26 05 Stonehenge and Salisbury

Our final day of touring in London started with a bus trip to Southern England. The first site of the day was Stonehenge, the mysterious 5000 year old monument. The method and purpose for construction of this massive display are still unknown. Some speculation leads individuals to believe the site may have been created for astronomical use, or quite possibly where rituals could take place. Next we went to the Salisbury Cathedral which is the cathedral church of the Salisbury diocese. Construction of the cathedral began in 1220 and was completed 38 years later. This cathedral is known for its 404 ft. spire (tallest in Britain) as well as being home to one of the four original Magna Carta. We walked through the church admiring the arches and the stained glass windows and then went to the chapel where we saw the Magna Carta. Inside the chapel there was a Tantric Buddhist monk creating an intricate mandala with colored sand. We ate lunch at a local pub where many of us tried the notorious fish and chips of England. After getting ice cream we headed back to London. The evening was free so many of us went shopping, or out to catch one last play (Chicago being the number one choice). While packing everyone was a little sad to say goodbye to London, but excited to be going home.


Group at Stonehenge.


Stonehenge close up.


Being stones at Stonehenge: Girls make a structure of their own...will ours or the original stand longer?


Stonehenge I.


Audio guide at Stonehenge: Angie, Abbey, and Dane listen to the soothing voice of the tour guide...is Dane sleeping?


Stonehenge II.


Matt and sheep at Stonehenge: While perfecting his sheep call, Matt makes some new friends at Stonehenge.


Salisbury Cathedral: Built from 1220-1250, this cathedral is famous for its 404 foot spire (the tallest in Britian). The cathedral also contains one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta, the first known document in which a King willing cedes power..


Inside Salisbury Cathedral.


Boys in Salisbury Cathedral: Dane, Aaron, and Matt thoughtfully admire the fine architecture of the Salisbury Cathedral.


Flags hanging inside the cathedral: Angie looks at the flags that were carried into battles by the Wiltshire regiment.


Courtyard at the cathedral.


Leaving Salisbury Cathedral: Everyone says goodbye to the beautiful medieval cathedral.


Unlimited condiments at the pub: Choices, choices, choices...picking out our favorite condiments at a pub in Salisbury.


Sleepy time on the bus back to London: Worn out from a month of visiting sites, journaling, and being constantly on the go, everybody is ready to go home and get some much needed rest.

Math May Seminar, Pictures 2005