5. ‘ If Stonehenge be then, as it is, a universal curiosity, for us Englishmen it is one of the three things in our island – the other two are Land’s End and Hadrian’s Wall – which each of us must see once in his life; it is a place of pilgrimage very sympathetic to this age, for Stonehenge is the shrine of an unknown God. ...it stands wholly within the shadow, over the horizon not only of history, but of legend, an aloof and inexplicable thing rising from the plain between the sky and the grass...’ The Highways and Byways of Britain. David Milner. ‘ Things had changed at Stonehenge since I was last there in the early seventies. They’ve built a smart new gift shop and coffee bar, though there is still no interpretation centre, which is entirely understandable. This is, after all, merely the most important prehistoric monument in Europe and one of the dozen most visited tourist attractions in England, ....’ Notes from a Small Island. Bill Bryson These are taken from two travel guides. Which one is the older extract? Why? 1897 - 1948 1993
6. ‘ One of the most important prehistoric sites, the ancient ring of monolithic stones at Stonehenge has been attracting pilgrims, poets and philosophers for the last 5000 years. Despite the constant flow of traffic, and the huge numbers of visitors, Stonehenge still manages to be a mystical, ethereal place - a haunting echo from Britain's forgotten past. A reminder of a lost civilisation who once walked the many ceremonial avenues across Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is also still one of Britain's great archaeological mysteries: although there are countless theories about what the site was used for, ranging from a sacrificial centre to a celestial timepiece, in truth no one really knows what drove prehistoric Britons to expend so much time and effort on its construction., Lonely Planet, 2008. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/england/sights/5185?list=true What about this one?
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14. ‘ Such is the majesty of this sanctuary; and yet it is most often said that at first sight – and especially now that it is fenced with wire – no great spectacle more disappointing. ...but now it has suffered the indignity of being enclosed within a wire fence, with a boot t one side at which one pays to enter the enchanted precincts. Near at hand is a car park, which yet does not prevent numerous motors from ranging themselves all too close to the monument on most days of summer. Motor coaches bring crowds of visitors ostensibly to see the wonders, but certainly not to show any realisation that this is other than a picnic ground.’ The Highways and Byways of Britain. David Milner. 1929 ‘ The big change is that you can no longer go right up to the stones and scratch ‘I LOVE DENISE’ or whatever in them, as you formally were able. Now you are held back by a discreet rope a considerable distance from the mighty Henge. This had actually effected a considerable improvement. Notes from a Small Island. Bill Bryson. 1993.
15. For such a celebrated site, Stonehenge has seen a surprising amount of upheaval over recent years. The tense stand-offs between solstice-goers and police have been replaced by a fresh controversy over the alleged mismanagement of the World Heritage site. Hemmed in by busy roads and wire barricades, jammed with visitors throughout the summer, and underscored by a cacophony of roaring traffic, it's a long way from the haven of peace and spiritual tranquillity most visitors expect to find, and was even described by one government department as a 'national disgrace'. Thankfully, plans are afoot to reinvent the Stonehenge experience. Lonely Planet, 2008. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/england/sights/5185?list=true