Thursday, September 4, 2014

Edinburgh

A bagpiper plays for tips along the Royal Mile




Edinburgh Castle



In a medieval 'close' behind the Royal Mile


Home and office of John Knox


Along the famous Royal Mile






St. Giles in Edinburgh

St. Giles is the main church in Edinburgh. St. Giles is the patron saint of Edinburgh. 

The angel font near the entrance




Striking stained glass fills the church with muted colors




Countryside

In the Lakes District on the way to Scotland



Cirencester

A pleasant lunch stop in the Cotswolds

Blackjack Street leading to the ancient church

Pastries in Jack's Cafe where we had lunch

Janis and John at a nice window seat where we could enjoy the warmth of the sun

The church dates from the 12th century

The pulpit from 1450



Castlecombe in Cotswolds


A classic car makes its way down the main (and only) street on a quiet Sunday morning
In the cemetery
This village grew wealthy from the wool trade. The merchant citizens showed their gratitude
by building a magnificent church

The church dates back to the 1200s



John and Janis walk through the peaceful hamlet


This knight participated in two crusades. You can tell because his legs are crossed. 
He died in 1270. 


Salisbury and Stonehenge



Pretty homes line the Cathedral close

The historic Haunch of Venison pub where we had a memorable and delicious lunch


A model showing the church being built. It took just 30 years from 1220-58


View of the tower from the cloisters




Clock mechanics from 1356 are still working perfectly



The grave of a knight from the early 1200s


Some graves are brightly-painted

Stonehenge from the south
Massive stones called 'sarsens' were brought here from many hundreds of miles away