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After a very early and punctual start from Salisbury Coach Station, we drove through the rain to Coventry Cathedral where we were met by Mr Ken Offley, the Vice Chairman of the Friends of the Cathedral. As we had arrived earlier than expected we had time to look around the ruins of the old Cathedral which had been destroyed in 1940 by incendiary bombs. Only the east end wall and the west tower were left standing, and in this large open space various memorials had been built, including a beautiful loving group representing Peace and Reconciliation, which is the theme of the new Cathedral. This has been set at right angles to the old Cathedral, thus giving it a north-south axis. One enters through large engraved glass doors looking north towards the high altar, and the vast Sutherland tapestry depicting the figure of Christ in Glory. The first impression is of stark grey walls but when you turn to face the entrance, you are amazed by the sudden appearance of stained glass windows. The cross hanging over the Altar contains the original cross of nails taken from the old Cathedral. After a talk about the Cathedral, we joined the midday prayers for Peace and Reconciliation.
After lunch in the undercroft, we set off for the village of Cottingham and the Hunting Lodge Hotel. After our arrival, we had a quick wash and brush up before our visit to Rockingham Castle. It is one of a chain of castles built by William the Conqueror and had wonderful unimpeded views of the surrounding countryside. An interesting feature of the garden was the elephant hedge.
The following day began with a visit to Geoff Hamilton’s gardens at Barnsdale, which were quite delightful. It is divided into many small gardens which you may remember from the BBC programme ‘Gardeners’ World’. A very pleasant way to start the day. We then took to the water on the Rutland Belle which took us on a tour of Rutland Water, the largest man-made lake in the country. We disembarked at Normanton Church which is partially submerged and has been turned into a museum. Our lunch stop was at Stamford with its 23 churches and a street market.
On then to Peterborough Cathedral, a religious building in the grand East Anglian Romanesque tradition of Ely and Norwich. On first sight, the west front is most impressive but on closer inspection appears to be a work of glorious confusion! Inside the painted wooden ceiling is interesting and the fan vaulting in the retrochoir, known as the New Building, is quite magnificent. It was built with Barnack stone from quarries owned by the monks and the east end was in use by 1137. The Friends provided us with a delicious tea during which we had a talk about the Cathedral. After a wander around we joined the Evensong service. The third morning was spent in Oakham, the country town of Rutland, where we visited the market and what remains of the castle. The interior walls of the Great Hall were covered with hundreds of horse shoes which had been donated by visiting Lords and Monarchs throughout the ages.
We then drove to Burghley House in time for lunch. There was plenty of time to look around the house where all the walls, and even some of the ceilings, are covered with tapestries and paintings including representations of heaven and hell. A bit overwhelming but fortunately the rose garden provided a fragrant place to recover.
We finished the day with a complete contrast. We were met at Barnack Church by the Rector who, accompanied by her small dog, gave us a talk about the history of the church and the local stone.
Our final day started with a lie-in as some of the group attended the morning service at the little church in Cottingham. On the journey back to Salisbury, we stopped for a quick look at the triangular lodge at Rushton, built by Sir Thomas Tresham between 1594 and 1596 as a rabbit-keeper’s house, but is in fact a building with many symbols of his true faith!
Our last port of call was Canons Ashby, a Tudor house named after an Augustine Abbey on the site. Such a pleasant tranquil place compared to the grandeur of Burghley House.
In fact this tour was full of contrasts – ancient and modern, grandiose and simple, large and small, all cunningly put together to give us a most enjoyable four days. Lance, our driver, was thanked for this cheerful patience and skilful driving which got us safely round some tight corners! Thanks were also extended to Shirley Reeves for her expert guidance which added greatly to our knowledge of the places we saw. But special thanks must go to Kate for organising such a successful tour – no one would have known it was her first! Everything ran smoothly, we always started our days on time – 8.30 am sharp – the hotel was comfortable and the food and staff were excellent. What more can one ask of a tour?
Anne Dewing and June Calamvokis, who shared a room and are still friends!
click on image for larger picture
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Friends Group |
Coventry Cathedral |
Rockingham Castle |
Rockingham Castle |
Geoff Hamilton’s
gardens |
Rutland Belle |
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Normanton Chuch -
partially submerged |
Peterborough
Cathedral |
Barnack Church |
Burleigh House |
Triangular Lodge
at Rushton |
Canons Abbey |
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