13.09.2011 – 13.09.2011  21 °C

Somehow the Hurricane largely blew itself out overnight so that when I woke up this morning the sun was shining and the wind had slackened noticeably. I spent the day today driving back in land towards Salisbury. Salisbury is the home of Stonehenge and the Salisbury Cathedral so I had booked a couple of nights at the YHA so that I could have a good dose of druids and history.

The drive from Brighton was largely uneventful and saw me arrive at Salisbury just after lunch. The hostel here is a an old manor house that has been converted into a hostel. It’s probably one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. As you drive up you come up this steep driveway lined by huge trees into this sweeping right hand bend to the manor. Just awesome for only 20 pound per night!

After settling in I hoofed it into town to find the tourist info and also to see the Cathedral. During my wanders the usual English squall came out of no-where and as per usual my rain coat got a working out! This time though the coat didn’t quite go the whole hog, the zipper failed on my black and white jacket so I decided it was about time I upgraded and got a decent rain coat. So after the squall had abated (somewhat) I found an outdoor store and got myself a new rain coat. I then set off for the Cathedral.

There has been a cathedral in Salisbury since before William the Conqueror! The current cathedral is circa 1200 AD and was built as the second most important place of worship behind the Canterbury Cathedral. This cathedral is quite interesting because unlike all of the other large churches I have been in it doesn’t have a high and low altar! This one was re-modelled after the reformation and the lower altar and its screen were removed. Therefore it is quite nice because you can clearly see down the whole length of the Cathedral! The cathedral is also home to an original signed copy of the Magna Carta! I love the fact that official documentation in the middle ages was so meticulously written, it’s almost a piece of art work! The other thing I loved about this cathedral is its grounds. The cathedral is surrounded by lush lawns and beautiful flower gardens.. I’m sure it makes for great photos if the sun is shining!

After really enjoying the cathedral I headed into town and bought myself some veges and meat so that I could cook myself steak and veges back at the hostel. Rounded out my evening by catching up on some TV and uploading a blog.