We decided to have a week away in the caravan in August. We were pleasantly surprised that the site was not too busy (except at the weekend) and that it was quiet. The site itself was at Sells Green 3 miles west of Devizes and adjacent to the Avon and Kennet canal. On the Saturday we met up with Maggie and Andy at Lacock and returned to the caravan for a meal. It was rather showery that day.
Sue and I returned on the Sunday to visit Lacock Abbey and to have a look around the museum.
The National Trust describe the Abbey as follows:
’The Abbey, located at the heart of the village within its own woodland grounds, is a quirky country house of various architectural styles, built upon the foundations of a former nunnery. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the medieval rooms and cloister court, giving a sense of the Abbey's monastic past.
The museum celebrates the achievements of former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography.’
On the Sunday there was a meeting of the Calotype Society in and around the grounds of the Abbey. Posing for the modern digital camera is one of the members – my photo was shot in a fraction of a second, his photos take 6-8 minutes. There were 10 members there from Sweden, USA, Italy and the UK.
Calotype photo of the West Front of Lacock Abbey - 1844
One of the exhibition photos – Venice – the blurring is caused by the movement of the gondolas. (This is not a calotype photo)
Inside the Abbey
Lacock is mentioned in the Domesday book, with a population of 160–190; with two mills and a vineyard. Most of the surviving houses are 18th-century or earlier in construction. There is a 14th-century tithe barn, a medieval church, and an inn dating from the 15th century and an 18th-century lock-up.
The village has been used as a film and television set, notably for the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, the 2007 BBC production of Cranford. It has also made brief appearances in the Harry Potter films.
The VW club were having an outing to Lacock.
Close to the caravan site are the famous Caen Hill Locks. They are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The locks and ponds were the last stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal to be built in 1810 and form part of a longer 29-lock flight at Devizes, all packed into just over two miles. The total rise is 237 feet.
| Caen Hill Café – the dog is not impressed with what’s on offer. | Heron fishing |
16 locks
One of the reasons for being in Devizes was so that we had an easier drive to have lunch with friends at Blunsdon Manor, Swindon. There was a good turnout and the food was excellent – I didn’t eat for ages afterwards.
The canal close to the caravan site on a very pleasant evening.
Seen outside a shop in Lacock
Why did the ram fall off the cliff?
Because he didn't see the ewe turn.
Following our return from Devizes we were visited by Joy and Geoff who were part of the volunteer party helping to set up for the National Feast of Lanterns at Somerley House (about 2 miles away).
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