The Marsh grew rich when it was drained and used to raise sheep. The wool merchants competed to build ever better churches, and the Marsh still has many small, often isolated, churches, far more than its population would merit today.
Our main target (apart from lunch in a 15th century pub) was the church of St George at Ivychurch. Parts of it date back to the 13th century.
My cosuin June and her husband Mick, with my friend
and honorary family member Susanna on the right.
This window was bricked up nearly 200 years ago, then more recently
cemented on the outside.It seems to be the only way to save what's left of it -
it's in a pretty precarious state.
This lime-washed screen dates to the 15th century.
The north transept is screened off and used as a museum of agricultural implements.
My cousins have been hosts to a couple of broods of doves -
on the bracket of their satellite dish! The latest pair of chicks have just fledged.
Mum and dad were nearby keeping an eye on their babies.
It's nice that they use the church for another purpose instead of it sitting empty for most of the week. Seems such a shame when they're neglected
ReplyDeleteI really need to get over to England and shoot all of these amazing, old buildings. Thanks for the history tour! Glad you had a great day trip.
ReplyDeleteLiving on this side of the pond, I forget how old the world and things in it are. Lovely pics.
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