Wiltshire’s moonrakers weren’t so daft…Since the 18th century, Wiltshire men have been known as moonrakers.
An odd name to match an equally peculiar story. The tale goes that one moonlit night some Wiltshire yokels were raking a village pond for kegs of smuggled brandy, when they were surprised by excise men. Country guile kicked in as they feigned stupidity claiming they were trying to rake out the moon, which was reflected in the water. Needless to say, several communities claim the pond but the most likely is Devizes…and its Crammer pond.
From moonlit madness to celebrating the sun. It has to be Stonehenge, Wiltshire’s legitimate claim to world celebrity. Stonehenge was already 500 to 1,000 years old before the first Egyptian pyramid was built. Since then, so much mystery. So much left to the imagination. A visit to the tourist centre helps put the stones in their prehistoric context and you can have a go at ‘moving’ one of the giants before marvelling at the real things.
Don’t forget Avebury, Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow and Windmill Hill and the Stonehenge landscape…working to deflate our 21st century sense of self-importance.
As does the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, a place of worship, welcome, and hospitality for more than 800 years. Its spire, the tallest in the country at a breath-taking 404 feet, is an amazing feat of medieval engineering, guiding travellers and pilgrims to the city. Follow the new family-friendly trail inside the cathedral and see the Magna Carta, of 1215, one of only four surviving originals. And what’s that ‘ticking’? It’s the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. Close with a reflection on the ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ window, dominating the east end. A powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect freedom and justice.
On to Stourhead, a stunning 18th century landscape garden in west Wiltshire. Described as ‘a living work of art’, it has mystical grottoes, rare and exotic trees and a lake reflecting classical temples. The gardens were a location for the filming of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightly. More magnificent gardens to make the silver screen can be enjoyed at Iford Manor. They steal the show in Secret Garden, starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters. Listen in on the audio tours.
Now we’re off to the Westbury White Horse, not for a pint (that’s later) but a reminder that the chalky landscape of Wiltshire is renowned for its chalk carvings. Originally, there were thirteen White Horses across the county. Eight can still be seen today, with the oldest at Westbury, dating from 1778, and the most recent one at Devizes, completed in 1999, to mark the millennium. The other White Horses can be found at Alton Barnes, Broad Town, Cherhill, Hackpen, Marlborough and Pewsey. As well as the White Horses, look out for the Bulford Kiwi and the Fovant Badges, carved as reminders of Wiltshire’s strong military past. Seeing them all makes for a very different day out in stunning countryside.
Time now for a pint of Wiltshire’s famous crisp cider, a sandwich made with world renowned Wiltshire Cure ham and a slice of another Wiltshire delicacy, Lardy Cake, rich in sugar, spices and dried fruit. All this while looking down on a county of chalk streams, rolling hills, open plains, canals, hill forts, museums, castles and ancient history.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour around Wiltshire! Just one more thing to help make your trip complete…
Leave A Comment