Stonehenge, Stourhead, and Bath

A few weeks ago the entire group took a day trip to Stonehenge, Stourhead, and Bath.  I had heard from several other people that Stonehenge is very anticlimactic.  Fortunately, I went in with low expectations and was not disappointed at all.  It is just a grouping of rocks without any known history behind them.  One of the professors asked us to reflect on what their original purpose might have been. 

I didn't come up with any grand theory but I learned in my Art History 111 course last winter that only about half of the rock is visible, the rest extend deep into the earth.Even though I didn't get much out of seeing Stonehenge, at least I can say I have seen it in person.  I think being able to tell people we have seen things is half the reason why we bother to tour around at all.  Do I really care about rocks or paintings or old architecture?  Most of the time, not really; but I probably should.

After Stonehenge we took a short drive to Stourhead which is perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been.  I could have stayed for hours enjoying the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and peaceful silence.  This garden is well known because of its role in the most recent Pride and Prejudice film when Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennett in the rain.  Granted, I like Jane Austen books and films but that is not why I enjoyed the gardens so much.  Like I said before, it was nice to get out in nature and enjoy walking along the paths while talking to friends.  We were fortunate to have a beautiful, sunny and crisp fall day.

Following Stourhead we traveled to "take in the waters of Bath" - as described in Jane Austen novels.  The Roman baths were very interesting and I particularly enjoyed the history behind them.  I had always understood the baths to be a place of healing but I soon learned there were many other functions as well.  Initially, they were used as places of worship, sport, healing, and learning.  The main baths still contain the original lead flooring and retain the heat.