It is little known, by those who are unfortunate enough not to have been born in either Sussex or Surrey, that the magical place known as Chanctonbury Ring was 'allegedly' chosen by god to be the very centre of The Garden of Eden.
Since the days when Adam and Eve were in residence, its fortunes have changed many times. It was used as an Iron Age Hill Fort, two Roman temples were constructed there, and today it is still used to ensure the fertility of local girls, who (I'm assured) spend the night under its circle of trees. Why our beautiful Sussex girls should need to improve their fertility; I have no idea.
The trees themselves are Beeches, and were planted in 1760; many unfortunately having being torn down in the great storm of 1987. The missing trees have all now been replaced, but the look (above) will take many years to return.
I am fortunate to own a watercolour, of the very view above, by the noted artist Charles W Taylor. Unfortunately it is elsewhere, so the illustration above will have to suffice.
All Sussex folk, on seeing this view, become filled with pride and renewed vigour. It is the centre of our world, as it was to Adam and Eve all those years ago.
18 comments:
Oooooh aàaaaah and the wind whistles around you WATCH OUT!! THERE'S SOMETHING BEHIND YOU!!! And no sounds doth the birds or animals make ....
Um, wasn't yesterday the 1st of April?
I am still reading the BBQ stuf that i missed yesterday, but it is nice to learn new things about heaven. i also have to catch up at Rachel's that i like so much.
Spoooooky.
That's why I put this here today!
Rachel's blog is of universal importance; mine isn't.
Such discerning taste you both have!
They were both written on April 1st, but took a while to appear!
My grandmother lived in Steyning and our favourite walks with dogs was up to Chanctonbury Ring. Fantastic views.
A whatsiname of a climb too. I did it a few years ago and you have to swing off trees to stop sliding down. I got the technique in the end. Grab a branch, swing up hill, keeping hold balance around to the uphill edge of the trunk, rest by leaning on trunk, start again with next tree. Then discover there's a gentle route up on another path.
Did you know that Steyning used to be a port? There are still signs of sea-faring in the village. I taught in Washington (Windlesham House School) for a while, and used to take the children up there. They loved it.
Yes, you have to approach from the south, where it's quite a gentle climb.
Yes , I do know Steyning's history. My grandmother lived in Vine Cottage which is next door to the tiny little thatched cottage.
a beautiful county I agree Cro - but I can't really imagine that you believe in Adam and Eve??
Only when I hear that they were good Sussex folk.
Sorry mate...you got this one wrong. There are no snakes in Chanctonbury.
The garden of Eden was in the tropical rainforest northern NSW. Ask anyone !
In Sussex there are still descendants of Adam and Eve with the same names. In Oz everyone is called Sheila and Bruce. Proof.
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