The first day of September and there was a distinct feel of autumn in the air today. England has suffered a very dismal summer but quite suddenly today the sun put his hat on. What a treat!
Berries around the garden are turning red and bronze and birds enjoyed feasting in the sunshine
1). Hawthorn 2). Cotoneaster 3). Rosehips 4). Rowan
After lunch my husband and I made the most of the welcome warmth and visited a favourite haunt of ours only a few miles away, the small village of Cartmel in Cumbria. It has numerous character buildings and a wonderful 12th century Priory where monks lived and prayed in Medieval times.
The stone built Cartmel Priory seen from the east. It dates from 1190.
Inside the Priory - the High Altar and East Window
These are the beautifully carved oak choir stalls where the monks would have prayed (nine time a day).
The monks had to stand to pray for many hours at a time which must have been exhausting. The poor fellows did have some assistance however in the form of narrow seats on which they could perch. These are known as 'misericords' and they date from 1460. I find them all fascinating; the skill of the woodcarvers is phenominal and the choice of subjects is both weird and wonderful. The carving above shows a double tailed mermaid with comb and mirror.
This is the marvellous old Priory Gatehouse which today is owned and cared for by the National Trust. It is on a main road through the village and sadly cars rumble through the archway which can't be good for the building's ancient foundations.
And here is the Cartmel Village Shop. It wouldn't look out of place in one of Beatrix Potters tales. It is famed for its sticky toffee pudding.
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