On Wednesday May 11 2016, I joined some of my Chevening colleagues on a trip to Salisbury. We visited Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral. The trip was in collaboration with one of the Chevening Partner universities, the University of Southampton, and what an experience it was!
We were expertly guided by Dr Josh Pollard and Professor David Hinton. Dr Josh Pollard is a Reader in Archaeology and Professor David Hinton is an Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Southampton. Both Dr Pollard and Professor Hinton are experts in their respective fields of archaeology and shared their knowledge on the history of these landmarks.
First of all, we learned that early construction of Stonehenge dated back to 3000BC and that the stones were most likely brought to Salisbury from north Wales. For me this added even more to the majesty of the site.
When that segment of the tour was over, we took pictures and made our way to the next stop, Old Sarum.
Old Sarum is the site of the first settlers in Salisbury, again dating as far back as 3000BC. Dr Pollard and Dr Hinton shared their expertise on the many buildings which once stood at the site. We then left Old Sarum and travelled to Salisbury Cathedral.
Salisbury Cathedral was formerly known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the Cathedral Church of the Salisbury diocese it is Mother Church of several hundred parishes in Wiltshire and Dorset. The Cathedral was built in just 38 years and boasts the tallest steeple in the United Kingdom. Looking at that massive building was awe-inspiring and it was a testament to the skilled craftsmen who would have built it.
Once again I am thankful to Chevening for facilitating another life-changing experience. Special thanks also go out to Chevening Programme Officers, Catriona and Gabriela for taking care of us on the day. These are memories that we will all carry around for a lifetime!