The King and his Men

I won't let you all wait too long with bated breath: so here is our tale of what we encountered in Warwickshire when we went to visit Christina to collect our marmalade. We left home around 10 am and got to near Christina's in Long Compton by 12 pm. The weather wasn't too good, and the poor Jellies were sitting in the back with their legs crossed. They needed a walk.

So John took a few turns off the main road and before we knew it we arrived at the Rollright Stones; we had seen signposting to the Great Rollrights and on the other side to the Little Rollrights. We ended up at the little ones. They weren't all that little. As John took the Jellies off , they were not allowed on the site, I went to have a look and took a few photos.

The Rollright Stones are one of the best known stone circles in the British Isles, dating from the late neolithic period (2500 - 2000 BC). They lack the spectacle of Stonehenge, but they have a stillness and reclusive mystery, hiding from the traveller like a fox in a bush. The scale is human and does not intimidate like the giant processional menhirs of Avebury, and it is still possible to have the stones entirely to yourself if you pick your time. I nearly had the stones to myself, as there was only one other couple there, who enlightened me that they liked to photograph these sites, and churches in the dark and in the evenings. When I commented that the site was only open from dawn to sunset he wasn't too worried, as there was nary an official person in sight. To be expected at this time of the year. The main circle of stones is called the King's Men. It is difficult to count the stones (legend says it is impossible) but most people arrive at a number between 70 and 80. I didn't even try.

They are most amazing: all the stones are weathered into grotesque shapes, as rotten and riddled with holes as old timber. this one looks as if he has an eye.

In a nearby field there is a large, solitary stone called the King Stone, and a few hundred yards away is a group of stones called The Whispering Knights Unfortunately I wasn't able to take a photo of these as they were further afield in a very muddy site. But I did manage to get one of the King himself In a nearby field there is a large, solitary stone a bit hard to see; I didn't really want to get my shoes any more muddy than necessary.

There is a great deal of folklore associated with the stones. Young women were rumoured to touch the King stone with their breasts at midnight for fertility. Fairies live under the stones. The stones dance. They go down to the stream to drink. The witch elder bleeds when cut. Witches have met there since time immemorial. There is no doubt that modern neopagans do meet there, and there are many accounts of nightime visitors coming across strange goings-on. Visitors should note that the main circle of the Kings Men is privately owned, and midnight frivolity could land you in trouble.

What therre is to see at the Great Rollrights I don't know, will have to leave that till when we go again that way. I hope you found this interesting, I did these places are really unique and fascinating.

Shall now sign off as we are going away on Thursday 14th till Thursday 21st to Honicombe Manor just inside the border of Cornwall, near to Tavistock. No doubt I will have something to tell when I get back . Will take my camera of course. thought you all might enjoy this pix.

PS I shall block off my email address so as not to be inundated with emails when I get back but you can reach me on my mobile anytime except in the middle of the night.