Stonehenge was a 1500 year project that began around 3000 BC when the digging of the first ditches began. The eighty-plus larger sarsen stones started appearing 500 years later. Fifty-three of these stones remain. These sarsen stones are a type of sandstone boulder believed to have come from Malborough Downs, 20 miles away. The center horseshoe consists of trilithons using these sarsen stones. On average the trilithons weigh 25 tons. The rearranging of the bluestones and digging of their holes are believed to have continued through 1500 BC. The bluestones weigh on average 4 tons and most modern scholars believe that these stones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales about 150 miles away. How these stones were moved that distance is still unknown. The stones were modified using very primitive tools made from both sarsen and flint. Mortis holes and protruding tenons (seen in some of the pictures) were created forming tongue and groove joints. The raising of these huge stones was done by digging a slopped hole and then pulling the stone up using fiber ropes and possibly weights too. Prior to the stones being raised, Stonehenge was a cemetery and cremated remains continued to be buried there over the years. While no one really knows why Stonehenge was erected, most scholars believe it was most likely a prehistoric temple that was built to align with the movements of the sun. Many Roman artifacts have been found at Stonehenge suggesting that it was later a place of ritual for the Romans. Visiting Stonehenge we couldn't help but appreciate what a powerful image of ancient achievement it represents.

From Stonehenge, we headed to the city of Bath. The fundamental part of the Roman Baths in Bath, England is the sacred hot spring. The Celts first arrived in Bath around 700 BC. The first shrine built at this location was done by the Celts and was dedicated to the Goddess Sulis. The Romans invaded Bath in 43 AD and by 75 AD they had built an impressive religious Spa Complex. The Roman Baths are one of the most remarkable ruins outside Rome itself. The ruins provide a wonderful insight into the magnificent structures that were built by the Romans. The Romans channeled through lead pipes the hot mineral water that rose through the limestone from beneath the city. They built various baths, heated rooms, and plunge pools. The Romans would travel across the country to bathe in the sacred waters and worship at the religious temple. The museum on the grounds also houses many Roman artifacts. While in Bath we had some time to explore the town and also the Bath Abbey. The Bath Abbey was the last great medieval cathedral to be built in England. The building of the Abbey began in 1499 but was not completed until 117 years later. Upon HenryVIII's orders in 1539 to dissolve all the monasteries, the Bath Abbey laid in ruins for more than 70 years. The Abbey has a total of 1508 memorials. Surprisingly you did not have to be well off at that time to be commemorated in the Abbey. Peoples from all walks of life are represented. The vaulted fan ceiling in the Abbey is exceptional. An interesting fact: Pews were not introduced until the 19th Century. People would stand through the service and for those with disabilities there were ledges along the wall, giving rise to the saying 'the weak go to the wall'.