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Quest 36: From the UK to France and Spain – going off the beaten track into worlds and realities only previously dreamt about. Our Grail search continues as as we take the path of the Grail through earthly time and connect to all those whom have walked this path before. At one point we almost actually caught up with the past as it almost became our present, but the elusive Grail still remaons one (or many steps) ahead.  Another stream-lined write up in order to catch up, but as before all the relevant points are here, and more photos can be shared over time. I hope you all enjoy this.

Itinery and map for Quest 36

Day one: Wednesday 23rd November 2022:

  •  Rochester is a beautiful old castle town steeped in historic maritime history, with both Neville and Templar associations down through time, signs of which are everywhere about the town. There are many fine old buildings and narrow streets here, all a delight for a wander around. It is also celebrated for its annual ‘sweeps’ festival – well worth a visit.
  • Rochester Cathedral: Garth Houes. The Precinct: The day we arrived was graduation day, being held in the cathedral, so we could not get into the cathedral for a walk around, although we did ‘sweet talk’ a security guy to let us pop our cameras inside the north door for just five minutes before the ceremony began. The cathedral is England’s second oldest, founded by Bishop Justice. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk Bishop Gundulf in 1o83. The ‘church’ next door, St Nicholas’ also on our list is no longer a church but a diocese admin building now!
  • Rochester Museum: 17 High Steet: An extremely interesting museum with plenty of maritime history, in a well-thought out and inticing manner. But what was even more interesting was the interest shown to these two questers by ‘persons undisclosed’.

A two-night stay at the delightful and chaming ‘Oast House’ in the heart of rural Sussex.

Day two: Wednesday 24th November 2022:

  • Royal Tunbridge Wells: Like Rochester the pretty spa town of Tunbridge Wells also has very strong Neville connections and was once part of a vast Neville estate. We  visited two churches, one very profound wth Neville connections, and one very much closed, but which Queen Victoria once visited for important reasons. A lovely Autumn day with beautiful colours everywhere. We also visited a very mysterious rock formation, the likes of which is not to be found in any tourist guide, but touch it and many truths of it’s purpose are to be revealed to you….
  • St Marks Church: Broadwater Down: The building of this magnificent French Gothic style church started in 1864, it took two years to build and was consecrated in 1866. More peices of the bigger puzzle (grail puzzle) are to be found here in this church. Ancestry line: The building was funded by one of Karl’s 5th Great Uncles, Earl William Nevill, 4th Earl of Abergavenny(1792-1886), in 1864. William, who was born in 1792 passed away in 1868 a mere two years after the church was consecrated. He also lived in Isleworth, Middlesex 28/06/1792-17/08/1868.
  • King Charles the Martyr Church: 3 Warwick Park: The building was started in 168o, but was then stopped. It eventually became a church in 1709, when it had its first vicar and became a parish church 1889. Ancestry line: The church has been visited by Queen Victoria, whom knew of its importance.
  • Wellington Rocks: 85 Bishops’s Down: A mysterious and enigmatic place, not neccesarly what it seems. It is said it was originally a stone -age settlement but it’s history goes back much further. A saying goes that whoever touches the rocks, so to embrace, will truly know it’s meaning and purpose… These day families use it as a picnic site, with many hours spent clamboring over the rocks by the children, unaware of it’s mysterious history. Certainly an aspect of ‘hidden histories’ at play here.

Day three: Thursday 25th November 2022: Eurotunnel and into Rural France: We left our cosy Oast House early in the morning and headed of to the Channel Tunnel at Dover, Kent. Although we made good time, a train had sadly broken down in the tunnel causing long delays, it was a gorgeous sunny day though and despite the delay, spirits were high and not dampened. Always time for a bit of of people watching while waiting, and the Eurotunnel itself is very well-laid out and profesionally managed with safety a priority. A couple of visits in France needed to be cancelled, for a very long journey lie ahead of us. While waiting we had our first taste of a ‘time-line glitch’ aka ‘Matrix Style! We were to experience more than one of these ‘encounters’ on this Quest.

Day four: Friday 26th November 2022:  Rest Day in France: After yesterdays very long day and mega journey, driving right down into southern France for a couple of night’s pit stop, we enjoyed recuperation, inspiration and rest at Chatres-sur-Cher, Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de-Loire, Longere.

Day five: Sunday 27th November 2022:

  • Eglise Saint -Henri et Saint-Ursin de Bourges Church: 10 Av Marcel Haegelen: As it was a Sunday, there was a service going on when we arrived, so we joined the congregation and waited paitently for our chance to look around, albeit amidst some strange looks. The church although on a busy main road is set in some pretty grounds and was  built on much older sites. A Keystone Church: The Grail rested here for eight years from 29 AD-37 AD,  before travelling to Glastonbury, England. Ancestry line: King Clovis 1 of France 25/12/465 (Marne, Loire-Atlantique, France) – 27/11/511 (St Pierre, Paris, France) (49x GGF). Afterwards we had an interesting walk around the older part of Bourges, where there are some very interesting and photogenic old buildings, and of course the beautiful cathedral whch we strolled around, but did not go in.

A two night stay in the hillsides of Frolois in Burgundy at 1 Rue Du Bourg, Venarey-les-Laumes, Cote d’Or.

Day six: Monday 28th November 2022:

  • Dijon: It was a very wet day when we arrived in this beautiful and magical old city, and the rain just seemed to make it even more charming and picturesque.
  • Cathedral Saint-Benigne de Djion: 4 Place Saint Benigne: Sadly under lock and key until mass at 5pm, so one of those days when G-d just wasn’t at home… A little stroll around the outside had to suffice with tasters of a very interesting history attached to this Cathedral. It is built on the original remains of a structure from 511 AD, but the current building, which is Gothic in design, dates from 1325 AD . There is a direct link here to the Clarke line and that of the group of Desposyni. Ancestry link: Knight Tesceline Sorus (03/08/1065) Fontaine-les-Dijon, France le Roux (11/04/1120) Fontaine-les-Dijon, France (29xGGF) and Father of Benard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), the Founder of the Knights Templar and also (Karl’s 29x Great Uncle). (extra info: Tescelin de Fontaine, lord of Fontaine-lès-Dijon, and Alèthe de Montbard, father of the founder of  the Knights Templars Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 to 1153 AD), Karl’s 28th Great Uncle)

Day seven: Tuesday 29th November 2022: We left Burgundy today for an epic drive right into the heartlands of Spain, a whole day of travel where we experienced changing scenery and a massive change in the weather. As we drove down into warmer climes,  across the Pyranees, there was a noticble shift in the culture too, as we headed along into rural Spain. So at nightfall, we arrived safe and sound in Alpens in Spain, it looked to be extremely beautiful, with very old buildings. We  had gone from a converted barn in rural France to a third floor apartment high up in the Spanish mountains! It was an epic journey today, almost from dawn til dusk…. It was very late at night though, so a good rest this evening and a wander around tommorow, but there is something very exciting about arriving somewhere new late at night and not knowing what awaits you in the morning….

A two night stay at Alpens in the beautiful mountains of Spain at Barcelona Calle Ripoll 1. We were not ‘alone‘ in this interesting apartment, built right next to the church and old churchyard….

Day eight: Wednesday 30th November 2022: Designated a rest day for relaxing and recuperating and for doing our own thing. Alpens in Catalonia was far too pretty and the weather too gorgeous to not have a relaxing day wandering around with my camera…

Day nine: Thursday 1st December 2022: Another very long day of driving as we ventured further southwards and deeper into Spain, but with two very important stops before anchoring for the night, one of which was Girona in Spain. Girona: is an old Spanish river city of which the old part is built on a very steep hill. It is bustling with life, full of different layers, very old buildings, very steep steps and alleyways galore. We visited the cathedral, which was built on a much older previous site. It has the widest Gothic nave in the world and is connected to Lamech in respect of our Grail Quest. Did i mention steps, up and down we went, old steps trod by so many people over the years, many would have been pilgrims, to reach the cathedral that towers above, over the city. Today, may be known on a wider scale as a prominent setting for the well-known Game of Thrones. On a day like this it looked splendid, full of symbolism and deep meanings, but i shall forever remember those steps! We had a lovely wander round this interesting city, the weather was hot and sunny, and the shops were very inticing, so a lovely day.

  • Catedral de Santa Maria de Girona: Placa de la Catedral: There was a settlement here in early 497 AD, and even earlier, with the land and area being in use way back into the BC periods. There was a primitive church here in 696 AD, built on an older site, but by 1417 AD there was some serious investment for renovation going ahead. The cathedral has the widest Gothic nave in the world and full of treasures inside. There was some amazing symbology in place inside, very useful for both Craft and/or Grail researchers alike. It is said that if one looks towards the East, then the West, then the above to below, a great mark will present itself in light… But on a personal level i did not find the energies there very inviting and i felt that ‘they’ felt the same about me, maybe a test?  Ancestry line: connected to Lamech, born 3130 BC Baghdad and settled in this area (111xGGF) and some may say, father to Noah.
  • Castle of Montsoriu: There’s an old ruin of a castle, that sits atop of a mountain just outside of Girona, ‘Cami del Castell de Montsori’. One can see it for miles and miles around – it is that high up. It is situated in the eastern section of the Montseny Natural Park and reserve of the Biosphere. To get there the road winds up and up the mountainside, the views are stunning, if not a little scary, it’s over a thousand years old and reconstruction commenced in the twentieth century. It is of the turreted Gothic castle design, nestling high up in those Spanish mountains and is one of the most relevant examples of medieval military architecture in the Mediterranean region. It is said that this sacred land is connected to Lamech and of Noah himself, very interesting and one wonders if there ever was a flood here or a change in geological circumstances? Ancestry line: The connection here is to Lamech, whom settled in the area.

A three night stay in a swish high-up apartment in the lovely area of Barbera del Valles, Catalonia, just north of Barcelona.

Day ten: Friday 2nd December 2022:
  • Church of Santa Maria and Sant Nicoloau: Calella, Maresme, Àmbit metropolità de Barcelon: On our tenth day of this amazing quest, we visited the beautiful church of Santa Maria and Sant Nicoloau in Calella, Spain, one of the most visited religious buildings in Spain. The ‘energies’ there were so peaceful and truly accomodating, yet the church itself is at the centre of a busy tourist hub, located in the centre of Calella. It was once the site of a temple and cemetry in Roman times. It was  rebuilt in 1753, after the civil war. It was a gorgeous sunny autumn day when we were there, everything looked beautiful, including the bustling Calella itself. We had a nice stroll around later on, with nibbles in a tappas bar and of course some retail therapy! Going back to the church, there were some enlightening and extremely symbolic artworks to be found there, all very relevant to our quests. The church is lovingly looked after with lots of plants and fresh greenery everywhere. Ancestry line: The connection here is to Lamech (111xGGF) who it is said of, really loved it here, and one can see why. Lamech was born in 3131 BC in Baghdad, Iraq, but settled in the Valancia area. It is said that Calella was always in the heart of Lamech.
  • Vil-la Romana del More: We wandered up a seemingly random track in the middle of nowhere in Spain, yet was it though? It is certainly not ‘listed’ anywhere but it was by no mere chance that we happened upon what once was a thriving and active Roman community complete with aquaduct and villa, now the remains have sadly turned to ruins, yet once had important reasons for being there. But why in the middle of nowhere or was it? Just turn around and see exactly why this site was chosen. Uplifting energies here, a lovely spot for, to be refreshed and tempted for all whom come this way. These Romans knew a thing or two and were on a quest of their own, as shown in our own previous quest when we followed in the footsteps of ‘Arthur’ around Europe, and came to understand the meaning of his own life and quest. The mysteries are often written, and hidden, in the very landscape itself, yet seen by few in these current moments of time. As always the answers truly are hidden in plain sight. A peaceful site here, but with energies strong and profound. This site just outside of Calella, near Barcelona, also known to Lancelot Desposyni, whom like ‘Arthur’ was also on a Grail Quest in his own time. Time can reveal and solve many mysteries if only we had all the keys to unlock what has been securely hidden… Just because something is not obvious or ‘seen’ by human eyes in these times, does not mean that it did not have rhyme, reason or purpose in it’s own time. Of course ‘time’ itself does a very good job of keeping it’s own mysteries well hidden… Ancestry link: Once Lancelot Desposyni ventured here, thus aiding his own Grail Quest to provide future knowledge and clues to the current ‘quester’.
  • Esglesia de Santa Maria d’Arenys de Mar: Plaza Esglesia Arenys de Mar Barcelona: We arrived after 5pm to experience the very lively and vibrant town of Arenys de Mar, full of pre-xmas activity, shops all open and xmas lights on and even a night-time food market open! We enjoyed a lovely stroll around, so a very fitting end to a lovely day. This interesting church is set right in the centre of the town in a big open hub of a square. It was built in 1584 and has a rather amazing and huge Baroque-style altarpiece, with Grail links being to Lamech. The church is full of beautiful items with much relevant symbology to be found inside.  Ancestry link: The land here has direct links to Lamech (111xGGF)

Day eleven: Saturday 3rd December 2022:

  • Santa María de Manresa Cathedral: Basilica de Santa Maria de Santa Santa Maria de Manresa (La Seu): This was our last day in this particular area of Spain; an area that we had loved very much. This Gothic church which predates many churches in Spain was to open around 4pm, which seems to be the way of life in Spain and as we were discovering the way for many churches.  Most places close down between 1-2pm, then re-open around 4pm. So time for a stroll around Manresa, to get a feel for the area,  and maybe a nice coffee too. The area was bustling and interesting with some amazing urban art to be seen nearby, the whole area was magnificant. Again the area is full of steep steps and hidden alleyways! The huge gothic Santa Maria cathedral in Manresa is full of symbolism with a special connection to the heart of Lancelot Desposyni (520-593 AD) and of course our grail quest for the truth. There are many items here of special interest to anyone on a Templar path and one clue in particular, it is said, shall aide the journey for those whom seek the Grail, hidden within just one special area…. Underneath the high altar of Santa Maria in Manresa can be found the crypt, full of many treasures and ancient history. A few Knights Templar clues then, within this magnificent building, truths towards enlightenment for sure. As above, so below, as we walked down under the High Altar, the crypt below showed us many splendours. Ancestry link: Lancelot Desposyni 520-593 AD with a special connection to his heart….

“View our videos below to enhance your understandings of our Grail Quests and maybe partake of a little quest of your own”

QUEST 36: SPANAIRD’S LIGHT: ROUND UP PART ONE

QUEST 36: SPANAIRDS LIGHT: ROUND UP PART TWO.

“So we said goodbye to Catalonia and this beautiful part of Spain and were off on the road again”

“If you can truly read the land, you can see through time….”

Day 12: Sunday 4th December 2022:

After a long journey today, a total of 385 miles of travel (5 Hours), in readiness for Chiva tommorow, we finally arrived in the sleepy little village of Port Saplaya, Comunidad, in the Cella district near Treuel, Valencia, for a two night stay in a lovely apartment.

Day 13: Sunday 5th December 2022:

  • Parish of San Juan Bautista. Plaza Iglesia 1. Chiva: We arrived in ths charming yet sleepy little town when there was not a soul to be seen, but as is the tradition in Spain, we arrived during the siesta time. On a possitive note always a good time for taking photos and there was some interesting urban art there too. The town seems as if it is residing in a bygone age, with it’s steep narrow streets not made for modern transport. It was so quite we could not even treat ourselves to a coffee as everywhere was closed, but it was very peaceful and we had an interesting wander around. The church was sadly shut and although we waited some time for it to open, it remained closed while we were there. It’s current appearance is the result of restorations in the 18th century; it was founded by Ferdinand and Isabella, after reconquering Malaga. The main 19th century chapel is in neo-baroque style. A Keystone Church with a connection to Lamech. It is said that the Grail rested here from May 2021 to September 2021 for a short time, almost inticingly crossing our own paths on this Quest. A quiet and profound place with maybe hiding a secret or two…
  • San Juan de Baños:  C. Ermita B C. 13 de Cerrato. Palencia: After another journey across sparse dusty mountain terrain we arrived at the very profound  and tiny church of San Juan Bauutista, Banos de Cerrato, right in the middle of almost nowhere. We had to wait for it to be opened, but as it is a destination for pilgrims and truth seekers alike it is opned at a certain time each day. The church is a stone Early Medieval church, dedicated to St John the Baptist in the village of Banos, de Cerrato, ancient Balneos in the province of Palencia , central Spain. In Roman times opportunities were found for vacations and relaxation, with many private villas seen on the landscape, it was an important area, and once again it seems that the Romans knew a thing or two and it is of no co-incedence that our present day journey mirrors their past journey. The church built on an older site by Visgothic king Recceswinth of Hispania, in the year 661. it has a consecration inscription over the entrance, which is also preserved in a codex of the 10th century, copied from a Toledan manuscript from the 8th century. A literal translation would be: “Forrunner of the Lord, martyr John the Baptist owns this seat, built as an eternal gift which i myself King Recesvinto, devotee and lover  of your name, dedicated to you in his own right, in the third year, after the tenth, as an illustious companion of the kingdom, in the Era, six hundred and ninety-nine”. Excavations were carried out in 1956 and 1963 which revealed many interesting medieval buildings and artifacts. It is a Keystone Church: not disclosed up until this point, but in September 2021 the Grail arrives at this point in time, for a very short time, and the time distance between ‘us’ and the Grail is getting so enticingly closer… The Ancestry Line is to Lamech.

To be continued…..

 

 

Church of Saint James the Great Alborache: Pl. Iglesia 1, Alborache, Valencia:

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

 moon.willow@ntlworld.com

ublished March 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAY NEAR BARCELONA

 

SANTA MARIA SANT NICOLAU

 

ROMAN VILLA

 

SANTA MARIA CHURCH IN ARENYSEDEMAR

 

MANRESA GOTHIC CHURCH

 

CHURCH OF SAINT JAMES THE GREAT ALBORACHE

 

GRAIL CHURCH TEMPLAR CHURCH BANOSDECERRATO:    

St Materianna’s Three Ladys

“So off we went on Quest 35 to Wales and the West Country. It is always a great pleasure to travel through these very special lands in search of our (Craft) history and to be able to join up more dots and allow the pieces of this real-life puzzle to fall into place. As always we experienced ‘watchful’ eyes looking over us and ‘time and space’ dancing round us. Again i am streamlining my write-ups in order to catch up – but more can be added over time, either here or as seperate posts. I am not including links this time as good info and webpages are not easy to find, but be asured all the relevant info is here and if folks are interested, anyone can do a web search”.

Day one: Wednesday 31st August 2022:

  • St Edward the Confessor Church: 6 Church Street. Leek: Restored in 1839 AD. The original Norman church burnt down in 1297 AD. We were not alone on this occasion, for as has happened on numerous past quests a Watcher, whom turned up out of nowhere, sat in the church keeping a watchful eye on us. Ancestry line: Lord Robert De Neville 1240 AD born Raby Castle (20xGGF)

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St Edward the Confessor Church. Leek

A four night stay at Evenjobb. Wales

Day two: Thursday 1st September 2022:

  • St Davids Church: Heyope Road. Heyope. Knighton: A previous site of St Marys Church in 1462, which was flood damaged, thus St Davids was built in 1844 AD. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Raby Castle. Died 18th Oct 1476 Priory Church. Abergavenny (13xGGF) (Was at this church in 1451, prior to flood that damaged the church)
  • Knighton Museum: 1 Broad Street. Knighton: A map in the museum that was donated holds a firm clue to the Grail itself.
  • St Edwards Church: Church Road. St Edwards Close. Knighton: The church tower is of Medieval origin from 1366/1368 AD. The restoration is from 1752 AD, and further in 1877 AD. “The centre of the Earth. Holding the secrets of Atlantis Itself”.  A peaceful energy here. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Abbergavenny. A direct connection to Lord Robert De Neville 1172-1248. 78 years. Raby Castle. A connection to the area and knowledge. The start of the Neville surname in respect of May 1254, who took her mothers surname upon her death.
  • St Mary Magdalene Church: Bleddfa. Beacon Hill. Radnor: ‘The Place of the Wolf‘. Bleddfa means ‘the abode of wolves’, and wolves were still to be found in Radnor Forest until Tudor times. The church dates from the early 13th century and latter part also. The wooden bellcote dates from 1711, and the south porch is 15th century. For many years a mysterious mound at the west end of the church was thought to be a prehistoric burial chamber, but when it was excavated in the 1960s it was discovered to be the base of a substantial stone tower to the church. Excavations showed that the tower had been burned down, assumed to have happened during the revolt of Welsh patriot Owain Glyndwr in the 15th century. A connection here to royalty too, but maybe not in a way expected…  A Keystone Church: not all is as it seems….
  • Arthurs Stone: Dorstone. Hereford: A Neolithic tomb dating to 3700 BC. A place so great in its time that many came to worship here, but now at the side of a small road. Two knights fought here during the War of the Roses (1455-1487) Knight Turberville was killed here. Ancestry line: Barron George Neville: 1440 AD born Abergavenny. It has been suggested that Lord Edward Neville 1417-1476 (16xGGF) Ist Lord of Abergavenny fought  Knight Turberville.

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St Edwards Church. Knighton

Day three: Friday 2nd September 2022:

  • St John the Baptist Church: Stokesay. Craven Arms: The original chapel was buit in 1150 AD, as a chapel for the castle. Restored in 1654 AD, with past Norman features visable. Ancestry line: Earl Gospatrick Mac Maldred 1042 AD born Bamburgh. Northumbria (25xGGF) Area connection to Lord Maldred Fitz Dolfin born Raby Castle 1157 AD-1183 AD
  • Land of the Lost Content: The Old Market Hall. Market St. Craven Arms: Museum of collectables from throughout time. A point of interest.
  • Hopton Castle: Craven Arms: “In Hopton’s mound one can truly see, a sight of sights for eternity” A peaceful site with lovely energies, but with ‘pockets’ of time standing still or of being of ‘no-time’, further still a link lay here with the Mark of ‘Eternity’.  Ancestry line: Lord Uchtred Fitz Maldred 1075 born Raby Castle. (24xGGF)
  • Clun Castle: Newport Street. Clun. Craven Arms: A Norman Castle established by a Norman Lord in 1033 AD, as ‘odd’ as that may sound. Ancestry line: Lord Uchtred Fitz Maldred 1075 born Raby Castle (24xGGF) Area connection to Knight Tescelin (Clarke) born 1040-1085 AD in Dijon France. As we have visited this castle previously, and it was  arather long walk over rough terrain, we declined on this occasion.

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St John the Baptist Church. Stokesey

Day four: Saturday 3rd September 2022:

  • St Laurences Church:  2 College Street. Ludlow: Built in 1056 AD when the Normans founded Ludlow itself in the late 11th century. A large and bustling church which seemed very popular as a tourist atrraction. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Abergavenny (13xGGF)
  • Ludlow Market: Historic market town and a point of interest.

Day five: Sunday 4th September 2022:

  • Holy Trinity Church: Watermoor Road. Cirencester: Built in 1872 AD on a much older site that is said to be the gateway to the ‘Middle-Land’. Contains some very significant and important artwork within… Ancestry line:Lieutenant Ralph Neville 1832 AD born Lewes Sussex. (3xGGF) A Keystone Church: The Grail was said to have been here from 49 AD-78 AD, for 29 years.

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

Holy Trinity Church. Cirencester

A four night stay at Otter Rise near Honiton

Day six: Monday 5th September 2022:

  • St Benedicts Church: Benedict Street. Glastonbury: Built in 1363 AD replacing an 11th century Norman chapel, originally dedicated to St. Benigows, a great freind of St. Patrick. Ancestry line: Lord John Neville 1337 AD born Raby Castle (17x GGF) A Keystone Church: The Grail was here from 37 AD-49 AD for 12 years.
  • Glastonbury Abbey & King Arthur’s Tomb: Magdalene Street. Glastonbury: Built 765 AD, a fire occurred in 1184 AD, rebuilt in 1269 AD. Ancestry line: John Clarke 1746 AD born Farway Devon (5xGGF). Also a connection to Lancelot Desposyni born 520 AD in Bretayne France.
  • Chalice Well: Chilkwell Street. Glastonbury: A place of spirituality and peace for more than 2000 years. Lovely energies and a true sanctuary in time. Ancestry line: John Clarke 1746 AD born Farway Devon (5xGGF)

Day seven: Tuesday 6th September 2022:

  • Church of St Decuman: Brenden Road. Watchet: the chancel was built in 1263 AD, with ‘add-ons’ in 1497 AD. It is said that a ‘Watcher’ once revealed himself at this place. Ancestry line: Sir Thomas Woodchurch 1216 AD born Woodchurch Kent (23xGGF)
  • Barrow Mump and St Michael’s Church: Barrow Bridge. Taunton: A medieval church on top of Barrow Mump and seen for miles around, built 1439 AD, also known as St Michael’s Borough. “A place of great spirituality and the gate to all knowledge”. Wonderful views across the surrounding countryside if one is up for the challenge of the climb – as i certainly was! It is a scheduled monument and a grade two listed building; the church ruin on top. Although there is some evidence of Roman visitation, the first fortification of the site was the construction of a Norman motte. It hs been called King Alfred’s Fort, however there is no proof of use by King Alfred the Great. Ancestry line: Sir Thomas Woodchurch 1216 AD born Woodchurch Kent (23xGGF)
  • All Saints Church: The Hill. Langport: Of 12th century origins and rebuilt in the 15th century. The East window is of Medieval glass still. The ghost of a monk is said to ‘roam’ the church and grounds shouting prayer to ward off the evil spririts.
  • The Hanging Chapel: The Hill. Langport: A 13th century archway or gateway that spans the road, built in 1229 AD. Previously known as Chantry Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It became a masonic hall in 1891 and is currently leased to Portcullis Freemasons Lodge, by the town council.

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St Decuman Church. Watchet

Day eight: Wednesday 7th September 2022:

  • Boscastle: Like Tintagel, a lot less energy now than ever once was, for many reasons known to Craft. But still a nice experience to wander around this pretty town.
  • King Arthurs Great Halls: Fore Street. Tintagel: A magificant building which has become a popular tourist attraction due to the ‘King Arthur’ legends, and still used by the Freemasons. A sacred underground spring flows onto the nearby land which is sadly not accesable – we did ask! But the experience is well worth a look…
  • St Materiana’s Church: Tintagel: A beautiful church, both magical and inspirational, that stands alone on the cliff top and a church close to both our hearts. The first church here was built in the 6th century, the present one in th 12th century. This would be my third visit, a profound and spiritual place with meanings in time that belong to me and my connection to our lady Mary Magdalene… Ancestry line: Barron Christopher Neville 1587 AD born Birling Kent (10xGGF)

One conclusion and obervation i can take from Quest 35 would be the prolification of Craft animal symbolism in evidence, especially the wolfe, the eagle and the serpent or dragon, in particular the serpent which seemed to appear in almost every church, it is as if there was a message there somewhere…. Here are a selection.

The Serpents of Quest 35

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

Published March 2023

moon.willow@ntlworld.com

QUEST 34: HIGHER LAND

“The Isles of Orkney. Wild and free in time and space. A purposeful past”

From Yorkshire and the North, to Scotland, the beautiful Orkney Isles, the magical Isle of Mull, back through Durham, Nottingham and home. So many memories, so much to catch up on, so much beauty to embrace. You will notice my write-ups being more concise this time due to the longer quest, though i may add more over time.

Day one: Friday 25th Feb 2022:

  • St Edith Church: Pulverbatch. Shewesbury: A peaceful church of medieval origins, rebuilt in 1853, the west tower in 1773. Lovely energies, set in the heart of the beautiful Shropshire countryside. A Keystone Church. It is said that the Grail was here in 368 AD-450 AD.
  • The Church of the Holy & Undivided: Edale. Hope Valley: Was dark and closed. An earlier church was on the site in 1633 and prior to that a chapel was on the grounds. In 1886 a new church was consecrated. Flickerings, orbs and beams of light were observed. We were not alone on this occasion. A Keystone Church. It is said that the Grail was there from 143 AD-182 AD.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Pulverbatch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_the_Holy_and_Undivided_Trinity,_Edale

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St Ediths Church. Pulverbatch.

A two night stay in Kendal

Day two: Saturday 26th Feb 2022:

  • St John the Baptist Church: Skelsmergh. Kendal: Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of Westmorland, built in 1869 on an older foundation. A Keystone Church with good energies. It is said that the Grail was here from 311 AD-368 AD.
  • Holy Trinity Church: Coverham. North Yorkshire: Peaceful but closed. Built 1223 AD. Ancestry Line: Lord Robert De Neville. B.1223 Coverham. Yorkshire. England. D. 6th June 1282. Middleham. Yorkshire. England. 59 years. (21xGGF) 2nd of the ‘New Neville’ line. It is said there is a link here to both the Holy Grail and to Infinity…   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinity_symbol
  • Malham Cove: Malham. Skipton: Known as ‘Devils Rock’ in times gone by. Interesting ‘happenings’ that very dark night we were there. Aligned energy. Dark void. Moonless sky. The void in space and time. The site of ‘Landings’. Ancestry Line: Lord Maldred Fitz Dolfin. 1157 Raby Castle. Durham. England.1183 Raby Castle. Durham. England. (23xGGF)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skelsmergh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Trinity_Church,_Coverham

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malham_Cove

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St John the Baptist Church. Skelsmergh.

Day three: Sunday 27th Feb 2022:

  • Saint Andrews Church of Scotland: 1 Church Place. Moffat: Donald very kindly specially let us in, as it was closed. Built in 1055 AD on the grounds of an older chapel. Ancestry Line: Lord Gilladomnan of the Isles. 824-885. Dull. Caithness. Scotland (33xGGF)
  • Tweedsmuir Kirk: Glebe House, Tweedsmuir. Biggar: Kept open for us by a kind lady. Built in 1874 Ad on a much older site. Ancestry Line: Lord Gilladomnan of the Isles. 824-885. 61 years. Dull. Perthshire. Caithness. Scotland (33xGGF)
  • Saint Mary of Wedale: Stow. Galashiels. Shut but a beam of Light and an apparitions were seen. Built in1876, but with the chapel according to history being one mile away. It has been claimed that Stow was the scene of one of the victorious battles won by ‘King Arthur’ over the Saxons, and the story also goes that Arthur founded the first church the first church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A Keystone Church with connections to the Neville Line. It is said that a chamber below, that is now the church held the Grail from 182-191 for nine years.

https://www.standrewsmoffat.org/visitor-information

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/peebles/tweedsmuirkirk/index.html

https://www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk/950847804546.htm

A three night stay in Bathgate. Scotland

Day four: Monday 28th Feb: Rest Day.

Day five: Tuesday 1st March 2022:

  • Rosslyn Chapel: Chapel Loan. Roslsyn: Built in 1446, known all all over the Earthly plane, famous for featuring in films and books and for always capturing the imagination. It still has many secrets and stories yet to tell…  It took 40 years to build and was founded by Sir William Sinclair, the 11th Barron of Roslin and 3rd Prince of Orkney. The Sinclairs and Nevilles are connected, due to them being cousins. The famous ‘Appentice Pillar’ is actually named ‘The Princes Pillar’, the name having  morphed due to a legend in the 18th century. A Keystone Church,  It is said that the Grail was here in 191-217, hidden in a vault beneath the chapel, for 26 years.
  • Uttershill Castle: 10 Pomathorn Road. Peniculk: A ruin undergoing maybe some renovations, as all now behind safety fencing, but still plenty left to see, with amazing views across the valley. Built in 1604 AD. Ancestry Line: Sir Edward Neville (14xGGF) had connections to the area, 1471-1538 (8th Dec) of Abergavenny. Monmouthshire. Wales. Beheaded at Tower Hill. London. Middlesex. England.
  • Kelvinbridge Parish Church: 99 Garriochmill Rd. Glasgow: Built 1899 on a much older site. The area today i feel, has seen much better times, but one gets a feeling that it was lovely in ‘it’s day’. A Keystone Church. The Grail is said to have been here for 14 years from 297 AD- 311 AD.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosslyn_Chapel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttershill_Castle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelvin_Stevenson_Memorial_Church

Day six: Wednesday 2nd March 2022:

  • Dunkeld Cathedral: 10 Cathedral Street. Dunkeld: Closed. Cold. Low energy. The original construction dates from 1574 AD, this building was built  between 1260 AD- 1501 AD. It is not formally a ‘cathedral’ as the church of Scotland nowadays has neither cathedrals of bishops. . Ancestry Line: Connections to Governor Duncan Mac Donachadh, 920 Dunkeld. Perthshire – 965 Battle of Duncrub. Perthshire. Scotland (30xGGF)
  • Blair Atholl & Struan Parish Church: Cold. Closed. Low energy, yet in pleasant enough countryside. The energy lines of the MacAndrews & Nevilles meet here. Ancestry Line: Lord Duncan Mac Donachadh. 949 Atholl. Perthshire. Scotland. 1045 Atholl. (29xGGF)
  • The Church of the Holy Rood: 58 Maule Street. Carnoustie. Cold. Closed. Low energy. Built in 1836 AD, on an older site of a Gothic style chapel. Carnoustie is considered to be the ‘Brighton of the North’. A Keystone Church. The Grail is said to have been here for 15 years from 217 AD-232AD.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkeld_Cathedral

http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/959/name/Blair+Atholl+and+Struan+Parish+Church+Blair+Atholl+Tayside

http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4510/name/Holy+Rood+Episcopal+Church%2C+Carnoustie+Carnoustie+Tayside

A two night stay in Aberdeenshire. Scotland

Day seven: Thursday 3rd March 2022:

  • Holy Trinity Church: 5 Trinty Place. Elgin: Built in 1826 AD with direct links to the Fordham line through marriage via the McAndrews lineage. The church is set right in the middle of the town on a busy road, yet very beautiful and peaceful inside, with some very relevant Craft symbols and features. We were specially let in by the kind Reverend. A Keystone Church. The Grail was said to have been here for nine years from 232 AD-241 AD.

http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/515/name/Elgin+Holy+Trinity+Church+Elgin+Grampian

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

Holy Trinity Church. Elgin.

Day nine: Friday 4th March 2022:

  • Invergordon Parish Church: Castle Road. Invergordon: Very closed and looked very empty too. Built in 1560 AD on an old style chapel site. Where the Sinclair line crosses into the Neville Line.  Ancestry Line: Earl Dungad of Caithness had a connection to the area. 871 AD-910 AD, Caithness. Scotland. (32xGGF)

https://www.invergordonparishchurch.org.uk/parishProfile.html

Day eight: Saturday 5th March 2022:

  • St Fergus Church: High Street. Wick. Very important to Craft. Full of amazing symbolism relating to the Grail and many other aspects of our quests. Has a very ‘tardis’ feel to it. A Keystone Church. The Grail was said to have been here for 56 years from 241 AD-297 AD resting in a lower chamber nearby… Old St Fergus Church and graveyard is also nearby and has a very important significance, and well worth a visit. There are some amazing old headstones and carvings there the see.
  • Dunnet Head: Dunnet Head Lighthouse. Brough. Thurso: At the very end of the UK, spectacular scenery with many points of interest, the very end of the land!. Very wild and windy.

https://canmore.org.uk/site/9136/wick-high-street-old-st-fergus-church-and-graveyard

A two night stay in Thurso

Day nine: Sunday 6th March 2022:

  • The Italian Chapel: Lamb Holm. Orkney. A very pretty and unusual chapel with an interesting history. A point of interest but sadly very closed on this very bright and very cold day.

A four night Stay in Quoloo, Orkney

Day ten: Monday 7th March 2022. Rest Day:

Day eleven: Tuesday 8th March 2022:

  • St Magnus Cathedral: Broad Street. Kirkwell. A magnicant building, full of mystery and history and maybe a few secrets too. Construction began in 1137 and continued for 300 years. A very cold day but could have spent many hours in there. Many interesting headstones nad carvings to be found there and many other fine monuments too.
  • The Ring of Brodgar: Stromness. A national monument, a Neolithic henge and stone circle with world heritage status. Extremely windy and exposed here, but Karl escorted me to the stones as the winds tried to knock me off my feet. ‘Time out of time’ here, and ‘out of our time’ for sure… The stones and the wind hold their own counsel here, for only the few shall really know their tales….

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Magnus_Cathedral

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Brodgar

Day twelve: Wednesday 9th March 2022: Planned visits closed:

Day thirteen: Thusday 10th March 2022. Fare thee well to The Orkneys:

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

From the Orkney Isles: The Quests so far….

A four night stay in Argyll and Bute

Day fourteen: Friday 11th March 2022:

  • Lochbuie Standing Stones: Isle of Mull. The Isle of Mull is a truly magical place that seems to drift in and out of time. Many riddles and secrets make sense here as the unknown becomes the known to the few. A place where the Ethergilan meets, some say a portal… Sadly part of the stones which would have been ideal for disabled access was on privately owned land, and the public path from the road was a long distance to walk. But see the stones we still did manage too…
  • St Kildas Church: Isle of Mull: Lost in time to all but the astute travellers, but actually built in 1876. A place of interest and understandings. ‘A place of greatness’ with a ‘tardis’ quality and some interesting features both inside and out that could easily be missed. But just who was St Kilda, some say he was a mythical person, some say someone else entirely.
  • Pennygown Chapel: Isle of Mull: Aspects of reality are to be found here, a chapel that drifts in and out of time. It is said that on the sunrise of the day of judgement Pennygowan will rise up from its roots… A very magical place.

https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=491

https://www.alamy.com/st-kildas-church-lochbuie-isle-of-mull-inner-hebrides-scotland-uk-image385673704.html

https://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Strathclyde/churches/pennygown-chapel-mull.htm

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

St Kildas Church. Isle of Mull.

Day fifteen: Saturday 12th March 2022:

  • St Columba Church: Midton Road. Ayr:  Built in 1898 AD on a much older site. Quite an imposing building, on a busy urban road junction, with some interesting stained glass inside. A Keystone Church. The Grail was said to be here  for 17 years from 1509 AD to 1526 AD.

https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/200357049-ayr-st-columba-church-midton-road-ayr-ayr#.Y_5NUx_P1PY

A two night stay in Kilmarnock

Day sixteen: Sunday 13th March 2022: Rest day:

Day seventeen: Monday 14th March 2022:

  • St Cuthberts Church: North Road. Durham: In pretty grounds, built in 31/05/1827 replacing two older chapels but sadly closed for renovations the day we were there. Felt very out of season with current time. Ancestry Line: Lord Uchtred Fitz Maldred. 1075-1120 45 years. Raby Castle. Durham. UK. (25x GGF) A Keystone Church. The Grail was said to have rested here for 36 years from 1473 AD-1509 AD.

https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/st-cuthberts-north-road-p953671

A two night stay in Worksop

Day eighteen: Tuesday 15th March 2022:

  • All Saints Church: Raleigh Street. Nottingham. Full of interesting and relevant artworks inside. A Keystone Church with Grail clues inside.

Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:

Our last days round-up!

Arrive home in Cambridge on Wednesday 16th March after a truly incredible quest where time and tide told their secrets to those whom could see. But does the mystery deepen or become clearer over time?

‘More than one nod to the enigmatic and mysterious ‘Fisher King’ here in St Kildas Church on Mull.

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

moon.willow@ntlworld.com

Published 23/02/2023

 

 

“Like time and like life too, the quests really do fly by and here we are nearing the end of this great Welsh and Irish Aventure. One realises that life is here to be embraced to it’s fullest, for it is over far too soon and every part of life is indeed an amazing and exciting journey for everyone to enjoy. The quests have been amazing so far, on a physical, spiritual and metaphysical level for a Light is truly shinning and guiding me on my way through this labyrinth of life….”

24th SEPTEMBER: WICKLOW GOAL. Wicklow:  Wicklow Goal does has a pervading sense of darkness hanging over it, and indeed it truly should have, considering it’s history. It is said to be haunted and that is no suprise, and indeed it has been featured in a television ghost hunter show. It is a great tourist attraction with a lovely rustic style resturant serving great food! There has been a prison on this site since the late eighteenth century. Prisoners were held at the gaol during the 1798 Rebellion and the Great Famine, many being held there prior to penal transportation.

“The outside of Wicklow Goal, looking very bleak and barren” <click to enlarge>

The goal is now a very well laid-out with plenty to see, and there is a fantastic interactive augmentive reality experience, which really does have to be experienced to be believed. It throws one right back into those dark depressing times of the rebelion and beyond, to the start of the ‘troubles’ in fact, and one really does think one is actually there – very eye opening and a excellent experience. read more about the gaol’s history here:

Wicklow Gaol.

“From inside Wicklow Goal where one small Grail clues can be located….” <click to enlarge>

 

“Outside in the yard, it was hell on earth working on the treadmill…” <click to enlarge>

Grail Bloodline:

  • Lord Robert de Neville. (Karl’s 21st Great Grandfather) 1237-1271

ST KEVIN’S CHURCH: KNOCKFIN: Co Wicklow: St Kevins Church was set in a beautiful garden setting with some quite magical touches about it. There was a beautiful labyrinth there with many meaningful ornamental touches around with words of explanation. But what does one do when surprised by a beautiful labyrinth? Why one just has to walk it! And walk it indeed i did! 🙂

The Labyrinth
‘An ancient symbol found in several religous traditions representing ‘wholeness’
The Labyrinth is a ‘metaphor’ for life’s journey, a symbol that creates a sacred space and place, which takes us out of our own ego to ‘that which is within’

Sadly there is nothing on the internet for this church so one just has to go by the ‘feel’ of it and that fact that it is a part of our quests so of course connected to Craft. There are some really lovely words on the plaques and stones around the grounds that document the life and times of St Kevin. We were able to pop inside for just a very short time as we ‘happened’ upon the caretakers who were just locking up for the day and managed a few nice photos.

I was able to capture a few of the treasures inside the church before it was locked….

St Kevins Church is set in a quiet tranquil area and one can understand why he himself pilgrimaged there…

Within the well thought-out garden of the church are some lovely plaques and stones that tell of St Kevins journey depicting his gentle life, with some very meaningful works <please click each image to view in detail>

Grail Bloodline Connection:

  • Lord Robert de Neville. (21st Great Grandfather) 1237-1271

Another very fascinating day and more was yet to come as we drove through the stunning Wicklow Mountains; mountains that have securely held on to all their secrets throughout modern time. Forget about what you know, it’s what you dont know that is important, we all see through different eyes, some are open while others are not. One needs to have one’s eyes well and truly open in those Wicklow Mountains, for then one can see it all. But if you dont ‘see’, then you were not meant to… The hidden riddles of an alternative history are all there, just hidden in plain sight….

The mysterious and magificant Wicklow Mountains <click to enlarge>

25th SEPTEMBER: ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH TEMPLERAINEY. Dublin Road. Tiknock. Arklow. Co Wicklow: Sadly again no information on the internet on the history of this church. It looks very modernish in comparison with many of the other churchs we have visited, but as we always strive to say, it is not the building but the actual site it has been built upon. There are no grounds as such, it’s mostly car park, but just a few shrubs and a rather lovely statue. We were very lucky to gain access as this church too was just being locked up, so i had a rather whirlwind photo oportunity inside to say the leat!