Castle Combe

Went to Castle Combe, Wiltshire for the weekend with Mum and Dad, where Dad's friend Bill Cross owns and operates a lovely hotel. It's a beautiful little historic town, which doubled as a film set for Dr Dolittle, Stardust and the upcoming Wolfman.

We spent the Saturday exploring the countryside in a little car that Bill lent us. We first stopped in Bradford-on-Avon, originally a Roman town, now noted for its Norman-era bridge and Saxon church. There is a weather vane on the bridge in the form of a golden gudgeon (an early Christian symbol), hence the local saying "under the fish but over the water".

On the 'broad ford' bridge:

It had been sunny in London, so Anna had only brought light clothes. We had to pop into some shops to get something proper to wear. I bought a high street label top in a thrift shop for just £5, though I almost bought an over-sized garish handknitted jumper with a picture of Rupert the Bear on it. I think my final purchase has somewhat better re-use value...

The town:

Inside the 700AD Saxon Church of St Laurence, where King Edward the Martyr was temporarily buried:

Next we decided to pay a visit to the Westbury (or Bratton) White Horse. We'd seen this hill figure before, but it was fascinating to go up close. The origin of the Westbury White Horse is obscure. It is often claimed to commemorate King Alfred's victory at the Battle of Eðandun in 878. However, the earlist documentary evidence states that there's been a horse on this hillside since at least 1742. Unfortunately the current version is a restoration.

I was disappointed to see that it is now appears to be just a slab of concrete, as opposed to some wild and natural chalk carving.

The weather became particularly fierce while we were up there, so we had to retreat back to the car, and then off to Lacock for a fortifying cream tea.

Some castle somewhere:

The town of Tiddleywink:

Back in Castle Combe, which has quite a few interesting sights of its own.

The tomb of a knight, inscribed Walter de Dunstanville 1270, in the church. He is in armour with his legs crossed at the knees, indicating that he fought in two crusades, while the lion at his feet indicates that he died in battle.

The so-called Roman Bridge, because of a ghostly legionary seen there by locals...

Bill and Ann outside their hotel: