On Tuesday morning we got up and found fog had descended during the night. I took the above photo of our garden gate where the fog had collected on the cobwebs giving a rather pleasant effect. We packed the car, and had breakfast; after which I went to Lip reading class and Ann went to a harvest festival service in the Row Chapel. This took us through to about half past twelve, and finding the fog was lifting and giving way to a rather pleasant (and eventually sunny) morning, we set off for the Midlands where we'd arranged to spend a couple of days with brother Crowbard and his wife Judy. Given the time of day we'd finally set out, we stopped a few miles up the road and had lunch at the restaurant at our favourite farm shop. On again and arrived at Crowbard and Judy's home at about four thirty.
The following morning Ann, Judy, and I motored into Leicester and went to the old Guildhall, pictured above, with Ann and Judy on the right of the picture, and the Cathedral on the left.
The real purpose of my visit to the Guildhall (although the place is well worth a visit anyway) was to have a look at the above clock, which is a copy of the clock which used to be on the South Wall of All Saints' Church in Leicester.
The above two figures are of the 'Quarter Jacks' which used to strike the quarter hours. They stood in an alcove above the clock. The nasty part of this story is that in 1981 or 1982 (I forget which) someone sawed the figures off at the ankles - and stole them. They have never been recovered. But the above copies have been made and placed above the copy of the clock.
The above fireplace is in the Mayor's Parlour in the Guildhall. We then had a quick look round the Cathedral. Both the Guildhall, and the Cathedral, staff seemed to have no real interest in anything save the fact that the body of his late Majesty, King Richard the Third, has recently been discovered (in every sense) in Leicester, near the Cathedral. In fact the Cathedral stands about two hundred yards from the place where the body was found, and a site has already been decided in the Cathedral where the body will be re interred (if permission is granted to bury him in the Cathedral). I suppose it seems reasonable.
Above is a shot of a small corner of Crowbard and Judy's garden. I'm sure Crowbard will not mind my mentioning that Judy is the keen gardener. I'm sorry to have to report that the bronzed young lady kneeling at the front of the photo is not a family member.
10 comments:
Mike, your post reminded me of Wimborne Minster clock, something I have not seen for over forty years. A quick look on the web and I can see it has just one "quarter jack". Hadn't realised that was their name. Also, didn't know that inside the Minster is a 12th Century astronomical clock. We must pop that on our list of places to visit. Thanks for jogging my memory!
Thank you both very much indeed for the great pleasure of your company. I deeply regret not having been able to accompany you to the guildhall but thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the garden center.
LuvBruv
Hello Rog. I find clock jacks a fascinating subject. I know the one at Wimborne Minster. It started out in 1612 as a monk, but in Napoleonic times was rebuilt as a grenadier (just been looking it up in the pamphlet on the subject) In a way the clock case and very early dial are, if anything , more interesting than the jack. When you get two jsacks on (or from) a clock, they are usually 'quarter jacks' i.e. striking 'ting tang' quarter hours on two bells. I only know of two in Norfolk - in Norwich cathedral, from memory they are painted grey and are tucked away above a doorway in the North wall(I think) of the cathedral. Haven't seen them for decades; the last time I saw them I had to ask one of the cathedral guides who didn't know, and wasn't very interested, but did find out, and eventually ran them to ground for me.
We have two good ones in Suffolk - one in Blythburgh Church, and one in Southwold Church. They are both disconnected from their original clocks, but both still sound a bell, and are both well worth a visit.
Hello Crowbard. I was very tired when I wrote that blog entry. I missed out the obvious, which was to thank you and Jude for your invariably lavish hospitality, and indeed, for a very enjoyable break. Sorry it's been so long, but we really must get together again before too long (i.e. this side of Christmas, anyway).
Much love to you both - Mike and Ann.
Oooh, lots of lovely photos. The one of the foggy cobwebs is brilliant.
I like that clock and what a gorgeous fireplace! I've never been to Leicester and I had no idea it was so interesting.
Hello Liz. Yes, Leicester is a fascinating place -well parts of it, anyway. The older survivals date from the Jewry Wall, a hefty piece of Roman work which dates from about the year 130 A.D. Well worth a visit! By the way, Ann just popped down to my cellar, read this over my shoulder, and says that it REALLY is time we met for breakfast again. Won't be either of the coming Saturdays though, I'm afraid. Bit later in October would be good for us.
Yes indeed, a breakfast would be good. I will nag Sir Bruin to phone you; I think he has your number in his mobile phone.
Mike - Ann is quite correct, we have let the time run away rather. I'll get my people to talk to your people.
Mark's brother in law Mathew Morris was responsible for digging up King Dick! Did you visit the exhibition?
We have just returned from Cornwall, we are moving there permanently in a few weeks!
Hello Mag. We've talked on the 'phone since I received your comment. I hope you will both be very happy in Cornwall. Emma loves it, I know.
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