D and I popped to Temple Balsall last week to look for snowdrops. I do love Temple Balsall which has such a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere and a real sense of history.
Temple Balsall takes its name from the preceptory of the Templars which was founded there c1150. The Knights Templars were disbanded in 1312 and their estates were taken over by the Hospitallers who held them until the Dissolution in 1541.
The "character" of Temple Balsall is due to two sisters who were grand-daughters of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Lady Anne Holbourne (died 1663) left money for the church to be repaired and also an endowment for a minister. Lady Katherine Leveson (died 1674) endowed the school and the hospital here. The restored church was used by the parish and also the almswomen next door. The Hospital is now known as Lady Katherine Housing and Care.
Saint Mary's church was restored as mentioned above in 1667 and also by George Gilbert Scott in 1848/9. It is built of red sandstone ashlar. Questions still remain as whether the church was originally built by the Templars or by the Hospitallers c1320. According to Pevsner historical evidence suggests the former as "stylistically though it is much more likely to belong to the late 13th century and the Templars".
Plants and chutneys for sale. We bought a marjoram plant and a jar of apple chutney before we left.
In the past I have found the church open but on recent visits it has always been locked.
The Old Hall
There were carpets of snowdrops throughout the churchyard - such a joy to see so many.
Snowdrops are also known as "Candlemas Bells", "The Purification Flower", "Fair Maids of February" and "Snow Piercer".
Research suggests that snowdrops were introduced into Britain in the 15th century by Italian monks. They are not a native British plant and those seen in the wild would have been garden escapees or have been planted. They have now, however, become naturalised and are found in damps wood and by streams throughout Britain. Snowdrops are able to survive cold winter weather, frosts and snow, as they contain anti-freeze proteins that stop crystals that would damage the cells forming.
The flowers provide welcome nectar for early emerging bees.
There is a charming legend when an angel appeared to comfort Eve who was upset by the barren soil and snow storm following The Fall of Man. The angel caught a flake of snow and breathed upon it telling it to come to life. It developed a flower - a snowdrop - when it fell on the ground. Eve realised there was hope and as the angel flew away a ring of snowdrops appeared where the angel had stood.
In the "Language of Flowers" snowdrops represent hope, purity, humility, virgin innocence and gratitude. They are frequently found in churchyards and monastery ruins as these "Candlemas Bells" were grown for the Purification of the Virgin Mary, the Feast of Candlemas on 2nd February.
Winter Aconites were also flowering - they are also called "New Year's Gift" as they are one of the first flowers to bloom after the new year.
The Walled Garden is hidden away further down the churchyard.
The Old Hall
was encased in brick in the 19th century. The interior has hidden remains of an aisled late 12th century hall which belonged to the preceptory.
We walked along the Bread Walk to the stream, wood and cemetery.
Wild Arum leaves
Lady Katherine Housing and Care
Temple House was built in 1760.
On the way back to the car park there was a pool with mallards and coots.
I hope everyone is staying safe and well.
Photos marked *D were taken by D with the Canon SX50 bridge camera and the rest were taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera.
Reference: "Buildings of England Warwickshire" by Chris Pickford and Nikolas Pevsner.
"Britain's Wild Flowers A Treasury of Traditions, Superstitions, Remedies and Literature" by Rosamond Richardson.
