Day 5: Lacock and Wells

I think I have solved my blog malfunction and have a new app which allows me to load my photos.  The same thing happened to me last trip so I am relieved.

We had a wonderful morning exploring the historic town of Lacock.  The entire town is owned by the National Trust with buildings dating from the 15th century onwards.  Many film and television productions have used the town as a film set including the 1995 version of "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma", "Cranford" and "Harry Potter".

 

Some of the quaint and gorgeous buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exterior of The Red Lion Inn was used for the Meryton ball in P and P.

  

It was also a gardening tour of English cottage garden plants, which were all identified by Glenda.

 

 

 

 

Here are some more cottages.

 

Notice the crooked beam here.

 

 

This is the very old tithe barn with exquisite woodwork in the ceiling beams. It was built in the 14th century to store the tithes (taxes) for the Church.

 

 

We then travelled to Wells to tour one of the finest medieval Cathedrals in England.  The West Front is completely covered in sculptured figures.  It is an absolutely amazing sight to behold once you turn the corner through the gate. It took my breath away.

 

 

Isn't it amazing?

 

We walked along to see the Vicars Close which is the oldest purely residential street in Europe!  It was built in the mid14th century.  Wow.  It was originally built as a little cottage for each clergyman and one servant.  It is now used by staff of the University.

 

Here is our happy group of Whitecroft travellers.

 

More lovely flowers.

 

 

This is the second oldest clock in the world that is still in working condition.  This part is on the outside of the Cathedral. It was made around 1380-90.

 

This is the clock on the inside, which chimes and has moving jousting knights every 15 minutes.  Magical!

 

We had a private tour of the embroideries in the quire of the Cathedral, renowned as some of the finest in the country.  They were commissioned in the 1930s and 1940s.  The colour, detail and stitching is exquisite.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior of the cathedral is stunning.

 

These are the scissor arches which had to be built to support the columns which were sinking in the boggy soil and under the weight of the ceiling and towers of the cathedral.

 

We were also invited to view the magnificent vestments used by the clergy.  These are historic.

 

 

 

 

This one has 15th century motifs appliqued to a brocade background by broderie perse.

 

 

 

The verger showed us some of the contemporary vestments.  Simple in silks and beautiful colours.

 

 

 

 

This is the Bishop's Palace, complete with moat and white swans.

 

 

 

 

This has been another amazing day.