All the string stuff ( embroidery etc in Warwick )

 As regular readers will know, I like to look for the textile and fibre related objects wherever we go and Warwick did not let me down. Firstly in the church, where I spent a few minutes knitting whilst waiting for Ian to come back down the tower, then I discovered the crypt.

This was the last place that I expected to find any knitting but they had stored the poppy decorations from 2018 in one of the alcoves.

                                                              Beautiful church as well.

                The next sighting of textiles was in a more predictable place, Warwick Castle.

We had revisited Warwick specifically to visit the castle and it is impressive. It was also one of the hottest days of the year so we have promised ourselves a return visit especially as some of the attractions,  jousting etc were not available as it was too hot for the animals. In the end we upgraded our tickets to annual passes which was cheaper than paying a second entry on a cooler day.

Inside the castle I found threads, this looks a little different to the body armour currently in my motorcycle jacket ! 

Underneath, this would be worn.

Embroidery was to be found as well as some tapestry, I suspect that on my next visit I may uncover more or at least be able to take photos without so many people hiding from the sun.

no fancy corner here, just continue with the pattern on the next side.

presumably the embroidery was executed in one long strip then added to the centre panel ?

Slightly different era but an applique bedspread/quilt

and a chair that might have seen too many backsides over the years

The building is very impressive and I will share more of that next time we visit. possibly later this year

I leave you with the archer, very good at the stories but hitting the target is always a challenge.

Glimpses of Warwick

 We last visited Warwick nearly five years ago and, if you read the post , you will realise that it it was not the most exciting weekend away. However we had agreed to return and explore properly in better weather and a better mood.

you can just see the race course top left of this picture

Home for a few nights was again Warwick race course but instead of being parked up alongside the railings we had a proper pitch complete with very dry grass ( drought conditions) and a very welcome area of shade.

In fact it proved to be so hot on our initial walk round the town that I returned later, once it had cooled down a bit, to have a real nosy around.

How's this for a boot scraper, such a shame that the matching one on the other side had been recently broken.

Warwick, like many other places is well known for its historic building which are scattered around the town. I did take photos on my last visit and I've tried not to duplicate too many of them here.

As I am usually more interested in the detail than the whole, this is what the uncovered timbers look like.

The brick and tie work on more recent building was equally interesting, these examples are from the late 1800's

The other plaque on this building said COFFEE so I may have felt at home !!

and this was on the local school building

Both of the gates make for interesting framed pictures

Leominster revisited

 Once again I find myself back in Leominster, last time I visited by myself due to Ian having a back injury however this time we both had the chance to explore.

The town was looking brighter this time, many flowers in tubs around the town. This is Drapers lane and I like the street signage.

We also spotted this lane, the sign clearly indicating the business that was sited on it.

as we walked around we also spotted Butchers Row, School Road and the river Lugg, very much a market town. Also Ryelands Road which maybe a reference to the wool trade and the importance of the local Ryeland Sheep.

We spotted this large embroidery in one of the antique shops, embroidered in chain stitch on hessian, some parts had been appliqued  to the fabric.

This is just one of a pile of pieces that seem to fit together ( See above) so If anyone is interested the original is at Drapers Lane Antiques, Leominster. or if you have any idea what it was originally intended to be.

The Guardian of the Grange has acquired a cloak since my last visit

After lunch at the Grange Court, we had another wander round checking out the small arcades and alleys.

Grange Court

then back to the campsite to pack the van before moving on to Shrewsbury.