More Cathedrals!

Leaving Cranbrook behind we had about a two hour drive to our next stop, Winchester.  Most of it was motorway so it was pretty easy driving.  When we got to Winchester the first thing we saw was a statue of King Alfred the Great, one of the early kings of Wessex before there was an England. 

He created an early legal code that was the basis of English, and later, American, law and is the only English King to be called the Great.

Then we visited Winchester Cathedral, which also wasn't that impressive.  Probably the most interesting thing (besides the fact that construction started in 1079, which is amazing) is the fact that Jane Austen is buried there.

Then it was off to Salisbury, home of another cathedral and one that didn't disappoint.  While there was some conservation work going on that had scaffolding on part of the cathedral

the interior was very impressive, both in the decorations

and in the vaulted arches in the aisles to both sides of the nave.

But after a full day of cathedral viewing, and with the weather absolutely perfect, it was time for a break.

We just happened to be there when there was a Festival of Choirs concert, so we went to that.  There must have been hundreds of men women and children, all dressed in robes, singing.  We didn't stay for the entire concert (it was nearing dinner time after all).  Instead we headed back into town for a dinner at an excellent Indian restaurant, and then back to the B&B for a much deserved rest.