On our last day here, we started by walking through the Queen Elizabeth Gardens, dedicated in the early 1960s in honor of the queen’s coronation. We had a pleasant stroll and enjoyed the views of the River Avon. And, of course, the gardens themselves. I can’t quite identify these plantings, except for the Queen Anne’s lace, though the names are on the tip of my tongue.
From here we walked through the city center to St. Thomas Church, which is famous for its 15th century Doom painting by an unknown painter. Jesus is at the top center, while on one side angels drag the wicked down into hell and on the other they help the good into the new Jerusalem. During the Reformation it was whitewashed over, then restored, and then whitewashed at least one more time over the centuries, but has fairly recently been cleaned and restored. It’s quite impressive.
Next up, after a quick visit to Waterstone’s, was a tour of Salisbury cathedral, and it was spectacular. Our guide was knowledgeable and lively and could answer just about every question asked. This is the gorgeous baptismal font, which reflects so well that you could get dizzy and fall in if you weren’t careful.
And here’s a less dizzying look:
We dutifully looked at the oldest operating clock in the world, and I wished Pat had been here to understand it, which was more than I could do!
More highlights of this most beautiful cathedral:
We also visited the Magna Carta in the Chapter House. I remembered that on my last visit there, 30+ years ago, a guide told us that the Magna Carta was taken home every night by one of the staff who feared it was not safe left lying around! When I asked on this trip if this were true, two different people said, “Probably!” They preserve it a bit more carefully these days.
The Cloister and Chapter House are glorious.
Dinner tonight was at Baroushka’s again. Why not stick with the best?!
Caroline's Garden and Travel Record 