the world of Stonehenge

Up early this morning to catch the 8.08 train to London (well, early for us on a Sunday morning, that is).  We forego breakfast, preferring to eat at the Italian cafe in Russell Square Gardens.  It’s about 9.30 by the time we get there and already there’s a queue (see extra - the cafe is on the right-hand side at the back).  

Then on to the British Museum to see the World of Stonehenge exhibition.  Oh my - this is really something.

It’s not just about a set of stones in Wiltshire - it’s about the context in which it was built.  It tells the story of Europe - from Ireland to Germany - around 6000 years ago.  

Some of the exhibits are jaw-dropping - the Nebra Sky Disc (see main blip) - a beautiful disc about the size of an LP, made of gold and bronze, showing the Sun, the phases of the Moon and the Pleiades.  It is apparently “the oldest material depiction of cosmic phenomenon in the world”.   The gold came from Cornwall and the bronze from Germany, where it was found.  I assume there were no border checks on the importing of goods.

Other are more poignant, especially when they’re about people rather than things.   One refered to a burial of three children - a girl and two younger boys.  The boys were found holding hands.  That one really got to me.  

There’s far too much to mention here; go and see it if you get the chance.

Finally, I know that a number of blippers are probaby more interested in trains, so I’ve added an extra of something I saw at the station this morning.  It’s a ‘rail grinding train’.  Enjoy - you know who you are.