[Harlaxton ’11] Cathedrals, Big Clocks, and Lots of Shops Mark Weekend Excursions

by Erin Walch

The weekend’s excursions were a hodgepodge of fascinating architecture, ancient history, and cultural immersion. Awaking from our slumber early on Saturday morning before boarding a bus, we later entered the quaint but bustling town of Salisbury, not at all expecting it to be the location of such a massive feat of architecture–Salisbury Cathedral. Complete with a garden, courtyard, chapter house, and the church proper, this exhibit kept us thoroughly busy. Our guide expertly merged history with architecture, telling us all about the unique aspects of the building, such as the mere four foot foundation supporting the massive structure. It was also a pleasant surprise for the history gurus in our group to come face to face with the original manuscript of the Magna Carta written in Latin. By the end of the tour, batteries were wearing down from all of the brilliant pictures we took.

Hopping back on our lovely tour bus, the Fighting Automations traveled to none other but the legendary monument–Stonehenge. Exploring this ancient monument provided insight into the skill and cleverness of a past civilization, and some of us began to realize the fascination the world holds for Stonehenge may not lie in its physical appearance, but its ability to directly connect us with ancient cultures. The reasons as to why this monument this built, how they possibly carried the stones and arranged them into their present resting places, and what significance this structure held in the past are all questions that pique our interest.

Finishing up our journey, we arrived at the University of Bath to place our belongings in our lodgings for later that night. Then, taking a public bus into the center of Bath, we were given instructions to wander about and not cause shenanigans till check-in at the University at 10:30 pm. Some of us ate dinner at the Cozy Club and reported a classy British dining experience, others munched goodies from the curiously named Boston Tea Party, and still others experimented with classic Thai at the restaurant Mai Thai.

Drastically different from the easy going atmosphere of the harbor town Whitby, it was easy to see how the elite, exclusive vibe of Bath has remained from past to present. The lunch receptions in the Pump Room and country dances in the Lower and Upper Rooms that Catherine from Northanger Abbey would have experienced in an earlier version of Bath has given way to posh restaurants, fashionable clubs and expensive shopping districts. Depending on whether you prefer finding fabulous clothing, searching for tasty eats, or celebrating life in the many energetic clubs, the city of Bath is another dimension of the England we are all beginning to know and love.

Bath, Salisbury, stonehenge