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,