Just in January, you all learned what a nut I am for things Tolkien. I am not a mega-fan, I just like the author’s works. I read The Hobbit at about age 8 and the Lord of the Rings trilogy at age 14. Like many, I read and re-read those two. I plodded through the Silmarillion one time, and never attempted it again (though many fans insist that book is the true work of genius).
In planning for this trip, I read that there is a monument suspected to have been an inspiration for Tolkien’s Shire, the place where the Hobbits lived.
There is a reference to four stones marking this spot as early as 969 CE, and in 1016 it was the site of the Battle of the Shirestone. The first monument was possibly installed in 1741 and is now considered a historic building. It marked the spot where four of England’s shires (Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire) touch, and became known as the Four Shire Stone. Boundaries were redrawn and since 1931 it has only marked the connection of three shires.
There is an information sign at the site that acknowledges the popular speculation about Tolkien. It says, “THE TOLKIEN CONNECTION. There has been much speculation about the possibility that the much-loved author, J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by the Four Shire Stone. The land where the Hobbit lives is called the Shire, which is divided into four farthings. In Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the Three Farthing Stone is the point at which the Shires of Westfarthing, Southfarthing and Eastfarthing meet and lies on the Great East Road between By-Water and Green-hill country. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings while living in Northmoor Road in North Oxford, during his time as Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College.” (26 miles to the southeast)
From there it was only a 40 minute drive to our Airbnb in Warwick. My original plan had been to drive up north to meet fellow blogger Andrew and his wife Kim near their home in Grimsby, but Andrew suggested instead that he meet us to tour Stratford-Upon-Avon the next day. We loved the idea, and planned our last two nights in Warwick. The Airbnb was gorgeous. One of the best I have ever stayed at.
We dropped our things and went over to Sainsbury’s market to buy some food to eat. The host had put fresh milk and a fresh loaf of bread in the kitchen for us. We ate fruit, cheese, and bread and wine in the comfortable and welcoming front room till we were sated and rested.
It was still light, so we went for a walk to see the castle.
Out on the busy streets again, we asked a passerby where to get a better look at the castle. He said we had just come from the best place to look without paying. There was one other famous view, he said, from the bridge, and he pointed the way.
In the gathering dark, we wallked back to our lodging for the night.
It was a good day! Beginning in Bath, touring the Cotswolds, seeing the Four Shire Stone, a beautiful place to sleep and rest, and Warwick Castle in the sunset.
Conscious Engagement 
This was a lovely experience. I like how you explore, like me, I call it Chaos Tours and somehow ending up where I want to be with a wonderful lot of sights on the way. I love the castle.
Lovely photos
It’s easy to travel this way with the right traveling companion. Some people need an agenda and appointments and a strict schedule (too stressful). Some people need the same bed for a whole week, and no plans at all (miss too many opportunities). I like it right in the middle. Also, I smile at every obstacle and view it as part of the fun – “what will she do now, folks?”
Yes Exactly, some plans but a lot of what’s down this street as well.
I did find myself in the wrong part of Paris once. I was concerned but not scared
Fun to catch up with you again, Crystal. The Air B&B does look delightful. Hard to beat fruit, cheese, and bread and wine for dinner! The town is gorgeous. But the two biggies: One, the possible inspiration for the Hobbit and trilogy. And two, you are about to meet Andrew. How exciting is that!
Oh yes! Andrew was an excellent host and friend and I did remember to tell him Hello from you. He expressed disappointment at not being able to connect with you one time when you attempted it. I hope you get another chance because he was wonderful to spend time with.
On our final day, we found Tolkien and his wife’s gravestones. That was pretty special too. ❤
If Peggy and I make it back to England, Crystal, we will do what we can to connect.
That was special. Maybe the biggest drawback to having your ashes scattered over areas you love is the lack of a tombstone.
I am so pleased you got to see, photograph, and absorb the history of so many delights of our country. Very well planned. I think you a right about those numbers 19-21
Thank you for considering the question of the numbers! It makes sense once I considered the arrows.
I am pleased about my short trip to your country too. I saw and learned so much and the whole time was such a good experience: the people I met and talked with, and the places, and seeing two of my favourite bloggers. It was just great.
XX
So glad you liked Warwick, love the street picture with no people.
I don’t even remember why I chose Warwick as a place to stay, other than it is near Stratford-Upon-Avon, after you and I made plans. But it turned out to be a great choice. It’s a good size, and has much character, and is easily walkable, as most of England seemed to be. I always prefer photos without people, ha ha.
During the English civil war for some reason The Parliamentarians allowed Warwick Castle to stand whilst nearby Kenilworth was destroyed.
Sounds like politics to me!! Thank you for providing this extra information. Kenilworth was going to be an optional visit if you didn’t have other ideas, so I assumed there was an old castle there too. So perhaps the current architecture at Kenilworth is more modern?