This dragon/phoenix rises from a crown atop a pair of gates at the entrance to Barcote Manor, Oxfordshire. The gothic style manor that has now been divided into apartments is about a mile from the gates, through some woodland at the end of a twisting drive. The large manor incorporates cellars, a bell tower, stables, a dove cote, secret stairways and many rooms.
Until recently it belonged to a branch of the Grosvenors, the Dukes of Westminster. The crest on the gate is part of their coat of arms.
This building is to be found in the grounds and graveyard of Stirling Castle, on Stirling Rock. Stirling Rock is said to be the oldest lodge in Scottish Rite freemasonry.
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The world famous Stonehenge near Amesbury, Wiltshire, England.
There is an ancient pre-Arthurian legend that tells of 2 dragons fighting beneath the ground in the very centre of England. Merlin,s calculations revealed that this was the centre of Oxford, which today is called Carfax (Fourways). This famous cross-roads is surrounded by dragon symbolism. Oxford Town Hall being just one example of this.
