In England, people through the ages have held special sites in England as sacred. To this day, Christians, Buddhists, pagans and curious visitors with no religious beliefs of any kind are drawn to ancient sites.
On Dec 21st 2013, revelers gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the shortest day of the year—the Winter Solstice. More than 3,500 people watched the sun rise at 8.09am at the Wiltshire site, where new buildings cater for visitors. Despite the nearby business enterprise, Druids and pagans chanted, danced and lent their heads on the huge rocks. It is the only time the meticulous layout of the stones appears to align. At dawn, the sun casts a line of light directly connecting the altar stone, the slaughter stone and the heel stone. The Winter Solstice is regarded as more important than summer as it was the time when Bronze Age clans would slay cows, finish fermenting their wine, and mark the start of a new year. Something about the old ways appeals to us even now.
On Dec 21st 2013, revelers gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the shortest day of the year—the Winter Solstice. More than 3,500 people watched the sun rise at 8.09am at the Wiltshire site, where new buildings cater for visitors. Despite the nearby business enterprise, Druids and pagans chanted, danced and lent their heads on the huge rocks. It is the only time the meticulous layout of the stones appears to align. At dawn, the sun casts a line of light directly connecting the altar stone, the slaughter stone and the heel stone. The Winter Solstice is regarded as more important than summer as it was the time when Bronze Age clans would slay cows, finish fermenting their wine, and mark the start of a new year. Something about the old ways appeals to us even now.
Similarly, St Nectan's Glen in Cornwall is an astonishingly beautiful, even magical spot. The fairy glen has been cut by water and erosion over unknown millennium. A waterfall drops into a natural bowl and then emerges through a circular hole cut by the endless stream. Moss and lichen cloak the sheer sides, along with precariously perched trees, so the whole place has a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere. Once revered by pre-Roman Celts who venerated the spirit of the water, and later associated with the 6th Century Saint Nectan, it is still visited today by thousands of people from all over the world. The Arthur myth too has been bolted on and folk thereabouts believe the king and his knights came to the glen to be blessed, before heading out in search of the Holy Grail.
I find inspiration in old sites, especially in Cornwall. In my book, Tidal Surge, one of the characters paints Tintagel Castle from the beach, right before the tide sweeps in and catches them unaware.
Many people leave little souvenirs of their visit to sacred sites—single coins wedged into tree trunks, old train tickets from the journey, photos and keepsakes of loved ones.
When the area around St Nectan's Glen was sold last year to a private buyer, worries were raised about continued public access. However, the new owner vowed to keep the spot open. Now, an area has been cleared and a new tearoom, gallery, and education center built in a style sympathetic to the surrounding woodlands. As before, the public have free access to walk up through the glen, with a charge to see the waterfall. The money will be used to maintain the 35-acre site. It's well worth taking a look at the business site for St. Nectan's Glen. I think they've used sensitivity in the handling of their business.
Many people leave little souvenirs of their visit to sacred sites—single coins wedged into tree trunks, old train tickets from the journey, photos and keepsakes of loved ones.
When the area around St Nectan's Glen was sold last year to a private buyer, worries were raised about continued public access. However, the new owner vowed to keep the spot open. Now, an area has been cleared and a new tearoom, gallery, and education center built in a style sympathetic to the surrounding woodlands. As before, the public have free access to walk up through the glen, with a charge to see the waterfall. The money will be used to maintain the 35-acre site. It's well worth taking a look at the business site for St. Nectan's Glen. I think they've used sensitivity in the handling of their business.
It's hard to reconcile the blend of enterprise and nature. However, if visitors are drawn to any natural beauty, they need facilities and perhaps a place to sit and eat.
Here's a link to a 5 min video of the waterfall and surrounding area containing very rare footage with original music by Christian Cello. If you start at 1.47 sec. you go straight to it. Soothing music accompanies the trickling of water.
What are your views on private enterprise taking advantage of historical sites? Would a cup of tea on a cold day sway your opinion?
Here's a link to a 5 min video of the waterfall and surrounding area containing very rare footage with original music by Christian Cello. If you start at 1.47 sec. you go straight to it. Soothing music accompanies the trickling of water.
What are your views on private enterprise taking advantage of historical sites? Would a cup of tea on a cold day sway your opinion?
RSS Feed
