In search of the rock coffins

 I recently had the chance to go to Heysham near Morecombe to look for some medieval coffins that had been carved out of the rocks by an old church, They featured on a Black Sabbath album some years ago so I was keen to see where they were actually located. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_of_Black_Sabbath

The best way for me to get there was to walk along the prom from Morecambe, past the painted house

past the climbing wall

past 'bring me sunshine'

past random facts about Morecambe

admiring the view as I went

until I could see the old town nestled amongst the trees on the promontory.

I was heading for St Peters Church first which was founded in the 7th or 8th century and recorded as an Anglo Saxon church in 1080. The building is partly dating from 1340-1350 although some of the original Anglo Saxon church is incorporated into the structure. various parts were added over the next few centuries.

I was searching for the 10th century Viking hogback stone which is covered with carvings. ( It proved very east to find as it was just inside the door ! )

the lighting was much better from the other side nearer the window

( I hate using flash on photos but sometimes there is no choice)

can you see the little man ?

   If you would like some more detailed info about this stone, there is a very interesting PDF from the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire here.The church itself is very pretty with an assortment of embroidered kneelers using variations on a Celtic knotwork pattern.

I can recommend the Church cafe in the carpark, coffee and cake was very welcome.

Behind the church are the remans of St Patricks chapel dating back to 8th or 9th century where the stone coffins [believed to be from 11 Century can be found.

It is believed that the chapel looked like this with crosses marking the graves.

Today the crosses are long gone.

Mission accomplished !!

I decided that catching the bus was the best option to get back to Morecambe especially as I had to walk back to the campsite from the sea front. Heading back into the town of Heysham I found a couple of interesting bits. I spotted a plaque on a fence which turned out to be a recipe.

                  Please ignore my reflection , I tried to get a pic without my reflection, 

Community garden by the sea front

Spirit of Heysham

and the Heritage Centre,

Soed Idee Jubileum week seventeen and eighteen

 I completely forgot to post week seventeen as we are travelling around so here is both week seventeen with the hearts and eighteen with the alphabet. As usual I have added the places were we have been staying which will give you a clue as to where the next few posts will be about.

Hawes part three - pretty windows, knitted scenes and yet more spinning wheels.

 I promise that this is the last blog post from our trip to Hawes but I can't leave without mention of St Margaret's Church Window.

This window wonderfully represents the Dales life and history, From the market, the knitters, the ropemakers and even the Settle and Carlisle Railway ( more of this later )

 

This is the interior of the church built in 1850 replacing the former chapel built in the 1600's.

If you look at the pews carefully you will see engravings of cats and cravings of mice. The mice carvings are also see in Bridlington Priory.

I have one of the carved mice at home ready to stick onto my Ashford e-spinner.

Remember I said there would be more about the railway? here it is, the knitted railway to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Settle t o Carlise line.

As with any small town in the Dales, it is popular with the tourists and as a result a number of antique shops are dotted around. If you fancy a spinning wheel or yarn winder then Cellar Antiques is your place.

spindle missing

Fortunately? I don't have room for any more spinning wheels although I quite liked the yarn counter. A bowl full of knitting stick provided a more portable possibility but seeing as I rarely use my knitting belt, would I want one? If I did succumb to temptation, would I buy a fancy ornate one or one that had been used, scratched and even mended sue to having been used so much.

Even though we have visited Hawes many times I still enjoy spending time there.