Friday, August 05, 2016

the magic roundabout of Swindon

5 comments:

  1. Hi Jesse,
    I've been round it a few times; it's every bit as crazy as it looks. There's a similar one in Hemel Hempstead as well. (http://www.greenlinedriving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Hemel-Hempstead.jpg).
    The name has a special ring for the British, after a well loved "kids'" animation series in the 70s (totally wasted on kids). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLdjHu3Egdg
    Regards,
    Tony

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  2. That is great Jesse! You never fail to find great stuff!

    My wife's comment: "Not only is it crazy, they are doing it on the wrong side of the road!" (no offense Tony!)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nancy & Dennis, I always though driving on the left was the correct side as back in the days of horse travel it left your right hand more easily able to draw your sword and defend yourself against miscreants. Of course, back in the days of Empire anything that gave more opportunities for violence was generally considered a good thing.
      Regards,
      Tony

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  3. Swindon is also where they discovered that at the exit to a Roman mine, Romans drove on the left.
    The grooves in the road were deeper on the left as laden carts left the mine and lighter on the right as empty ones returned.
    I believe this is the earliest known example of this.

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    Replies
    1. Very cool! I never heard of that... I get a big kick out of astute observations like that of the depth of the grooves

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