Wednesday 24th October was a lovely day - sunny and mild. B wanted to go to B and Q in Leominster to buy a new bird box. Afterwards we walked along the River Kenwater - the river level was high and there was no sign of the Kingfisher or Dipper that we have seen before.
We watched a pair of Goldcrest for ages. Sorry rubbish photos although they are tame and confiding they never stop still! Plus it is hard to focus with leaves and twigs in the way!
After crossing the river we walked up the hill to Leominster Priory.
We followed a public footpath past
the Priory House. This is one of the few surviving buildings built by the monks of Leominster Priory. It was probably built in the mid 1100's although there have been alterations over the years. Some researchers think it was used as an infirmary by the monks. Alternatively it could have provided lodgings for the prior. When the monastery was dissolved in 1539 it was kept as a private residence. From 1836 until the early C20th it was used as a workhouse for the poor. Then it became a hospital followed by offices for the County Council. Today it is a youth hostel.
We walked through an area known as the Tranquil Place.
This archway and sculpture is by Walenty Pytel who lives locally.
Leominster War Memorial, listed as Grade II, comprises a statue of winged Victory by William Storr-Barber, 1922.
We had tea and cake (coffee and walnut) at the delightful Pavilion Cafe. D had a rather delicious looking mushroom and cheese pancake.
We walked back to the car visiting the churchyard and exterior of Leominster Priory as we did so.
A window in the Decorated style in the south aisle which was added to the Priory in the early C14th.
Ballflower decorations
If you would like to see the interior of the priory please follow the link here Interior of Leominster Priory
We walked round to the West front of the Priory and to the
West door which never ceases to amaze me.
The C12th century West door has carvings by the Herefordshire School of Romanesque Sculptors The capitals around the doorway all have cable necking and the abaci are richly carved with saltire crosses, rows of beads and eight pointed stars in square frames.
This capital on the left hand side has two birds (doves?) entwined in foliage.
On this capital we can see two men dressed in ribbed suits wearing round hats with concentric bands. The men are cutting through the foliage with their sickles.
The third capital nearest the door has two serpents with a large horn on their heads and gaping mouths. The serpents appear to be entwined in branches or foliage.
The capitals on the right hand side show foliage (wheat?), two ferocious looking lions with large paws and heads and foliage.
We continued our walk back down the Priory Lane, along the river and back to the car.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one or mine or my son's I would appreciate an email first - thanks).
Reference:
"Buildings of England Herefordshire" - Pevsner by Alan Brooks and Nikolaus Pevsner, The University Press, 2017
"Herefordshire School of Romanesque Sculpture" by Malcolm Thurlby
