ウォルディンガムの天然記念物・トップ17

Worth stopping off to look at the ancient yew tree.

The very modern monument we encounter here was erected to mark the turn of the millennium, from the end of the 20th century to the 21st century. Nevertheless, its formal language draws on ancient models that take us far back into the past, several millennia before Christ.

Great to do when it’s been wet as mostly on very quiet roads/tarmac. A good short walk with great views

Lovely little spot to rest up and realise how small and insignificant we are.

Like parts of the route 21 around here, it’s a bit tricky for a road bike tour (steep and gravelly), but I’d love to return to come mountain/gravel biking with the kids. As you rejoin the road, this is a beautiful peaceful spot with seats if you don’t mind the M25 below 😄

The stones were not visitable when I went yesterday (Monday, around 3 pm). Gates, a distance away, were locked, by the main sign, couldn't see a way in. Google says it's "open 24 hours", but it isn't!

The Millenium Stones were installed between 1998 and 1999 to mark the double millenium between 1AD and 2000AD. Look closely at the stones as each is engraved with a quotation from each of the 200 years in that time period.

It was here, under this oak tree, that William Pitt the Younger met with William Wilberforce and began the process of abolishing the slave trade in 1787. The tree that stands is actually a replacement, and the original dead trunk lies next to it.