francene--blog. Year 2013
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Dec 28th

12/28/2013

 
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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.


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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.


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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.


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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?


Alana link
12/27/2013 10:12:29 pm

I would have had trouble getting down into that glen, which I have never heard of. In a lot of national parks in the United States, lodging and refreshment stands/restaurants are leased to private outfits. We also have some treasures that are privately owned - the Angel Oak near Charleston, SC is privately owned and, amazingly, has free admission (they make money from a gift shop that sells some local food and crafts). I don't have a problem with private ownership if it preserves the site and is done in a way consistent with the beauty and history of the area but I do worry a private owner could sell to a developer who might not have that same respect.

Francene Stanley link
12/27/2013 11:00:08 pm

I agree with you, Alana. Private ownership could lead to destruction of ancient sites. But then again, all land was once used for something else. Maybe the Australian aboriginals have the right idea. They belong to the land, not the reverse.

Alana link
12/27/2013 10:13:15 pm

Since your blog was designed for 2013, are you going to discontinue it on December 31? If so, will you be blogging somewhere else?

Francene Stanley link
12/27/2013 11:02:20 pm

I'm still deliberating on my plans for next year. Blogging daily takes a huge amount of time, yet it's strangely hard to release the desire to make a start each morning.

Andrea link
12/28/2013 02:14:00 am

Hi Francene. Talk about coincidence; I have just got back from a week in Cornwall just down the road from St Nectan's Glen, one of my favourite places. I think it's a shame that our historical sites can't just be freely open to everyone, but it's not realistic, because most of them need money to support and protect them. If they are owned privately by someone who genuinely cares about the history of the site then it's in good (caretaking) hands, so it's for the best I think. I'm glad the new owner of St Nectan's is looking after it, and look forward to visiting it again in the spring.

Francene Stanley link
12/28/2013 02:32:17 am

'Of all the gin joints in all the world'... What a coincidence. I see the benefits of public ownership. I'm so glad the proprietor cares about the site. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Sharyn link
12/28/2013 02:34:09 am

As I shared on my facebook profile, "Beautiful photos accompany this thought provoking post. May every enterprise be as thoughtful of sacred spaces!"

PS I am concerned for you that you are not getting the SEO you deserve by being on a weebly site. If this is a concern for you as well and you are open to exploring other ideas, please reach out to me privately (I tried to find you privately to do this, but I failed to find a way to connect besides here; with apologies!).

Francene Stanley link
12/28/2013 04:59:22 pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed the article and pictures.

Bonnie Gean link
12/28/2013 04:17:53 am

I haven't visited any of the sites you mentioned above, but I would love to! Some may say it's against the laws of nature for a corporation to make money off of historical sites, but I believe the money helps them to restore and keep the sites alive for public view. I don't mind paying to see something that would otherwise be free as long as the money goes toward restoration of the site.

Francene Stanley link
12/28/2013 05:00:40 pm

I agree, Bonnie. As long as the money is used for the good of all--after costs of course.

amar link
12/28/2013 09:08:31 am

i have seen lot of historical sites being getting destroyed due to lack of funds. if private enterprises can prevent historical place, then i feel it is the write thing to do

Francene Stanley link
12/28/2013 05:02:11 pm

Thank you for sharing your experience, Amar. I guess it's like historical homes falling into disrepair through lack of funds.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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