West England

Summary

Join Rick Steves as he explores the West of England, visiting charming Cotswold villages, historic cathedrals, and ancient stone circles. Discover the region's rich history, from medieval wool markets to prehistoric wonders like Stonehenge and Avebury. Along the way, enjoy local traditions such as shuffleboard with an eccentric lord, sampling hard apple cider, and experiencing the serene beauty of the countryside. This episode offers a mix of natural, historic, and cultural highlights, all within a few hours of London.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The West of England is a region rich in natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural experiences, offering a mix of picturesque villages, ancient monuments, and traditional activities.
• 🏞️ The Cotswold hills are characterized by enchanting villages, farmland, and trails, making it an ideal area for walking and appreciating the quintessential English countryside.
• 🏡 The economic boom and bust of the wool industry in the Cotswolds has left a lasting impact, with wealthy wool merchants building fine homes and churches, and the subsequent decline preserving the region's rustic charm.
• 🏰 Chipping Campden is a handsome market town with a High Street that has changed little over the centuries, showcasing the traditional Cotswold stone and a 17th-century market hall.
• 🛤️ Walking is a popular activity in the Cotswolds, with paths and trails connecting villages and offering encounters with stone bridges, sheep, and picturesque views.
• 🏛️ Wells is a city dominated by its glorious cathedral, with a charming medieval center and a history that includes being a significant Christian pilgrimage site.
• 🍺 The traditional English pub experience has evolved, with gastropubs offering fine food and a modern take on the classic pub atmosphere.
• 🍏 Somerset is known for its apple farming, with traditional hard cider, or 'scrumpy', being produced and enjoyed in the region.
• 🏺 Glastonbury is a town with a long history as a religious site, believed to be the burial site of King Arthur and associated with the legend of the Holy Grail.
• 🗿 Prehistoric stone circles like Stonehenge and Avebury are scattered across Britain, serving as ancient centers of ritual and worship and functioning as celestial calendars.

Q & A

Who is the host of the video 'Best of Europe' and what region are they exploring?

The host of the video 'Best of Europe' is Rick Steves, and he is exploring the West of England.

What is the significance of the Cotswold villages in the script?

The Cotswold villages are significant as they represent the quintessential English countryside, rich in history and culture, and are best appreciated on foot with their picturesque landscapes and charming features.

What activity does Rick Steves participate in with the Earl of Wemyss?

Rick Steves participates in playing a game of shuffleboard with the Earl of Wemyss.

What is the historical importance of wool in the Cotswold region?

Wool was a huge industry in medieval England, and the Cotswold region was known for producing the best wool, leading to the prosperity of the area and the construction of fine homes and 'wool cathedrals'.

How did the Cotswold region's economy change with the rise of the cotton industry and the Industrial Revolution?

With the rise of cotton and the Industrial Revolution, the region's wool industry collapsed, leading to a period of depression and the region becoming 'sleeping beauties' until it regained prosperity through tourism.

What is a 'kissing gate' and how is it used?

A 'kissing gate' is a type of gate encountered on hikes in the Cotswolds, designed to allow people but not livestock to pass, and it works better with two people to operate it.

What is the significance of the church in Stanton and why is it dedicated to Saint Michael?

The church in Stanton is significant because it sits upon an ancient pagan site, and it is dedicated to Saint Michael, the archangel who fought the devil, indicating a Christian overlay on a pre-Christian holy site.

What traditional drink is associated with the region visited in the script and what is its alcohol content?

The traditional drink associated with the region is hard apple cider, known locally as 'scrumpy,' which has an alcohol content of 6.8%.

What historical event is linked to Glastonbury and why is it significant?

Glastonbury is linked to the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and it is significant as it was considered the birthplace of Christianity in England and a major Christian pilgrimage site.

What is unique about the Avebury Stone Circle and what can visitors do there?

The Avebury Stone Circle is unique because visitors are allowed to wander among its 100 stones, and it is one of the prehistoric stone circles that functioned as celestial calendars and sacred centers of ritual and worship.

What is the mystery surrounding Stonehenge and why is it still significant today?

The mystery surrounding Stonehenge includes its original purpose and the methods used to construct it. It remains significant today as it continues to function as a celestial calendar and retains a powerful sense of wonder for visitors.