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A Bybrook Morning
©
Copyright, All Rights
Reserved,
Barry W. Hollritt,
2005
At times the village of
Castle Combe has been described as the most picturesque village in England,
but having traveled throughout all of Britain I personally can say it is
close to the most magical place I’ve been to in the isles. The village was
voted as the most picturesque village in England in 2001, but Castle Combe’s
history goes back much further than this though. The site of the castle is
above today’s village, but little other than earthworks now mark its one
time presence. Originally it was a British hill fort which became occupied
by the Romans due to its proximity to The Fosse Way. After the Romans, came
the Normans, who built the fort up into a Castle.
By the Middle Ages the
village in the valley had become an important centre for the wool industry.
The spinsters and weavers lived in the cottages (hence names such as
"Weaver’s House") and the river, still known as By Brook, provided the power
to run the mills. I came in mid - October to the village and spent a
mesmerizing day wandering the tiny village and literally finding myself lost
creatively for most of the time because of my inability to preserve the
scene as I most desired. Then, after meeting the owners of the Weaver’s
House (a rare treat!), I stumbled upon the scene of the By Brook that you
find in this image. I wrote some poetry that morning; inspired by a special
person as well as the meandering mood of the By Brook’s magical water. Thus
I’ve created, “A By Brook Morning” to help you share my happiness.
Barry W. Hollritt
973-464-7114
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