MOVING ONWARDS

After leaving Holy Island, we are heading towards Banbury with just a couple of stops on the way. A quick stop for coffee in Alnwick, Northumberland, a visit to the famous Fountains Abbey (next post) and a night at the Station Hotel in Birstwith, North Yorkshire.

Entrance to Greenwell Lane, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK


The George, 63 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK


Robertson’s Fountain, Cobbles, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK

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Pauperhaugh Bridge, River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK

This is an old bridge built by the Duke of Northumberland and then adopted by the County in 1888. With its five stone arches is one of the most attractive on the Coquet and is a Grade II Listed Building.

During the months of October and November when the Coquet is in full spate,  the salmon and sea trout leaping onto the stone apron and swimming with grim deternination upstream to their spawning beds can be witnessed.


Sheep, River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK


River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK


Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, Chair Walk, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK

The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in the Early English style. It is located in the grounds of Studley Royal Park at Fountains Abbey, in North Yorkshire, England. It was commissioned by the 1st Marquess of Ripon as a memorial church to Frederick Grantham Vyner, his brother-in-law. It is one of two such churches, the other being the Church of Christ the Consoler at Skelton-on-Ure.

Frederick Vyner had been murdered by Greek bandits in 1870 in an event known as the Dilessi massacre. A significant ransom had been demanded, and in part collected, before his death. His mother, Lady Mary Vyner, and his sister, Lady Ripon, used the unspent ransom to build the two churches in his memory.


Pheasant, Fountains Abbey Grounds, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


Majestic Tree, Fountains Abbey Grounds, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


The Bar, The Station Hotel, Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England UK


First View of The Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


LINDISFARNE – HOLY ISLAND II

Admiral Fitzroy’s Storm Barometer, Crown & Anchor Pub, The Market Place, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Gateway & Path to Village, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Navigation Beacons at North End of Ross Links, Middleton, Northumberland, England UK

The Beacons are called Guile Point (the easterly one) and Heugh Hill (westerly) or sometimes Guile Point East & West, Old Law, and are described as wooden interior, stone clad obelisks, established in 1826. They are 21m and 24m high respectively, solar powered lights were added in the early 1990’s and they mark safe passage for vessels approaching Holy Island Harbour.


Anglo-Saxon Archaeological Ruins & Lookout Tower, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Possibly the the remains of the oldest Anglo-Saxon church in Northumbria. The church is thought to date to between A.D. 630 and 1050, most likely on the earlier end of the span, and may have been built on the same site where St. Aidan raised a wooden church in A.D. 635.


War Memorial (Cenotaph), The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The great wave of memorial building after the First World War resulted in thousands of commemorative monuments being raised both at home and on the battlefield. Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens was the most outstanding designer to work in this field. This is one of 15 War Crosses designed by Lutyens, sharing a broadly similar design. The earliest to be erected was at Miserden, Gloucestershire, in 1920; the latest at Station Road, York, in 1925.

In 1902, Lutyens had been commissioned by Edward Hudson to convert the C16 Lindisfarne Castle into a residential property. It is assumed that the commission for the war memorial arose because of the work that Lutyens had undertaken for Hudson. Lutyens donated his services to the War Memorial Committee. The memorial was carved in Doddington stone by Mr Tully of Belford; Lutyens chose this stone to chime with the stone of Lindisfarne Priory. At a well-attended ecumenical service, on 4 June 1922, the memorial was unveiled by Major Morley Crossman DSO and dedicated by Rev WB Hall.

An inscription to commemorate those local servicemen who died fighting during the Second World War was added at a later date. Following storm damage which broke the shaft in the winter of 1983-4, the top of the memorial was replaced.

Sir Edwin Lutyens OM RA (1869-1944) was the leading English architect of his generation. Before the First World War his reputation rested on his country houses and his work at New Delhi, but during and after the war he became the pre-eminent architect for war memorials in England, France and the British Empire. While the Cenotaph in Whitehall (London) had the most influence on other war memorials, the Thiepval Arch was the most influential on other forms of architecture. He designed the Stone of Remembrance which was placed in all Imperial War Graves Commission cemeteries and some cemeteries in England, including some with which he was not otherwise associated.

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St Cuthbert’s Island from The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

A tidal island that is accessible by foot at low tide. – The RNLI Museum is on the right,


Relic, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Ruins Adjacent to the Lookout Tower, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

16th century castle converted to a residence in 1902 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Edward Hudson.

Images taken from inside the glassed-in lookout tower


Crown & Anchor Inn, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The pub dates to 1827


Door, Crown & Anchor Inn, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Former GPO Marker, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Not as old as it looks –  it used to mark where a telephone cable runs by displaying the distance in Feet using up to three interchangeable numbers.


Britannia Cottage, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


RNLI Museum, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Emblems, RNLI Museum, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Old Lifeboat House was restored in 2015, 50 years after the last lifeboat was taken out of service on the island (there is now a volunteer Coastguard contingent on the island). It features an exhibition telling the story of the Lifeboats on the island, and is dedicated to the Lifeboat crews and islanders with a connection to the service.

The first lifeboat, the Grace Darling, a ten-oar boat, was introduced to Holy Island in 1865.

The last lifeboat (Gertrude) was launched for the last time on 4 October 1967, before she was transferred to Exmouth in Devon. Following the introduction of advanced navigation technology and the use of helicopters both for sea rescues and to evacuate casualties from the island, there was a decreased need for the lifeboat service, though the RNLI services from Seahouses and Berwick are still used.

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These plates are either side of the doorway to the museum.

A common use today for the service:


Window, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Rear Garden Gate, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Iron Rails Cottage, Front Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Sign Post, Front Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Rural Land behind the Coast Guard Station, 2 St Cuthberts Square, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Old Pumps, Coast Guard Station, St Cuthberts Square, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Broken & Abandoned, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Anchor Chain Links, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Boat Shed, The Ouse, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Herring Boats, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Old herring fishing boats no longer seaworthy, brought ashore and upturned to convert to storage shelters


The Ouse, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Lindisfarne Harbour Wall, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Crab-Lobster Pots, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Fishing Boats, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Fisherman’s Boat, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Fisherman’s Hut, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Coastal Rocks, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Osborne’s Fort, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Built in 1671 as fortifications to supplement Lindisfarne Castle and defend against Dutch Raids.

History:


Lindisfarne Castle across the Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Old Post Office House, Fenkle Street View, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Wall Lamp, Manor House Hotel, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Celtic Cross, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The cross was rebuilt in 1828 on the site of a medieval cross, and is Listed Grade II, including the railings.


Shipwrecked Mariners Society Charity Collection, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society. 16 Wilfred Street, London SW1.

Founded 1839:


Sundial, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Included in the listing with the cross


Rain Barrel, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


RNLI Commemoration Plates, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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RNLI Plaque, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Rosella Cottage, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Exhibit, Lindisfarne Priory Museum, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Derelict Shed, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Stone Remnants, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Steps to Gateway, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Path & Gate to Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Flowers, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Gate at Entrance to the Priory Ruins, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


In Memory, St Mary’s Churchyard, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Inscription:

Erected to the memory of eleven of the crew of the Holmrook S. S. who lost their lives through the vessel being wrecked on the False Emanuel Head, Holy Island 26th March 1892, of whom are buried here
W. B. Baines, Master
James Skinner
John James
A. Wilkinson
William Taylor
W. H. Robson
S. Haggerson
H. R. Guthrie
and another unidentified
John Nye

The story here:


Nesting Birds, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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Headstone, Henry Thomas McDonald, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

In
Memory
Of
Henry Thomas McDonald
Who was first in the
32nd and afterwards
Capt. in the 53rd Regt
And served long
In India
Died August 25th 1856
Aged 73 years
Also 2 of his sons
Died in infancy


Memorial Plaques, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne’s parish church of St Mary’s is thought to stand on the site of the wooden church built by St Aidan in 635 AD. Dating from between 1180 and 1300, the parish church is the oldest building on the island (older than the ruined Norman priory), though a round headed arch in the chancel, and a strange high level doorway, are certainly Saxon in style. Mostly, the church now dates from the 12th century.

The long nave could indicate that this is one of the churches of the original monastery, or it could have been built by the Christianised Vikings, for whom this was an important place.


“The Journey”, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Depiction of Monks carrying Cuthbert’s coffin away from Holy Island to protect it from Viking raiders.

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Headstone, John Morton, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Headstone, George Murray, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Headstone, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK



LINDISFARNE – HOLY ISLAND I

Lindisfarne, also called Holy Island, is a tidal island off the north-east coast of Northumberland, England.  Holy Island has a recorded history from the 6th century AD; it was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. The island was originally home to a monastery, which was destroyed during the Viking invasions but re-established as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.



Lindisfarne Priory, Holy island, Northumberland, England UK

Holy Island – is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled here in AD 635 and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert. The masterpiece now known as the Lindisfarne Gospels was created here in the early 8th century. The ruins now visible are those of a 12th-century priory, which claimed direct descent from the early monastery.

English Heritage History

Historic England Listing


View to Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne’s parish church of St Mary’s is thought to stand on the site of the wooden church built by St Aidan in 635 AD. Dating from between 1180 and 1300, the parish church is the oldest building on the island (older than the ruined Norman priory), though a round headed arch in the chancel, and a strange high level doorway, are certainly Saxon in style. Mostly, the church now dates from the 12th century.

The long nave could indicate that this is one of the churches of the original monastery, or it could have been built by the Christianised Vikings, for whom this was an important place.


Headstone, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

I have not been able to find any information on this particular grave.


Askew Family Headstones, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Names:
Elizabeth Ann Askew – 1772 – 1857
Hugh Bertram Askew – 1785 – 1868
Isabel Askew – 1780 – 1864
John Askew – 1732 – 1794


Unknown Tomb, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Headstone of Lancelot Wilson, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lancelot Wilson – d. 15 May 1822 Aged 77
Elizabeth Wilson – d. 2 October 1799
Joyce Wilson – d.14 June 1801
Ann Wilson d. 17 September 1802
Anne Wilson – d. unknown


Old Headstone, Graveyard, St Mary’s, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

” Here lyeth the Body of Mr Alexander Nicolson who being 10 years Minister of the Gospel in Holy Island Departed this life the 31st day of August 1711 and his age 65 “


‘Filled In’, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


St Aidan Statue, Lindisfarne Priory Grounds, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

In need of urgent preservation.


The Manor House Hotel & Car Park Entry, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


1962 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II, Manor House Hotel, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


793 Spirits Co., Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Holiday Rentals, Farne Court (top) & Farne View (bottom), Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Holiday Rentals, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


The Ship Inn, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Sally’s Cottage, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Stone Carving, T Wilson 1792, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Again, I have been unsuccessful in finding information on this.


To Kyle Gardens, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


The Lindisfarn Gospel Garden, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Note the lack of an “e” on Lindisfarn


Laneway, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Entrance Door, Marygate House, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UKMarygate House Rear View, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Entrance Door, Town View Cottage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Residential Property, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Bird Boxes, Victoria Cottage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


St Cuthbert’s Centre United Reformed Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Gate, Vicarage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Flowers, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Inscription on Gate, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you “plant.


Priory Ruins, from St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lindisfarne, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


Old Post Office House, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK


NORTH BERWICK & DUNBAR

On the way to our next stay, we passed through two wonderful towns that are well worth the stopover.

North Berwick & Dunbar

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St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ports, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Category B Listed building and a National Monument.

St Andrew’s at Kirk Ports continued to be the main church in North Berwick, with renovations and extensions taking place for over two centuries. In the 19th century, a population boom caused by growing industry led to its space for 500 churchgoers to become insufficient. The town’s second St Andrew’s held its last service one year and two days short of the 220th anniversary of its inauguration, on June 3, 1883. The third St Andrew’s held its first services just a week later.

The current ruin status of the second kirk was partly by design, as it was decided that upon moving the religious services to the new church, this older one was to have its roof disassembled and the rest of the building stripped of the most valuable materials. The walls would be allowed to stand to become what it is now: a ‘picturesque ruin’.

View an information pamphlet here:


War Memorial, Cnr Quality Street and East Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Victorian Era Street Lamp, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Commemoration Tree, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Inscription:

This sycamore tree was planted by King Edward VII on October 10th 1902 to commemoration the Royal visit to North Berwick in the year of his coronation.


Street Sign, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

….and not a box of chocolates in sight….


The Lodge, Walltower House, East Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Originally Well Tower, named due to nearby (now covered) well.


The Ship Inn, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Zitto Wine Bar & Restaurant, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


No. 12, Hotel & Bistro, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Former Blackadder Free Church, Cnr Forth Street & Victoria Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

This is now a Baptist church

Information on John Blackadder here:


St Andrew Blackadder Church, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Bronze Church Bell, St Andrew Blackadder Church, St Andrew Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The bell dates to 1642


County Police Station Sign, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Pink, Police Station Flower Pots, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Dog’s Head Door Knocker, 74 High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Street Sign, Kirk Ports, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


West Bay, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Bass Rock, Canty Bay, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The rock is uninhabited, but historically has been settled by an early Christian hermit, and later was the site of an important castle, which after the Commonwealth period was used as a prison. The island belongs to Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple, whose family acquired it in 1706, and before to the Lauder family for almost six centuries. The Bass Rock Lighthouse was constructed on the rock in 1902, and the remains of an ancient chapel survive.


Craigleith, Firth of Forth, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Craigleith is part of a chain of four islands near North Berwick, along with Bass Rock, Fidra and the Lamb. Of these, it is the closest to the town’s harbour.


North Berwick across Milsey Bay, Haugh Road Beach, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Former Dunbar Tolbooth, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The first municipal building in Dunbar was a tolbooth which dated back at least to the first half of the 16th century. After it became dilapidated, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style with harled rubble masonry from a quarry at Innerwick to create the current structure which was completed in 1593.

Used as a council chamber and as a courthouse. It was the venue for the trials and convictions of some 73 women accused of witchcraft, for which the penalty was execution by strangulation and burning.


Mercat Cross, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The charter of 1370 by David II King of Scots establishing Dunbar as a burgh of barony required, among other things, the erection of a “public mercat cross”, to be the location of a weekly market. “[Mercat” – Scottish version of “Market”.]

The cross that stands in front of Dunbar Town House is not the original one. It was placed there in 1912 when it was assembled from fragments of different dates, the ashlar octagonal shaft then being thought to have been part of the historic cross. Research into its’ history continues, but present evidence suggests it can best be described as being representative of a possible succession of crosses that stood in the High Street from 1370 to the mid-18th century.


Statue Dedicated to John Muir, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

A romanticized Peter Pan-like statue of world famous conservationist John Muir born in Dunbar 1838, then emigrated to the USA in 1849.  Muir became a naturalist and founded the National Parks in the States, beginning with Yosemite, California. Further details from John Muir’s Birthplace museum, 128 High Street. In October 1997, the bronze statue was unveiled by Magnus Magnusson, inquisitor of the television quiz Mastermind.

Sculptor Valentin Znoba (1929-2006)was born in the Ukraine. Studied at Ukraine Institute of Fine Art between 1947 and 1953. Participated in many exhibitions in Europe, the UK and elsewhere. Between 1995 and 1997, Znoba executed several other works in Scotland, notably Freedom – a  bronze of Sir William   Wallace astride a rearing  horse now in the   possession of Abertay University, Dundee


Pub Sign, The Eagle Inn, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Black Bull Close, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK


Eyemouth Beach, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK



INCHCOLM ABBEY RUINS

If you are in this part of the world then a visit to this historic site is well worth while.

Inchcolm Abbey is a medieval abbey located on the island of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The Abbey, which is located at the centre of the island, was founded in the 12th century. Later tradition placed it even earlier, in the reign of King Alexander I of Scotland (1107–24), who had taken shelter on Incholm when his ship was forced ashore during a storm in 1123. It is said he resided there for three days with the Hermit of Incholm.

The Abbey was first used as a priory by Augustinian canons regular, becoming a full abbey in 1235. The island was attacked by the English from 1296 onwards, and the Abbey was abandoned after the Scottish Reformation in 1560. It has since been used for defensive purposes, as it is situated in a strategically important position in the middle of the Firth of Forth.

Inchcolm Abbey has the most complete surviving remains of any Scottish monastic house. The cloisters, chapter house, warming house, and refectory are all complete, and most of the remaining claustral buildings survive in a largely complete state. The least well-preserved part of the complex is the monastic church.

In July 1581 stones from the abbey were taken to Edinburgh to repair the Tolbooth


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Inchcolm Abbey Ruins, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK



 

HEXHAM & ALLENDALE TOWN, NORTHUMBERLAND

Google Maps View of Locations

Benson of Allerwash Memorial Gates, Hexham Park, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Erected in 1912 in memory of Lieut. Col. G. E. Benson of Allerwash, [died 1901], by his brother. It is a Grade II Listed Building.

Queen’s Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

“Completed in 1866 as the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, by the 1920s it contained a dance hall and the Queen’s Hall cinema. It was saved from demolition in 1975 and re-opened as the Queen’s Hall Arts centre with a library, art rooms, theatre and gallery. It is a Grade II Listed Building.

Arched Memorial Gateway, Seles Park, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Descriptions on the dedication plaques.

Unusual Recess in Wall, Hexham Abbey Museum, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Stone Arch, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Park Entrance, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Bridge Structure over Halgut Burn, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Halgut Burn, Hexham Park, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Hexham House is a Grade II Listed Building

Hexham House & Garden, Gilesgate, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Park Bench, Hexham Park, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Hexham Bandstand, The Sele, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The bandstand built in 1912, is a Grade II Listed Building

Happy Dogs, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

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We came upon these two dogs bounding around the park and leaping onto and completely over this wall.

Garden, The Parish Centre, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Letters, 9 Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Planter, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Doorway, Trinity Methodist Church, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Archway, Hencotes, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Historical Plaque on the Left Side of the Arch

Excelsior Buildings, Battle Hill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Globe Inn, Battle Hill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Street Sign, St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Chare:-
Noun. chare (plural chares) Alternative form of char (“turn, task, chore, worker”). (Northern England) A narrow lane or passage between houses in a town.

Door, St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Grapes, 1 St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Old Pharmacy Sign, Fore Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The intricate carvings above Gibson’s Pharmacy in Hexham were produced in 1916 by a Belgian refugee. The contents of the pharmacy are now held in the Science Museum, London, while the shop has found another use.

“Shambles” Old Town Market, Market Place, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building.

Old Door, Fore Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Anglo-Saxon Crypt, Hexham Abbey, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Queen Etheldreda of Northumbria gave Wilfrid land on which he built the Benedictine monastery dedicated to St Andrew which became Hexham Abbey and Cathedral. Only the crypt survives, but that shows how St Wilfrid’s great church was built from stone quarried by the Romans four or five centuries before. The crypt is over 1300 years old.

St Aidan’s Church, Hencote, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Memorial to George Elliott Benson, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

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Hexham Community Church, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Pubs, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

The King’s Head & The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion Hotel, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building

Doorway, Victoria House, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Door Lamp, The King’s Head, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Grade II Listed Building

Parish church on medieval site built in 1874, except for lower part of tower which survives from the church of 1807

Grave Stones, St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Graves of:-
George Maughan 1760-1848
Joseph Shield 1793-1873
Nicholas Rowell 1753-1842

Holly, St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Street, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Former Trustee Savings Bank, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building. Site of the bank since 1838 with these premises erected in 1873.

Former Bank with Night Safe, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

I was unable to find any history about this building. It is now residential.

Allendale Inn, The Peth, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Hotspur House, 4 Arnison Terrace, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building used as a B&B (currently for sale)

River Allen & Cupola Bridge, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building constructed in 1778

HEXHAM ABBEY, NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND

While staying at Haydon Bridge, we took a drive to the nearby town of Hexham and visited its magnificent abbey, a site that dates as far back as the year 664.

Visit this page for the historical account of the abbey

Google Maps View of Locations

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LANERCOST PRIORY RUINS & THE CHURCH OF ST MARY MAGDALENE

We stumbled upon this place after  visiting Vindolanda & Hadrian’s Wall.

Old priory that played host to both King Edward I and Robert Bruce during in its tumultuous history.

An excellent detailing of the history of the priory can be found at this site:-

English Heritage.

Google Maps View of LocationThe Ruin of the Gateway Entrance to the site.

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Side Door of Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Interior, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UKMemorial Plaques

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Internal Doorway, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Access Door to Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Doorway to Dacre Hall, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Tombs, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

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Cemetery, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Grave Stones, Lanercost Priory Cemetery, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

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Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

HEBDEN BRIDGE & HOLMFIRTH – 2023

While we were staying in Hebden Bridge, we took a day trip to visit another West Yorkshire town made famous as being the location of Britain’s longest-running comedy programme and the longest running situation comedy in the world – “The Last of The Summer Wine“. There were 295 episodes and 31 series between 1973 and 2010, counting the pilot, all episodes of the series, specials, and two films. Actor Peter Sallis who played the character “Norman Clegg” was the only one to appear in every single episode.

I have watched all of the episodes and enjoyed the show. That was why I decided to visit Holmfirth on this trip.

** Remember… all images will open in a new window/tab and all are geotagged. **

Residences, 81 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Overgrown Gate, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Methodist Church Cemetery, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Memorial & Plate, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Stone Memorial on Towngate This was erected in 1801 to commemorate the short peace called the Peace of Amiens. There is also a line showing the height of the flood caused by the bursting of the Bilberry Reservoir on Feb 5th, 1842, when 81 lives were lost.

Sid’s Cafe, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

This cafe feature strongly right across the period of the programme

Steps Besides Sid’s Cafée Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Nora Batty, Sid’s Cafe, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

A regular character of the series for many years

Flagstone Steps, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Old Door, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Church Door, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Shoulder of Mutton, Dunford Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

John Booth the Licensee listed in the surviving Brewster Session Record of 1803 is the first known record relating to this inn, but there is opinion that it was established around 1788. The Shoulder of Mutton remains open to this day
and as such it is one of the longest running public houses in Holmfirth, apparently without any change of name in its history.

A ghost story associated with the Shoulder of Mutton dating from 1970 was first made public in 1984. It was then published by the History Press in 2012, in a book, A Review of Haunted Huddersfield, researched and written by Kai Roberts. Roberts listed this as the only pub in Holmfirth that had a ghost story. There had been reports of rattling door handles, sounds of footsteps in empty rooms, flickering lights, relocated furniture and a nasty smell in one room. Even more disturbing, a young child was seen communicating with someone unseen and
another child was mysteriously trapped in a wardrobe. When the pub sign got damaged it was thought it was time to call in a clairvoyant. She identified several ghosts: a little boy wanting a playmate, a mournful woman, a band of uniformed men in a bar and an old lady, dressed in black with a high-collared dress and smoking a clay joss.
In 1947 a tragic accident occurred outside the pub when the Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir was involved in a fatal bus crash. Perhaps the clairvoyant knew of this, as well as being aware of the pub being an inquest site for three bodies in 1852. She also believed a former landlady had been unhappy with alterations made to the pub, and it is known that there was a landlady here between 1880 and 1891. Whatever she claimed to know, she did carry out an exorcism and it seems the ghosts went away.

Last of the Summer Wine Tour Bus, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

It’s well worth the ride.

Holmfirth, Holme Valley, West Yorkshire, England UK

Taken from inside the tour bus.

River Holme, Town Gate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

The river runs through the centre of the town..

The Elephant and Castle, Hollowgate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshhire, England UK

The original hostelry would have been a coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. Its name is attributed to the recognition of Queen Eleanor of Castile, the wife of King Edward I. The public house bearing the same name remains open today in a building dating from the 1820s.

Old Road Sign, Hollowgate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

The Wrinkled Stocking, Scarfold, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Now a tearoom, the unit was the home of Nora Batty in the series. Below her unit William “Compo” Simmonite. had his residence.

Historical Plaque for “Compo”, Scarfold, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Former Telephone Box, Cnr Huddersfield Road and Victoria Street, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

St John’s Church, Upperthong Lane, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Grave Stones, St John’s Parish Church, St John’s Church, Upperthong Lane, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

Graves of Bill Owen & Peter Sallis, St John’s Church, Upperthong Lane, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England UK

William John Owen Rowbotham, MBE (Bill Owen) (14 March 1914 – 12 July 1999)was an English actor and songwriter. He was the father of actor Tom Owen. He is best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the Yorkshire-based BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine for over a quarter of a century.

Peter John Sallis OBE (1 February 1921 – 2 June 2017) was an English actor, known for his work on British television. He was the voice of Wallace in the Academy Award-winning Wallace and Gromit films and played Norman “Cleggy” Clegg in Last of the Summer Wine from its 1973 inception until the final episode in 2010, making him the only actor to appear in all 295 episodes.

After the day at Holmfirth, we returned to finish it off back at Hebden Bridge

Old Packhorse Bridge, Hebden Water, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Park Setting, Old Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Hop, Skip & Juice, Old Gate, Old Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Another drink at Old Gate Pub

Old Packhorse Bridge, Hebden Water, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

The White Swan, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Right at the end of The Packhorse Bridge

Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Empties, Shoulder of Mutton, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Bridge Mill, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

 

ENGLAND 2023 – VIII – The Cotswolds (IV)

 I drove on to another wonderful town in the Cotswolds called Malmesbury. There were just a couple of stops along the way.


Parsons Nose, 30 High Street, Melksham, Wiltshire, England UK


Bricked In, Lowebourne, Melksham, Wiltshire, England UK


Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, England UK


Pew Hill House, Pew Hill, Chippenham , Wiltshire, England UK


The Old Bell Hotel, Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Dating to 1220 and originally named The Castle Inn as it was built on the site of Malmesbury Castle.The name was changed in 1798. It served as the guest house of the Abbey located next door. It has a claim to be considered as the oldest hotel in England. The Historic England official ‘listing’ of the hotel as a Grade I building, for example, describes the hotel as having been originally the ‘Abbey Guest House’.

After the Dissolution of the Abbey in 1539 and the departure of the monks the building became an inn offering accommodation to travellers on the road from Bristol to Oxford. The claim that the Old Bell is the oldest hotel in England is based, therefore, on the strong possibility that there was more or less continuous use of the building as a place of hospitality from about 1220 to the present day.


Malmesbury Abbey, Gloucester Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Malmesbury Abbey, at Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England, is a religious house dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It was one of the few English houses with a continuous history from the 7th century [c.676] through to the dissolution of the monasteries.

The abbey, which owned 23,000 acres (93 km2) in the twenty parishes that constituted the Malmesbury Hundred, was closed at the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII and was sold, with all its lands, to William Stumpe, a rich merchant. He returned the abbey church to the town for continuing use as a parish church, and filled the abbey buildings with up to 20 looms for his cloth-weaving enterprise.


Malmesbury Market Cross, 1A Market Cross, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


The Old Bakehouse, 27 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Access to Beer Garden, The Kings Arms, High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


HM Postmaster-General Notice, 41 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Inscription:

H.M. POSTMASTER-GENERAL, THE OWNER OF THE LAND IN FRONT OF THIS NOTICE BOUNDED BY METAL STUDS, HAS NOT DEDICATED AND DOES NOT INTEND TO DEDICATE AS A HIGHWAY, THE SAID LAND OR ANY PART THEREOF OR ANY WAY THEREON OR THEREUNDER.

The building where this is affixed was erected in 1902.


Only Here, 41 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


The Old Library, 44 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Freehold currently for sale of Offers over £400,000.


Residences, Jcn High Street & King’s Wall, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Lotus House, 119 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


The Rose & Crown, High Street, Burton Hill, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


St John’s Court Almshouse, High Street, Burton Hill, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

St John’s Court, a group of three almshouses, stands on the site of the medieval hospital of St John of Jerusalem. The date of the foundation of the hospital is unknown, but records attest to its existence by the C13. It is reported to have incorporated an existing chapel, the former late-Norman doorway to which remains within the southern wall of the building. The hospital was closed as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the site is recorded as having been confiscated. It was acquired by clothier John Stumpe, who transferred ownership to the Corporation in 1580, with the liability on them for the maintenance of a school and almshouses at £20 a year.


Left Column Plate Inscription:

In memory of the Malmesbury men who made the supreme sacrifice in the second worl war 1938-1945.

Right Column Plate:-

Names those men.

Dedicated in 1951.

<a href=”https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/24206″><b>Imperial War Museum Reference</b></a>

WW2 Gates, Lower High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Through to St Johns Court Almshouse.



The Silk Mills, High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

Also known as the Avon Mills (a branch of the Avon River right alongside.). They were built in 1790 originally for wool but also used for corn and are Grade II Listed buildings. They have now been converted to apartments.


St John’s Bridge, River Avon, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Brazier, King Althelstan’s Mead, Lower High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Brook, King Althelstan’s Mead, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Kings Wall Street Sign, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


The Round House, 77 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK


Cottage, 66 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building dating from late 17th to early 18th century.


The Old School House, 40 Gloucester Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England UK