Last Saturday D and I decided to revisit Beaudesert Castle. We last went just over two years ago and had a pub lunch after - that was the last time I was in a pub!
Beaudesert motte and bailey castle is an Ancient Scheduled Monument and was built by the de Montforts just after the Norman Conquest. Beaudesert village developed at the base of the Mount but is now part of Henley in Arden. The two settlements are separated by the River Alne. Excavations in 2001 discovered that the castle may not have had a stone keep but remains were found of a large hall and a solar. The main enclosure would, however, have been surrounded by a stone wall. Today just the earthworks are visible.
There is a very steep part at the start of the walk and then the incline is more gentle and sloping. Thankfully it wasn't muddy unlike our last visit!
Timothy came too - grateful to be finally taken out!
Nearly at the top!
One of the ditches you walk past.
Views from the motte towards Henley and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.
I then had a walk round the churchyard of St Nicholas while D popped to buy some chocolate bars in Henley.
St Nicholas is Norman built by Thurstan de Montfort around 1170 on the site of an earlier Saxon church. The Tower was added in the 15th century. It was restored in 1864 by Thomas Garner.
East window from the exterior.
Sadly, the church appeared to be locked. It was open on our last visit so if you would like to see the interior please see here. St Nicholas' Church Beaudesert
The lovely open timber framed lych gate dates from 1898.
We then drove on to the small hamlet of Preston Bagot and the hilltop church of All Saints which I haven't visited before.
The nave and chancel are mainly 12th century and the church was restored by J A Chatwin in 1878/9. The timber bell turret dates from the 19th century restoration.
The church was locked but I think it was even before Covid as its location is quite remote.
The views from the churchyard are lovely.
It was a lovely afternoon out and good to visit a new church even if I couldn't see the interior!
I hope everyone is staying safe and well.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera - D didn't bother taking the Canon.
