Saturday, November 5, 2016 – Stonehenge and Winchester Cathedral

Night fell over Winchester, England, as the candles in the chancel reflected light in a darkening cathedral. We sat on 700-year-old choir stalls with the full men’s and boy’s cathedral choir. Leading the Saturday Evensong service, the choirs were in full stereophonic glory, and our ears were treated to majestic harmony. The pipe organ above us roared forth with such force that the vibrations could be felt and the reverberations could be heard for seconds as the sound bounced off the huge cathedral’s stone walls. It was an awesome moment in worship.

The day began with another thrilling adventure as we visited Stonehenge, the iconic stone monument over 5,000 years old. Possibly used for religious, astronomical, or community purposes, we walked the entire perimeter to get different angles of the pillars. The new exhibition hall was filled with informative displays about the monument.

We were thrilled with our day, believing we had experienced supreme examples of English existence. Yet, when we left Winchester Cathedral and walked out into the cold evening air, we were greeted with fireworks. It was National Fireworks Day in England, commemorating the failed attempt of Guy Fawkes to blow up the English Parliament on November 5, 1605. We soon saw a massive torch light parade winding its way toward a bonfire and fireworks display. It was a fun way to end a marvelous English day. WEG