Tower and Town, March 2015

  (view the full edition)

Samuel Pepys

Diary:
June 15th 1668

Today I walked around this town of Marlborough, along the River Kennet. It is different to London; sweeter, calmer and a lot less crowded. It was pleasant and the town’s folk seem simple but amiable. While I was walking the Marlborough Mound caught my eye. How majestic it was! How many tales of war and great fires it has. The High Street seems well restored from the fire and it is a beautiful town now. Their houses on one side having their penthouses supported with pillars, which makes it a good walk. It was a pretty fair town for a street or two, and it makes a pleasant change to other places I have been to.

June 16th 1668

Earlier today I spent some time up by Avebury. This historic feature fascinated me by its precision and stories behind it. A great ring of standing stones set with years and years of elements buried beneath it. It was a beautiful day and the sun shone casting shadows from the great towering stones. I admire the men who created such a magnificent artefact; this is the sort of piece that will survive for generations to come.

Tonight the Hart is bustling with custom and I find the street lit up by torches and market stalls that are still open for purchases. A local ale is required, I feel.

June 17th 1668

I had to travel back to London today and it was a long and tiring return journey. The sound of the repair work still rings out and scorched buildings still cast their shadow on this city. I am back at home but already I long for the fresh air of the countryside and my mind returns once more to the little town of Marlborough. I must return sometime soon.

Lara Thompson