We drove down the coast to Cromer - again the strange experience of all the villages looking familiar even though I'd never been before :) If possible it was even foggier in Cromer so hoping it was just a sea mist we drove inland to Holt - a market town with lots of interesting little independent shops. Sadly, it was just as misty there!
Emily particularly enjoyed this shop!
and David and I spent most of our time in this one. David was happy having found a book on Gothic Norfolk (full of myths and legends). I picked up a pair of books in a case full of engravings by Thomas Bewick but replaced it rather rapidly when I was told the asking price - £100!
On the journey we had passed many interesting looking churches - all seemed open. I finally managed to persuade Brian to return to Weybourne so David and I could have a look at the church and priory there.
You can see from this photo of the church (and later ones of the Priory) just how misty it was.
I found one clump of primroses in the churchyard and snowdrops were still flowering.
Weybourne Priory was founded around 1200 - 1216 (the Augustinian Order was introduced into England during the 11th century and many religious houses were founded in the following 100 years).
The mist swirling round the ruins was really rather atmospheric and my imagination ran riot with thoughts of monks in hooded cowls wandering around.
The parish church of All Saints has chancel and nave dating mainly to the 13th and 14th centuries. The porch (which has flushwork - flint and brick - decoration) was completed around 1500.
The pulpit is Jacobean
Sorry about the flash bouncing off the glass - the frame contains a photo of the Seal of Weybourne Priory of early 13th century design.
Carving on the pulpit - sorry about this being in the wrong place. Blogger has a mind of its own this evening and seems to be putting photos out of order! Plus I've had several attempts at typing text which appears in a different place when I check the preview!! So apologies in advance if this post is all over the place and the text and photos fail to make sense!!
I only scan read the guide book whilst in the church (conscious of Brian and Emily waiting in the car!!) and it was only later that I realised I had missed one of the highlights - two 15th century poppy-heads (these are small circular wooden face engravings) - doh!!
Spotted a huge flock of Greenfinches in the garden back at the cottage and Jackdaws were constantly "chacking" from the roof top. Great to hear the Tawny Owl again during the evening too.
