Each approach to Lacock is picturesque, but the most pleasing is
from the lane which runs up to
[Pg 111]
Gastard and Corsham. This joins the Melksham road by a charming
old gabled and timbered cottage, not architecturally remarkable, but
pleasing in outline and colour. From the lane above, this roadside
cottage stands out against a background of wooded hill, and when
the sun is low it presents a picture which must have tempted many an
artist. On the way to Gastard and thence to Neston there are many
tumble-down old places which seem to be entirely out of touch with
the twentieth century. But at the highest point there is a startling
notice which might alarm a motorist should he lose his way up in
these narrow lanes. "Beware of the trams" is posted up in big letters!
You look around in astonishment, for silence reigns supreme; but by
and bye you come upon a stone quarry near the dilapidated entrance
to what was once probably a manor house, and a light falls upon the
meaning of the "trams." An artistic projecting signboard not far off bears the inscription:
"Arise, get up the Season now Drive up Brave Boys God speed the
Plough."