Today we visited people on the outskirts of Newcastle Ward about 22 miles out. Sorry, I don't use kilometers because most everyone reading this blog are Americans. As we drove through the village of Madely, there were church bells ringing. Eventually we got near and saw a bride and groom going into an old church. We drove around a little more and heard the bells again, so I asked to go over to the church to take a few pictures. The bride and groom were leaving to get into their decorated Volkswagen bus.
A man bicycling with his little daughter stopped, and we talked about the building and I tried to share the gospel with him when he said his wife teaches Sunday School there. He had never heard of Mormons but wasn't really interested as he kept changing the subject back to the old church. He said it is at least a 1,000 years old and the oldest in England.
Driving down the road after we left, I saw a sign on the road that said, "14th Century Church." I think this may be the church the sign refers to and it isn't quite that old but still very old. Pictures are below. There was a tombstone that I thought said "1701," but looking at in now it may be 1791. Some of the writing was in Latin. We didn't have time to walk around too much, but some of the grave markers are weathered and we couldn't read the writing or any dates.
We enjoyed the country and the beautiful weather today, but the 4th or July celebration planned by our American ward members sorta fizzled out by the time we showed up. No fireworks. We weren't too disappointed and actually quite grateful we could go home an relax for the rest of the evening.
This is All Saints Church of England. Notice the animal sticking out on the left? They were on the building at the corners and other places. Don't you think the blue commercial sign ruins things a bit?
That is probably a nine on the headstone. I thought I'd found the oldest readable one, but there was actually
another one dated 1739. We couldn't read the really old ones.
We wonder if the skull and crossbones on some of these means they died of the plague or something contagious. That is something to research. Later note: Check out Sal's research in "comments" at the bottom of the blog--I knew someone would find out something--thanks, Sallyann!
The wire or whatever it is ruins the looks of this view. There are two more animals here--one at the top. I'd
have to research what those represent. Are they ornamental or supposed to protect the building by warding off evil? They actually look evil.
This is located in downtown Newcastle. How many of you saw the movie with Johnny Depp? Horrible!
I couldn't watch it.
The flags are still flying even though England is out of the World Cup.
Phone booths like these are old. Whenever I see one, it reminds me of the phone booths we used to have
when I was growing up. Guess that makes me really old too.
I always think I've found the perfect rose and then another one pops up. I LOVE roses!
That is such a perfect, beautiful rose!!!! You take the most excellent pictures mom - thank you for allowing us to share this experience with you so vividly!
ReplyDeleteFascinating headstones...so far I've come up with these explanations for the skull and crossbones...most point to the meaning of mortality, death. To remind the living of the shortness of life, the enormity of punishment, and the wrath of God...a small reminder that while you are amongst the living you should make your peace with God before it is too late for you....interestingly, seems that although "Vicarious" may have many a meaning, it often back then referred to a "Deputy to God". Fun Sunday morning activity :)
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