WELLS & BRISTOL
We’re on our way to Bristol for a wedding of a former tenant but we stop on the way at another stone circle the daughter has found. We walk and walk through fields and along a tiny lane and finally on the hill is a stone circle that looks in fantastic condition. We take photos and think of the people who built it and then the daughter reads an inscription - it was built recently to commemorate something or other in the town! The disappointment is real. We stop looking for stone circles on the way to Wells, where we’ll have a break.
We find an amazing cafe, Fosso lounge, it’s like stepping into an English country house. There’s a craft market in the centre and I take a look at Wells Cathedral which began in 1175. It was the first church to be built in the Gothic style that had begun in France. I didn’t go inside as it was expensive but the outside and monastery grounds are surrounded by a moat and reflecting pool with swans floating by. It’s a beautiful small town, worth a look.
We’re staying outside Bristol at Rickford in a lovely old pub, The Plume of Feathers built in 1756 across from a tiny stream that weaves through the town and next to a mill. Such a pretty little town with a lovely old church that’s being repaired. We settle in for the night, eating at the restaurant there. Next day is our first English wedding.
THE WEDDING.
What a place! It looks ancient but we find it was built in the 1920’s by a tobacco family, Coombe Lodge. It was built on the site of an older property dating back to 1759. What a night! What a beautiful venue. And what a wedding! The sun came out, the sunset lit up the brides, yes two beautiful women tied the knot. A tenant who lived with us and became our adopted daughter and her lovely partner who’s obsessed with dinosaurs so all our tables were different dinosaurs! A glorious evening was had by all. I felt I was back in the 1920’s, English folk, quirky and interesting. We danced until late as a big moon glazed the property in soft silvery light.
Next day we drop our car off and head into the old part of Bristol. We only have a day before returning home but I have to say Bristol has some beautiful old bars. Worth returning to check them out.
Comments