Tag Archive: Ancient Churches


QUEST 37: ‘SOLID ROOTS’ WEEK THREE

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February 8, 2024

“Our Swedish ‘hideaway”

“It was so enjoyably relaxing staying in our little forest ‘hideaway’ at Gustavsfors in Sweden, well off the beaten track, a little sanctuary, a community apart from the hustle and bustle of the world. Miles from anywhere and such a peaceful base to return home to each night. Gazing out of my window in the early morning, i could see sheep, dear and foxes, all feeding together in the mornings and shall be so sad to leave this lovely place, with it’s lake and forest. We have so enjoyed it here and truly settled in“.

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

WEEK THREE: DAY FIFTEEN:

TUESDAY 30TH MAY: AKERSHUS BADPLATS: SAFFLE: It was lovely, after our long journey to be able to settle down in Sweden for a couple of weeks, knowing we had a base to come home to, in which to relax each evening. Having said that, the pace of life was much slower in Sweden and folks seemed to have a different outlook on life, which did grow on one. Akershus is a traditional region and current electoral district in Norway, with Oslo as it’s main city and traditional capital. it is named after the Akershus fortress in Oslo.

Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershus

Today was a visit to some natural outdoor baths set in the area of a very interesting ‘rock’ formation. Once a very busy place pertaining to an ‘off world’ settlement, not generally known of. It was peaceful and beautiful, yet a very profound and meaningful purpose hung in the air, when times were different and humanity had a different purpose. Times change and many truths become lost or buried in time and ancient rock formations, that never were just rocks, become just that… Everything changes over time and what was once known becomes the unknown in the modern world. It is almost as if time is running backwards….

ESKILSATERS KYRKA: SAFFLE, SWEDEN: Built in 1189 AD with an altarpiece from 1683, leaving one’s imagination to wonder what secrets are hidden within it. Since 1952 a small museum has been housed in the tower room. But today sadly all was closed. A peaceful and pleasant area with the church and grounds being well cared for. I managed to get a few shots through the windows to see the nicely preserved wooden pews – always a joy to see…

DAY SIXTEEN:

WEDNESDAY 31ST MAY: IMMANUELS KIRKE: HALDEN. NORWAY: The church has an equally dramatic past as the town itself. This current structure is the fourth church to be erected on the site. The original structure was built in 1683 AD, but burnt down in 1716 AD by two brothers attempting to get the Swedes out. Re-built in 1792 AD, another fire breaks out in 1826, leaving us with today’s structure that was completed in 1833 AD, to mark the 10 year anniversary of that which ‘lies below’. The church is on a very busy road junction, with many roads connecting here. Sadly closed today and a bit sad looking, the construction works right outside the church did not help the ambience. Some rather nice artworks in the grounds though.

NOTE: Interestingly all pyramid lines collect at this sacred point…..

DAY SEVENTEEN:

THURSDAY 1ST JUNE: REST DAY: Yes a rest day for unwinding and relaxing, for visiting a swimming area and enjoying the crystal clear waters and sunshine. All just a few short miles from where we were staying… Karl bravely went in but i just paddled my toes and admired the view!

DAY EIGHTEEN:

FRIDAY 2ND JUNE: GOTHENBURG CATHEDRAL: SWEDEN: Gothenburg is a huge sprawling bustling city that combines both the old and the new. Although we were there to visit the cathedral, a big end of year schools event was taking place, so we could not get into the cathedral, due to it being used by all the schools for their term-end presentations. However we were there long enough to soak up the atmosphere. The city was quite noisy because of all the celebrations going on, but in a fun way with a good atmosphere. The whole city was alive with these annual end of term gatherings and partying! There was also a ton of redevelopment happening too, with building sites and road closures everywhere.  Before the first cathedral was inaugurated in 1633, a temporary church known as the Gothenburg stave church (Swedish: Braderkyrkan) stood on the site for approximately 12 years. This was one of the city’s first buildings and the first church in the current city.

Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothenburg_Cathedral

After the hustle and bustle of Gothenburg, we escaped to the tranquil streets of the old town with it’s artisan shops, cobble streets and little cafes, that provided a complete contrast

HAGA: GOTHENBURG: SWEDEN: What a charming and pretty area, with cobbled streets and amazing, mostly wooden architecture. Certainly worth a visit for a relaxed time and some retail therapy in the quaint and unusual shops. There were a mixture of craft type shops, artisan and retro shops, lots of charming cafes and food shops and of course the inevitable tourists shops where one can often pick up some surprising and quality items. Shop items were often spilling out over the steps onto the pavements giving the area a very unique vibe.

Haga: the lovely retro area of Gothenburg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haga,_Gothenburg

DAY NINETEEN:

SATURDAY 3RD JUNE: GUNNARSNAS KYRKA: SWEDEN: Closed but a beautiful and peaceful setting surrounded by stunning countryside, which we had grown to accept in Sweden. This stone church has a separate bell tower and was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century and is said to have been the farm church of the nearby Ekholmen Manor. In the first half of the 17th century, the church was extended to the east and got a three-sided chancel. During the 19th century, larger, round-arched window openings were used in 1882. Today we were accompanied by two surprising visitors, whom came and went in the blink of an eye, yet keeping a ‘watchful’ eye on us…

JARNS KYRKA: SWEDEN: The original grey stone church was built in the 13th century. The current three-sided chancel was added in 1726 during an extension to the east and at the same time the windows were added to the north. In 1745, an armory was built in front of the south-west portal and in 1862 the church was extended to the west.. Very beautiful but closed yet we did have an extra little treat or experience in the way of a ‘watcher’ making an appearance and chatting to Karl for quiet some time – keeping ‘tabs’ as it were…

Beautiful views all around and some rather lovely old Celtic crosses

DAY TWENTY:

SUNDAY 4TH JUNE: VIKING CENTRE: SAFFLE: The Viking Ship museum in Oslo was closed which was where we had planned to go, but what a revelation the Viking Centre, near Saffle proved to be! The Viking Centre is set in beautiful unspoilt countryside with a very alive ‘energy’ there, of course relating and connecting to Craft. It was just a short drive from where we were staying, and was a fascinating place to visit. Including an interesting exhibition with exhibits lent direct from Yorvik in York, England. There were very with good quality items for sale and very (Craft) relevant gifts in the little gift shop. There is a living viking village, a short walk away where local folks, students and academic people actually live a lot of the time, and make good use of their ‘Viking’ skills. They have built their own individual wooden huts, which are very cozy inside. Built so that visitors can get a good idea of how Vikings would have lived. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating and very interesting to chat too. It’s a brilliant place to visit with lots of interactive pursuits and displays for the youngsters. I took some interesting photos, the whole site and people were very photogenic.  Some of the photos are of an historic nature which i loved and there was plenty of historical items and information there, interesting to many folks.

Above are items from the Viking Centre exhibition.

Below is the historical Viking village and educational site.

 

A  stroll around the Viking Centre with Janis

The Viking Centre

DAY TWENTY ONE:

MONDAY FIFTH JUNE:  LEAVE GUSTAVSFORS: So at this point in time we were at the point of realization that we  were about to depart from this stunning place; a place we truly settled into and came to know of as home. Sweden has been stunning, a place full of lovely energies, lovely people and the most beautiful scenery with views across vast expanses of crystal clear water. Sweden has also been a place of great revelations too, especially for me with learning and understandings i never dreamt possible, on a Craft level especially and i for one am an a much more evolved person because of it.

In a few hours we shall make our way towards Germany via road and ferry, so new experiences await. Traveling back through Sweden  and Norway, to stay one night in the Kristiansand distict of Norway, staying in a house with it’s own resident cats!

DAY TWENTY TWO:

TUESDAY SIXTH JUNE:  We boarded the ferry in the morning for an 88 mile crossing and a day’s travel into Germany….

Spotted in  the Viking Centre!
Very wise those Vikings.
I will take their words onboard!

 

I loved the fact that we were hoping on and off ferries so often, sometimes only knowing this fact when arriving at the waters edge as below!

This area is certainly known for all its water, and ferry crossings cut huge chunks out of what would have been very long journeys around the vast areas of water by road!

I can’t really remember which ferry journeys these shots above are from as i did get a bit ‘out of sinc’ with it all. But hope you get the idea!

 

Karl and myself both have our own channels on youtube. Please take a look for more Quest info!

 

My youtube channel with Quest videos!

Karls Quest videos! Lots to learn here!

 

“Not all who wander are lost” Tolkien

“Memories are akin to my photographs and often feel like one and the same, recalling them when required, remembering as required, the ‘lady’ on the bench at the white-washed church, watching me taking photos of the gravestones. She sat on the bench and looked on. I smiled and gave her a wave. Yet she was gone before we were…. I remember both the cars turning up at the other church, then driving away as quickly as they had arrived, and of course the mysterious cyclists at the ‘skull and cross-bones’ church…”

“I remember the standing stone at the water’s edge and being drawn to it. I remember what it felt like as i touched it and can remember almost sinking into it and the exchange of energies that occurred there. I remember it’s ‘tree’; the Lord and Lady i said, energy lines? I knew nothing at that point of the stone or it’s story, of how there was a connection to ‘The Stones of Time’. I simply knew how i felt about it and that it was special.”

“I remember that aroma of bleach (or was it…?), i remember all the water and the ferry rides, the ‘fallen star’ in Karlstad and hidden away in the Viking Museum and all those lovely Vikings” I remember the ‘skull and crossbones’ church and of how special that was, and the ‘energies’ there, the blue folaige and the mysterious man and young girl turning up and pretending to take photos of random gravestones, yet in the background i surely lingered.”

“I remember all those mirages, every day, shinning and reflecting all over the roads. I remember being told that not everyone is able to see them, for i always assumed that everyone could, like it was a natural thing to see them. ‘A beautiful illusion’, a phrase to remember…..”

‘The Keeper of Scrolls/Guardian of the Grail’

AKA moon.willow@ntlworld.com

8th February 2924

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QUEST 36: SPANIARDS LIGHT:

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March 18, 2023

OUR GRAIL QUEST CONTINUES…..

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 remains 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.

 

 

From Cambridge-UK, then on to Bourges-France, Dijon-France, Toulouse-France, Chiva-Spain, Madrid-Spain, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo-France, Calais-France, Cambridge-UK.

What a mighty journey and epic quest!

 

 

 

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: Thursday 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: Friday 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: Saturday 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 upon 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 noticable 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 another lovely apartment.

Day 13: Monday 5th December 2022:

  • Church of Saint James the Great Alborache: Pl. Iglesia 1, Alborache, Valencia: A tiny, yet very beautiful town, seemingly lost in time, as one would say. The modern world seemed far, far away here. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Spain, who is said to have bought Christianity to Spain in 44 AD. There are many connections and ledgends to St James in Spain, of which one can read more about on the interent. St James has his own emblem too, which one can also disover more about on the interent. The church is small and profound with a peace emanating from it, sadly it remained closed while we were there but we did have a wander around and discovered some lovely Urban Art depicting the town and its folk. The Ancestry line connects to Lamech.
  • 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. 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, yet maybe hiding a secret or two…

Day 14 Tuesday 6th December 2022

  • San Juan de Baños: C. Ermita B C. 13 de Cerrato. Palencia: After leaving Saplaya, Vanlencia we partook of another long journey across sparse dusty mountain terrain to arrive at the tiny and understated 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 opened 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 here 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 bears a consecration inscription, once 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 illustrious 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 2019 it is said this was the last known location of the Grail, which was said to have left in September 2021. Eveything is open to speculation and intepretation of course, but it is the Grail Seekers whom will know the truths. Thus the time distance between ‘us’ and the Grail is getting so enticingly closer… The Ancestry Line is to Lamech.

“The Light shall only come to those whom truly seek and show worthiness. It is with a pure heart and selflessness that some shall find the way”  Karl Neville

“A journey across the vast mountain tops of Spain, between churches can provide many interesting mysteries along the way,  abandoned castles, deserted churches, tunnels in the road, mysterious mountain palaces, temple and out of place sandy mountaintops. All proving that everything on this planet is transient and unstable within time – the top can become the botton and the botton can become the top, if of course one knows how to read it…”

Day 15: Monday 6th December 2022: After another excellent day and very long journey we arrived at night fall for a two night stay in a hard to find, not very accesable apartment in Fuenmayer, La Rioja. The apartment itself, when we finally accessed it was lovely! While we were there, one of the many fire festivals were taking place here. On this one night bonfires were allowed by the Mayor, to be lit in the roads and every road and community had there own bonfire alight. It was sight to behold!

Day 16: Tuesday 7th December 2022:

  • The Museum of Human Evolution: P. Sierra de Atapuerca. Burgos: A good day out today, something a little different going to a large bustling city, after our times spent in the mountains. This was an interesting anthropology museum with displays depicting ‘known’ human evolution; one is able to walk through the time-lines here. There were lots of well thought out displays and some interesting diaramas too – i do so love a good diarama! A light airy modern museum with displays shown over several floors. Of course the teachings here are comon knowledge today in today’s world but are they correct, for they are very out of sync with Craft knowledge and teachings. We have always said that nothing in this reality is what it seems – non more so than human evolution, that fact i shall leave well and truly with you…. The Ancestry line and connection here is to that of Lamech. There was an amazing museum shop there that certainly fulfilled all our retail therapy dreams!
  • Burgos Cathedral: Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos: Plaza de Santa Maria. Burgeos:  It was burgoning on night-fall as we reached this stunning Catherdral. Burgeos is a big yet beautiful city and we had a touristy drive around while it was still just about light.  In 1075 Ad Pope Gregory V11 gave authority for the expansion of Burgos. This French-style Gothic Cathedral was started in 1221 AD, the design of which was based on the Latin cross. The cathedral is set in a beautiful plaza with shops and eatery’s all around. Although it was night-time it was a beautiful warm evening with many folks spilling around. The cathedral had just closed when we arrived but we did manage a short wander in the foyee and chapel (lady chaapel?) close by. However it was such a lovely night and i was very happy to be there. A liitle shop in the plaza had some beautiful Craft-related/Templar items on sale and i bought myself a very relevant Craft pendant. The Ancestry line is to that of Lamech; to the area and the land. 111 x GGF and father of Noah, born 3130 BC in Baghdad, Iraq and died in Valencia in Spain.

Day 17: Wednesday 8th December 2022: Sadly we bade our ‘fare thee wells’ to La Rioja in Spain as we prepared for a long journey back into France with a feeling that time was now back-tracking upon us, but still with plenty to see and do. The weather felt colder and the skies darker and we journeyed across the border into more northerly climes.  We arrived safe and sound at Talmont Saint Hilaire, Vendee, Pays de Loire, France in what was actually a ‘gated’ community, so we felt nice and safe.

Day 18: Friday 9th December 2022: A well deserved ‘rest day’ or for doing what we please…

Day 20: Saturday 10th December 2022: 

  • Tour Tanguy: Sq Pierre Peron. Brest. France: (Bresta in Celtic means Hill) Today we had headed north-west into France, coming ever nearer to the ‘home’ route. Tour Tanguy is in a lovely area overlooking the river and harbour, and very photogenic. Sadly, even though the museum was supposed to be open it was in actual fact closed, but there were some renovations going on outside, so maybe that was why. It was a very bright but very cold day and we partook of a brisk walk around the outside.  The building is, in the words of Karl, “A special place between the worlds for me”. The building is now a museum over several floors, detailing the historic history of Brest, but there is speculation on what it actually was when it was built. The official guide states that the Tour Tanguy, Bastille de Quilbignon or Tour de la Motte Tanguy is a medieval tower on a rocky motte beside the Penfold river in Brest. Probably built during the Breton War of Succession. It is said that it was probably built to protect or block crossings between the two banks of the river, but the towers origins cannot be precisely determined, so the jury remains out. But what is of interest is no one knows why it is actually here. It was converted into a house in the 19th century, but apart from that, it remains a complete mystery, but i suspect that the answer lies within Craft.

We arived  after a long journey for a two night stay in a lovely old cottage at Roz-sur-Couesnon Ille-et-Vilaine in Britany, not far from Mont Saint Michel, somewhere we have been to on a previous quest. Sadly i lost a few photos at this stage due to tech problems….

Day 21 December 11th 2022:

  • Presbytery Holy Cross of Saint Servan (Church of Sainte-Crox de Saint Servant): 9 Rue Jeanne Jugan. Saint-Malo: It was lovely bright winters morning and a good oportunity for a brisk walk around with a wee bit of shopping, but sadly the church itself was closed. It is an 18th century church, built in a mix of Roman and Gothic styles, by Freguier, the King’s engineer (1715-1743). It stands out in the landscape due to it’s blue granite architecture and square tower topped by a dome. It has had hard times over the years due to struggles and wars and now sadly all that remains of the old church is an arcade with a small human head in the northern base of the Holy Cross Church. A Keystone Church, where it is said the Grail rested from 1655 to 1699 AD (44 years). It is said that at this sacred place ‘a secret shall be given to the ‘Receiver’ when time is near the end’. The Ancestry line is directly linked to Lancelot Desposyni, (46 x GGF) 520 to 593 AD.
  • Saint Malo: Britany. France: San Malo is an amazing place bustling, busy and full of life and as it was near xmas time the city was extra colourful and pretty! We had been there before on a previous quest, but at night-time back then. The background photo on this blog was taken then, from along the coast of San Malo, near the old city walls. But today the shops and resturants were vibrant and full of energy!
  • Saint-Vincent Cathedral (Cathedrale Saint-Vincent-de-Saragosse): The cathedral, a national monument, which one can see from all around with fantastic views from across the river, is a focal point of the whole city. It was built in 1146 AD on the foundations of an older church from 639 AD and dedicated to Saint Vincent of Sarggossa. Historical records tell of a rocky outcrop where a hermit called Aaron d’Aleth founded a hermitage there towards the middle of the 6th century. He was later joined by a Welsh monk called Maclow, Mac Law or Malo, who devoted himself to preaching and in due course became the Bishop of Aleth (Saint-Servan). The cathedral has had it’s ups and downs over the years and in times of conflict has received great damage, but it is now a site of possitive and peaceful energies. It has an interesting history which can be read about in more detail on the interent. The cathedral is a beauty to behold and when one walks through the door, it looks magnificant, and has been lovingly restored with many beautiful modern artworks and treasures blending in with the old. There is much here that is relevant to us, if one knows where to look. The organ music which one can hear on a video i filmed was very soothing and added to the atmosphere of the buliding. Many signs and symbols relating to Craft and our quests can be found inside the cathedral and interestingly it has a very ‘Tardis’ feel to it too. I did loose some of my photos at this point in time, due to my ‘tech probs’. The Ancestry line is linked to that of Lancelot Desposiny (46 x GGF) Born 520 AD-593 AD, in Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretange.

Day 22: Monday December 12th: We left the San Malo area and headed north towards more wintery climes, tackling again, en route, one of the most steepest and most scariest road bridges one would wish to encounter. It looms up over the countryside, just daring one to traverse it! It was a bright, but cold day and we were on route to discover the origins of the Neville surname, obviously the ‘name place’ of Karl.

  • Chapel Saint Jean Baptiste: Rue de la Chapel. Neville. France: The chapel is set in rural France, in the middle of nowhere. We came across it suddenly as we rounded a tree-lined bend in the road. The chapel is set next to the road, but on much higher ground and it is a bit of a surprise when it appears as one rounds the corner. It is a very quiet spot there with just the chapel and what could be an old rectory or caretakers home, maybe a holiday cottage now, but there was definitely no-one around. The chapel extrudes a very peaceful energy, which is of no surprise at all and the whole area has the feeling of being ‘lost in time’ or ‘between the worlds’. But there were other unusual ‘happenings’ going on there’ of which i myself was very aware of. Another ‘glitch‘ in the ‘matrix’ as they say, yet no surprise really. It was a gorgeous day and fresh snow had fallen giving everywhere a very peaceful appearance. This area holds the origin of the Neville surname, where Robert Neville, the creator of the surname, was inspired to continue the line after the death of his father, Lord Maldred Fitz Dolfin in 1183 AD. Lord Robert took the family name, the maiden name, of his mother Lady Isabel De Neville. This is Karl’s ancestry line. Ancestry line: Lord Robert De Neville(22 x GGF) 1172-1248 Raby Castle, Durham, England.
  • Neville Commune: Normandy. France: Névill (nevil) is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region in Northern France and also a farming community. According to Karl, it was an “absolute privilege and pleasure” to arrive in the village of his namesake. One of his Great Grandmothers, and her son, Lord Robert Neville in particular, his 22nd x Great Grandfather, started the Neville surname in 1183 AD. Lady Isabel De Neville came from this Great place. The commune of Neville, 76460, has graced this area of Normandy for many a century. Karl stated that it was good to be home… The Ancestry line is to that of Lancelot Desposyni.

Day 23 Tuesday December 13: We arrived last night for a two night stay at Mers-les-Bains, Somme, Hauts-de-France, a three story town-house, not too far from the channel tunnel, so inching towards the end of this epic quest. Howerver fate sometimes has a way of intervening, has other plans and together with the rapidly closing in winter snow snorms, we had to prudently cut our time in France short. Bad weather was forecast for this part of France, with snow forecast from 3am in the morning onwards, our planned travel day. So Karl very wisely made the decision NOT to travel tomorrow morning, but today instead. We missed out on a few things but safety must always come first, and all can be picked up again at a later point in time. So we bade a sad ‘fare thee well’ to beautiful France and made our way back to good old England and home…

“So after an amazing experience where much knowledge of the earthly and spiritual kind was assimilated, but most importantly many missing pieces of the Grail puzzle fell into place. Until we next set out on another Grail Quest at the end of May 2023 we bid you all farewell and thank you for enjoying this journey with us”

 

With the eyes of the Watchers forever upon us, our Grail Quest thus continues….

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

 moon.willow@ntlworld.com

Published April 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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QUEST 35: HOMEWARD BOUND (The Neville/Clarke Line)

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March 3, 2023

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

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QUEST 34: HIGHER LAND

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February 23, 2023

“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: We had planned to visit Skara Brae (proposed site of ‘The Landing’, but bad weather prevented us…

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

 

 

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MORE FENLAND CHURCHES!

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December 28, 2021

“Despite ‘Covid’ we squeezed in some extra Fenland Grail Quests!”

Church of St Thomas Becket: Ramsey: It was a very bright and sunny day in December 2021; Friday 7th to be precise, but oh so cold! An ideal day though, for a surprise fenland visit to the historical parish church of St Thomas Becket in the quiet village of Ramsey, not far from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The church was built late in the 12th century as part of Ramsey Abbey, and is thought to have been a hospital, prior to being converted into a church early in the 13th centrury; it is a grade 1 listed building. The church is in a beautiful setting with spacious lawns all around and the low winter sun on this particualar day, seemed to add to its charm. The church is named after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket (1118-1170), who is it well known of and, was assasinated on the 29th December 1170 AD, by followers of King Henry 2nd. Interestingly King Henry is actually one of Karl’s relatives so a very important connection there.

The Church of Thomas Becket at Ramsey looking stunning in the sunshine! <click to enlarge>

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Thomas_%C3%A0_Becket,_Ramsey

 

The oldest part of the building dates from around AD 1180–90, when it was built as a hospital, infirmary or guesthouse of the abbey. It was originally an aisled hall with a chapel at the east end with a vestry on the north side and the warden’s lodgings on the south, but both of these have now been demolished. The building was converted into a parish church about AD 1222. The building is mainly of rubble masonry, with the aisles and other parts of ashlar. The roofs of the chancel and nave are covered with tiles and the aisles with lead and there is a north chapel and a south chapel. As in the case of all monasteries whose foundation predates the  Norman conquest of England, the parishioners of Ramsey would have had rights in the monastic church. After the introduction of stricter monastic rule and more elaborate services in the 12th century, and particularly the Sunday Procession, the parochial services interfered with those of the monks. Therefore, accommodation for the parishioners was made at a parochial chapel outside the monastic church, at Holy Cross Church, Bury, Cambridgeshire. The church has had a very interesting history with some firm royal (and Grail) connections; within it are to be found some interesting artifacts and monuments which you can see and hear more about in our video here….

St Thomas Becket Church Ramsey

The interior certainly was stunning and very ‘cathedral-like’ <click to enlarge>

In respect of our Grail Quest, it is said that the Grail had travelled some 98 miles from Bray, of which we have visited recently, all the way to Thomas Becket Church. It was 843 years ago and the Grail (it is said) stayed for 101 years from 1178 AD to 1279 AD. Some say that the church was built specifically to host the Grail and would have been the 18th church to hold the Grail. One needs to ask one’s self, just why all this secrecy, all this fuss, the hiding and the constant moving around to keep the Grail hidden forever from mankind, but why?

So many beautiful artifacts full of ‘grail-related’ meanings <click to enlarge>

 

The church is full of amazing windows, (including a beautiful window to St Michael) all which tell their own stories through symbolism, and hidden here too are some profound Grail symbolism clues, not often seen (or noticed). The church was quiet inside on the day we visited and had a lovely, peaceful energy and apart from the ladies there decorating the lovely tree, we were mostly on our own.

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • The Nevilles, the Clarkes and the Fordams (and the royal line over the years) are the bloodines that merge here at Ramsey.
  • Lord Robert de Neville (b.1172) of Raby Castle. (the start of the Neville line) (22 X GGF)

 

St Michaels and All Angels, Sutton:  Sadly we could not get in as it was very closed, although the tree lights outside were on, so a sign that it was not abandoned as such. It was set in a very pretty rural area, alongside ‘Lovers Lane’ and so we were able to have a stroll around and take a few outside shots. It is a small church of Templar style. Sutton itself is a small village and civil parish just outside of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, with a population of 196. It was once describes as a ‘woody swamp’ and in ‘Old English’ it translates as a Southern farm or settlement. It is still a small village, with lots of green and cattle grazing around, being very much of an agricultral community.

The church was built in the 12th century (suggested date 1163 with Templar origins) as a chapel-of-ease to St Kyneburgha, Castor for the benefit of the villagers of Sutton and to serve the Peterborough Abbey Grange Farm and Manor in the village. The church was enlarged c1170 when the original South wall was removed, the two Norman arches erected and the South Aisle added. The Chantry Chapel (which now contains the Vestry and organ) added about 1225 was originally dedicated to St Giles, the patron saint of lepers and cripples (650 AD-710 AD, 60 years). The Abbey Almoner, who was lord of the Manor, was responsible for their care. Further rebuilding took place in the 15th Century, when the roof replaced with a higher, flatter roof. The church also now serves as a community hall. The church has a connection to Europe, Edinburgh and Elgin in Scotland. It is of a design form familiar with Athen in Greece. There are also strong Craft (G) links with the Holy Trinity Church in Elgin; a ‘keystone’ church that we will be exploring at the end of February 2022. It is suggested that the ‘G’ arrived here in 232 AD and stayed for a length of nine years.

Sadly we could not get inside but the area around was peaceful and the tree lights were on! <click to enlarge>

 

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • A Neville connection (24th GGF) with further connection to Lord Dolfia Fitz Uchtred (1110-1165) of Raby, Durham.

As it was a sunny dry day and good to be out in the countryside and with time to spare, we had a lovely drive to The Church of St Kyneburgha at Castor, as had been recommended to us that morning. Although not a part of our quests as such, it does has a connection to the previous church, it was a beautiful church with some interesting artefacts inside and well worth a visit for anyone interested in history. As it’s not part of the quests i have not provided any write-up, but lots of interesting facts can be found on the internet, but i did take some lovely photos! It was lovingly looked after with a beautiful wooden ceiling depicting angels and saints and some very nice interpretations of Mary in other areas of the church.

https://aroundbritishchurches.blogspot.com/2009/05/st-kyneburgha-castor.html

Some of the interesting artworks and atifacts in St Kyneburgha near Castor <please click to enlarge>

 

  

 

“And then, ducking and diving between the ‘Covid Variants’, we squeezed in another Fenland Quest on the 7th of January and what a beautiful day for it!”

 

Church of St Michael, Chesterton near Peterborough: It was crisp cold day on Friday 7th January 2022 and we in the very historic area near Peterborough, on what was once a huge royal estate, and one could really get a sense of the royal past from the fabulous energies there. Chesterton is a small village and civil parish in Cambridgeshire, approximately 5 miles west-southwest of Peterborough in an area, particularly rich in Roman history. The name Chesterton means Roman site, farm or settlement and there was indeed an old Roman town nearby named Durobrivae’, now lost in time, but the maine trade would have been in pottery from 125 AD.
So the first stop was indeed the church of St Michael hidden cleverly away in rural Chesterton not far Peterborough. Built on a much older foundation as are all the churches we visit on our quests – hence why we are there, it is said that it could be a potential Grail location with links to some local families (Breville, Dryden, or another?) for the church is a ‘Keystone’ Church.  Going by some of the symbols and artifacts inside this stunning church i would suspect that St Michaels church does have a cleverly hidden history.
A beautiful setting for an equally beautiful church! <click to enlarge>

The church was established in the 12th century and the ailses and tower renovated in the 13th and 14th centuries. The porch and chancel were rebuilt in the 17th century and in recent days St Michael’s has recieved funding from the American descendants of the Belville family whom were past ‘Lords of the Manor’ in earlier centuries before emigrating to America. There is a monument to this family inside the church.

Inside many beautiful artifacts and grail and quest clues <click to enlarge>

We were highly honoured to have been shown some altar treasures from the sixteenth century and allowed to visit the bell tower where there are three bells, the oldest being from 1440 AD . The steps were very steep and the journey upwards very dark and dusty….

Read more about this church and it’s Grail connections in the new book by Karl Neville

‘When the Trumpet Sounds’

I will post the link when the book is published!

 

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • A Keystone Church connected to the Grail itself
  • The Guardians of the Grail (local families?)
  • ST Michael (Archangel Michael) past, present and future…
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Warmington, near Peterborough: The second church of the day, of our ‘extra’ fenland quest (Fri 7th Jan) was the beautiful Church of St Mary the Virgin at Warmington near Peterborough. I was unfamiliar with this seemingly timeless area. The villages and dwellings, and even the odd posh hall or two, are of local stone and blend in seamlessly with the counrtyside. Driving around this area, one really gets a real sense of our historic past, a past that played an important role in the shaping of British history. Yet also one gets a sense of tales untold, secrets not shared…

Warmington can trace its origins back to the 7th century when the King of Mercia granted the land to the Abbey of Peterborough. A charter of Edgar in 963 also names Warmington among the estates of the monks of the Abbey of Peterborough. Warmington is listed in the Doomsday Book as a part of the land of Peterborough Abbey. The village is also located on the route of a Roman Road running from Elton to Barnwell.

http://warmington.org/index.php/about-us/gerenal-interest/local-area/places-of-interest-in-warmington

Such stunning architecture! <click to enlarge>
The church itself, which was originally built in 1243 AD, was beautifully looked after, both inside and out, maybe for good reasons, for it is said that there is a ‘hidden’ Grail Energy link associated with the church. The church has one of the most famous of all steeples in the area, built in the 13th century, it’s square lower part has three stages, the top one with highly decorated belfry windows. The church’s older foundations go back to 1178 AD.
Artifacts that allude to a ‘hidden past’…. <click to enlarge>
Inside are many fascinating artifacts, some of which allude to a ‘christainity’ very far removed from todays christianity, or should i say allude to a time when church practices were not as they seemed to be, and are certainly never written about. But the signs are all there to see…. The church contains one of the best collections of Green Men to be found in England and (interestingly) there are nine…. The Medieval font is has a base dated 1662 AD, there is also a rare 13th century piscina with a ‘circle of eight’ (Samnu Emua) to the left of the door upon entering, and those whom are of Craft will understand the significance of this.
Many signs and symbols that tell their own tale…. <click to enlarge>
“Of course as we have come to realise and acknowledge, nothing is ever what it seems – least of all the churches of our quests!”
Grail Bloodline Connections:
  • The Hidden Grail Energy link…
  • The signs and symbols of the Grail
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS: Fotheringhay Castle, near Peterborough: When i was at school, history was more of a forgotton world than i cared to tell. I was unable to compute numbers and dates in my brain so i just got terribly lost on the history trail. However since going on our Quests and seeing history come alive before my very eyes, i have certainly made up for it and have attained so much knowledge, it is amazing. And so it was with Mary Queen of Scots, whom i have always been drawn towards and felt an affinity with. I had no idea she was actually executed just a few miles outside of Cambridge at Fotheringhay Castle, near Peterborough. She spent her final days here, and was tried and convicted of murder here. She spent her last night praying in the castle’s small chapel, before being being cruelly beheaded on a scaffold in the castle’s great hall on 8th Feb 1587.
There is not much left of the actual castle now, it is now a sad sight of rack and ruin, with just the earthworks visable. Succeeding royalty of the times had no interest or any kind of loyalty towards the castles upkeep. The day we went it was tempory closed so we could only look from over the locked gates. But one does get a sense of actions lost in time and of earthly deeds of the day simply decaying into time and space… Our interest of course lies with the actual ‘placement ‘ of the castle, as with all our quests and also with the bloodlines connected to our quest; our Grail quest and our quest for truth.

Sadly not much to see anymore, but what a history! <click to enlarge>

Fotheringhay Castle, also known as Fotheringay Castle, was, in it’s heyday,  a High Middle Age Norman Motte-and-bailey castlein the village of Fotheringhay three and a half miles to the north of the market town of Oundle, probably founded around 1100 by Simon de Senlis, Earl of Northhampton. In 1113, possession passed to Prince David of Scotland when he married Simon’s widow. The castle then descended with the Scottish princes until the early 13th century, when it was consfiscated by King John of England. It continues to have an interesting history, passing down from royal hand to royal hand until becoming the final place of imprisonment of mary Queen of Scots, who was tried and executed in the castle in 1587. The castle was dismantled in the 1630s and most of the masonry was removed, leaving only the  earthworks, however the site is now a protected monument and open to the public.

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

Very good detailed descriptions here below of the castle, of the times and of Mary – worth a read!

https://thetudortravelguide.com/2019/02/02/fotheringhay-castle-the-final-dark-act-of-a-scottish-tragedy/

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Favoured residence of Cecily Neville (Karl’s cousin) whom married Richard The Duke of York on 3rd May 1415 at Raby Castle (visited on a previous quest)
  • Mary Queen od Scots (Karl’s 6th cousin) excecuted here in 1587 AD. Also known as Mary Stewart, Queen of Scotland 14th December 1542. (forced abdication 1567 AD). Married to King Henry Stewart (07/12/1545 – 10/02/1567) The one son was King James 1st of England (1566 – 1625)
  • King Richard 3rd born here in 1452 AD died 1485 AD. The last king of the ‘House of York’. He was ‘Lord of Ireland’ from 26/06/1483 til his death in 1485. King Richard married a cousin of Karl’s,  Anne Beauchamp De Neville.

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’ AKA Reverend Janis

December 2021- updated January 2022

<moon.willow@ntlworld.com>

 

 

 

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QUEST 31a: ‘THE BRANDENBURG BARTRAMS…’

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April 2, 2021

What a fantastic day to finally escape into the countyside on Quest 31a, squeezed in unexpectedly as we carefully move out of lockdown. We last quested a whole year ago and due to covid restrictions all the quests have been put on hold, so it was wonderful to finally be out and about in Norfolk on the 31st March 2021!

The main subject of todays quest is the Batram Bloodline: ‘the Brandenburg Batrams’, a line and a name with many mysterious meanings, which will take us back into Europe, to Italy and Gemany in particular, on our Quest for the Grail and it’s meaning upon this earthly plane.

Bartram, Battram, Barthram, are the main surnames associated with the German origin of ‘Bertram’, which means ‘Famous Raven’. The Famous Raven is often referred to as the ‘Phoenix’. Very interesting topics of discusion and research are beginning to reveal themselves here. Brandenburg is just West of Berlin and the origins of this Bartram line.

🌹⚜⚔🌹

QUEST 31a: All Saints Church, Dickleburgh, Diss: It was a gorgeous and sunny spring day and the drive out to Norfolk could not have been better, with green shoots and leaves spurting forth with new growth, and the sound of birdsong all around these quiet country lanes. The Parish of Dickleburgh is found about 6 miles north-east from Diss, close to the Norfolk/Suffolk border. It lies on the old Roman road to Caistor St Edmunds. Dickleburgh is well serviced, with All Saints Church, a busy little village store, a pub, a large playing field and other village type amenities.

The village’s name either means ‘Dicel’s or Dicla’s fortification’, or more specifically could also mean a place-name; Dic-leah, ‘wood/clearing of Diss’ or ‘ditch wood/clearing’. The name is also said to derive from an Irish monk by the name of Dicul who had a brief settlement (burgh) in the area in the late 6th century, nothing of which survives today. Although unconfirmed, this may be the same Dicul monk quoted by the Venerable Bede (673-735) in his “Ecclesiastical History of the Anglian Nation”. He tells the story of the conversion of the South Saxons and mentions the Irish monk, Dicul, who had a small monastery in ‘Boshanhamm’, which today is Bosham in Chichester, West Sussex. Dickleburgh is part of the parish of Dickleburgh and Rushall in the county of Norfolk and District of South Norfolk.

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

The church is 500 years old and has interestingly been in the patronage of Trinity College, Cambridge since the seventeenth century. It is a grade one listed building, built around 1503 and of course a sacred site was there long before the actual building. It seemed to a very lively church, important to the community, and the folks tending the church and graveyard could not have been more helpful and freindly.

It was the Bartram line we were researching on this day, and straight away the family tombstones revealed themselves to us! <click to enlarge>

The church consists of a chancel, nave, vestry, west tower and south porch. The walls are made of flint and freestone quoins and execpt for the tower, are strengthened with buttresses.

There is a new and impressive looking organ inside and a stunningly beautiful east window containing many musical-intrument playing angels, and a transfiguration of the ascension scene plus other figures from the bible. The octagonal font is of particualar interest, especially to us, for Grail clues are hidden there…. Although what the genreal public sees are the shields of the Holy Trinty, Bury Abbey (with three crowns), the Passion, (with cross, spear, reed with sponge, nails and whip) and the blessed sacrement (with three chalices). Around the base are alternating lions and ‘wildmen’ with clubs.

Upon the ornate entrance to the church are more important and useful symbols for joining more of the dots of our quests.

The church has a lot of its original woodwork, a beautiful east window full of detail and a rather interesting screen at the end of the altar pews, upon the various plaques and lists upon the inside walls are to be found the Batram names,  and of course a very lovely and peaceful energy there. There are a few military references both in and outside the church. So what a good start to the day with much knowledge gained.

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Samuel Bartram 1726-1801 (7xGGF)
  • Barnabus Bartram 1795-1878 (5xGGF)
  • Henry Bartram 1826-1909 (4xGGF) Moved to Barnet, Middlesex-thus the start of the ‘London Line’

St John the Baptist Church Bressingham: Our second visit of the day was to the village and civil parish of Bressinham in Norfolk. The name Bressingham is of Anglo-Saxon origin and refers to the homestead of Briosa’s people. This town of Bressingham was given by Osulph le Sire, and the lady Laverine, or Leofrine, his wife, to the abbey of St. Edmund’s in Bury in about 963. By the time of Edward the Confessor, the abbey owned slightly more than half the town; the rest being owned by Almar, the Bishop of Elmham. Almar’s part was also a manor, and held in William the Conquerors time by Roger Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk.  The town was then two miles long, and a mile and a half broad, it extended at that time into Shimpling, Fersfield, Shelfhanger and Roydon.

Sadly we were unable to gain access to inside the church, although we could have phoned for private prayer but decided to move on. The link below has a good selection of photos for you and an interesting write up too.

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/bressingham/bressingham.htm

The origins of the church date from around 1286; it being a medieval parish church dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries. It has an important set of carved pews, which probably date from he 16th century, act of mercy. The chancel is 13th century with the tower being rebuilt in the 1440s, the nave and aisles in 1480-1527; these may incorporate the 14th century very fine carved nave roof. The chancel roof is 18th century with a 19th century restoration. The important set of pews mentioned, have carved end panels in a 16th century style featuring defaced figures representing acts of mercy and deadly sins. The boxed pews are examples of 17th century woodwork.

Interestingly one of the tombs in the graveyard caught our eyes. For it had a rather Roman style and feel to it, with two pillars at each end that alluded to Boaz and Joachim. In the central area were the ‘four quarters of the sun’ something very rarely mentioned, and yet the design could also be shells – a Fisher King connection maybe and worth some more research. Also in the window of this historic church was to be found the enigmatic ‘Raven Symbol’, almost signposting the way to Germany for us….

The tomb with the Fisher King and Roman Connection <please click to enlarge>

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Jonathan Bartram 1699(Billingford) – 1783(Dickleford) with an association to Bressinham (8xGGF)

St Mary the Virgin Church Pulham St Mary: Now at our third church of the day, we were really enjoying being out in the sunshine, and having a lovely sense of freedom after being cooped up because of Covid for so long. However still being very safe with masks and santizers and of course always keeping our distance. Pulham Saint Mary is a small village and civil parish in Norfolk, about 8 miles from Diss. Old maps and documents name the parish or village “Pulham Saint Mary the Virgin”, the latter two words are in modern times dropped, and Saint is typically abbreviated. The earliest recorded spelling is Polleham. Pulham is referenced in the  Domesday Book as a single manor (Pulham St Mary with what is today called Pulham Market) and being part of the Earsham hundred. The name Pulham is thought to mean the farmhouse, homestead or enclosure by the pool, water meadow or stream. There is a ‘beck’ (Norfolk dialect for a small watercourse) that flows by both villages. The Romans may have had a settlement in Pulham St Mary as pieces of Roman tile, coin and oyster shells have been found in the area. In 1912 under conditions of secrecy a large base, RNAS Pulham, was constructed for the operation of airships, given the nickname locally of “Pulham Pigs”. RNAS Pulham operated as a Royal Navy base until 1918 when it was transferred to the new Royal Air Force.

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

The Domesday book of 1080 mentions an Anglo Saxon church in Pulham, but there is no trace of it today. The church of St Mary the Virgin which gives the village the ‘St Mary’ of its name, is believed to date back from 1253. The parish church is of flint construction with parts that date back to the thirteenth century. It is mainly perpendicular in style, has a square tower with 8 bells, and was restored by Bodley in the late 19th century, although many of the original features still remain. The church registers date back to 1538. The impressive porch, built about 1478, was described by Nikolaus Pevsner as ‘something phenomenal’.  It is decorated with large figures of angels and other images and the pierced parapet is comparable to work at both Blythburgh and Attleborough churches.

We could not get inside the church to see the many interesting features inside, including a 15th/16th century stone font whose decoration was plastered over to prevent mutilation from Cromwell’s men and was only discovered during restoration in the late 19th century. The screen, partly medieval and partly restored, has large painted panels filled with 15th century images of the Apostles. The chancel is the oldest part of the church and contains some very important early English features including a double piscina in the south wall. It is thought to date from the 13th century and is very rare in Norfolk churches. Other notable features include the 15th century benches, a 16th century lectern and some glass dating back to the 14th century, indicating the fine windows that existed from a very early date. There is also evidence of the presence of the old Guild Chapel which once stood on the site of the present vestry. It was rebuilt in the centre of the village in 1401 and is now part of the Pennoyer Centre.

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/pulhamstmary/pulhamstmary.htm

But of the utmost importance and relevance to us of Craft, is the famous and stunning late 15th century porch and the ‘library’ of Craft information around the porch. The tower and porch work together to create a sense of grandeur, with many ‘riddles’ intertwined there in plain sight. The porch is actually magnificent, not least because it hides within its carvings some very important Grail clues. Hidden amongs the ranks of angels on one side holding shields, and angels with musical instruments within their niches on the other, could be hidden some of the most important clues we have yet experienced. The angels on the west side play wind instruments, while those to the east play stringed instruments. Pride of place, in the spandrels of the doorway, is the Annuciation, of the highest artistic quality and in amazing condition. Also aparently the stained glass windows in the porch have clues to the Grail, which sadly i missed on this occasion…

Just look above at this amazing porch and try to unravel all the clues hidden there…. <click to enlarge – you will really want to!>

The Grail is indeed a mystery and it has been so for many centuries; over the years it has been purported to be many things, such as the son of Christ, a chalice, or vessel of some description. But the truth is, the Grail was in fact never meant to be found, so the only person who would ever find the Grail, would be the winner of all space and time! Only time and further quests will tell…. So the Grail Quest continues, not only looking for the Grail itself but for the meaning of the Grail, something that is overlooked by many. What is interesting, at the front of the porch here is a link via the artefacts and engravings, that directly link this church to a church in North-East Italy, which we hope to go to sometime within the next year – coronavirus permitting of course. So a question remains which i will leave with you, is it not so much that people are so busy living full yet shallow lives that they know nothing of the Grail or is this how things are actually meant to be and the Grail is not meant to be found….?

   

A library of info above our heads….

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Erasmus Bartram 1768(Pulham Market) – 1854(Dis, Norfolk) (6xGGF)

St Peter Church Billingford: This is such a very pretty area, very green and lush, very open with lots of winding lanes and small villages and today the area looked stunning, although i imagine it could be harsh in wintertime. Billingford, a village and civil parish in the Breckland district of Norfolk, about 3 1⁄2 miles north of East Dereham. The village is just north of the River Wensum, which forms the southern boundary of the parish. West of the village, between Elmham Road and the River Wensum, is the site of a Romana-British settlement. The site is unusual in having evidence that occupation continued into the early Anglo-Saxon period. Artefacts recovered from the site include a gold amulet. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the toponymas Billinge-forda. An entry for 1212 in the Boof of Fees records it as Billingeford. It is derived from Old English and means “the ford of Billa’s people”.

Lovely sentiment from the churches porch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billingford,_Breckland

https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?TNF168-Billingford-(Breckland)-(Parish-Summary)

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/billingford/billingford2.htm

 

St Peter Church Billingford on an incline yet hidden away in a bend in the road, showing two ‘Clarke’ tomstones in the graveyard <click to enlarge>

The church is very much hidden away, standing on a hill to the north of the village and only presenting itself when almost upon it, in an interesting curve in the road. How lucky we were to find it open and to discover that it is usually always open; how wonderfully refreshing in these times. The earliest part of the church of St Peter is the baptismal font, which is 13th-century, yet the actual origins of the church are around 1300AD, and according to the records on the wall, there was a rector here in 1250, so the church is older than that. The present building is largely 14th-century, built of flint with an octagonal west tower and is a Grade 1 listed building. The tower is one of Norfolks half a dozen or so octagonal towers, with the church being mostly 14th century with a couple of later windows. Tall Victorian benches fill the middle of the nave, which although unusual is not unique, there is no central walkway, creating a different sense of feeling inside, together with the eastward slope.

 

Also unusual and much older than it looks, is the rather wonderful font with its sloping octagonal bowl and sides carved with sets of sixteen double arches. The font is said to be so old that it may even pre-date the church and have come from somewhere else or even from an earlier building on the site. Also wonderfully beautiful is the 16th century giant latten lecturn, depicting an eagle standing on an orb. Norfolk has ten of these and interestingly this is a rare unpolished one, creating a different effect to it. The east window here, showing the transfiguration has replaced a much larger one, which can be seen be the changes in the plasterwork. Sadly though there were many artifacts from the church that have ‘been lost in time’, probably do to rebellions, wars and attacks on the church, which sadly has happened a lot in the past. The whole church is very well preserved and one gets a true sense of the period, of the times, apart sadly from the artworks that have been removed. One cant help but wonder, where in the world today are all these wonderful and meaningful peices of art that have been removed from our churches. I did notice when travelling in Ireland and Europe that the churches there are still full of their wonderful and ancient peices of art that allude to a time of a much different christianity than of today and which display clues to a much deeper and maybe even darker kind of worship. An interesting thought then at why maybe ancient artworks are no longer in our churches….

In respect of the quest bloodlines, there is a ‘Charles Ford’ on the wooden wall plaque near the font; the Fords as we know eventually ended up in London. There is much original woodwork in the church and some very old carvings around the high altar, all in an amazing state of preservation and the video below shows all this up very well. The church name banner hanging at the side of the altar shows the Alpha to Omega, but also the ‘M U’ sign, taking one back to the Sumerian connection. Upon the altar i think we translated the words wrongly and it actually is “My Peace I Give Unto You”- see the photo or video and decide for your selves.

Woodwork and carvings all amazingly presevered and give an essence of ‘past time and place’

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Jonathan Batram 1695(Billingford) – 1783(Dickleburgh) (8xGGF)

Church of St Mary Magdalene Beetly: Beetley is a village and civil parish in the Breckland district of Norfolk and situated four miles north of Toftwood. Beetley was part of the Manor of Elmham, held by William Beaufoe, Bishop of Thetford, with the name deriving from the two Anglo Saxon words betel and bietel, both words applying to a clearing where wooden mallets are made. Beetley was then part of the parish of Bittering Magna, however the Parish divided into Beetley and Gressenhall. Beetley was then combined together with the neighbouring parish of East Bilney in 1935.

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

Sadly we could not gain access to the church, even though the Rectory was just next door, so a stroll around the graveyard needed to suffice. The Church is believed to be built on the site mentioned in the Doomsday Book (1087) and is dated to 1320, with it’s origins going back to 1401 AD. It is a grade 1 listed building and like many of these ancient churches, seemingly tucked away off the beaten track. The tower of the church was heightened in the 16th Century, with the north isle being demolished in the 18th century and with windows being installed in the wall. It is built of ashlar and some brick dressings. From the photos online the church looks very simple in decor inside, but apart from that without going inside it is hard to comment. In the graveyard were some tombs within cast-iron railings, one of which was a Templar grave marked by a mysterious and intriging ‘Templar Stone’ The church is said to be set on a interesting ‘Cross-Junction’ of magnetic fields, linking to the Grail and to that of Brandenburg in Germany. Sadly howerver we did not pick up on any energy at all there, so can only assume the particular ‘energy’ that was there, is now no longer so.

The fenced off graves showing the mysterious’Templar Stone…. <click to enlarge>

https://www.derehamanddistrictteam.org.uk/our-churches73257/st-mary-magdalen-beetley/

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/beetley/beetley.htm

Grail Bloodline Connections: The connections here are that of the Grail itself and of the clues today that presented themselves to us, guiding us on our forthcoming journey and quest to Germany and Italy, where can jin some more of those hidden dots…..

 

For more info and footage from the day please see our youtube link 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdbbwNYJQhg

To those of us whom are observant, especially of Craft, feathers can often appear out of nowhere, bringing deep and profound messages from the angelic realms, whom are always watching, always observing…

🌹⚜⚔🌹

April 2021 The Quests continue….

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

<moon.willow@ntlworld.com>

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KING ARTHUR: DAY TWELVE & THIRTEEN

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March 25, 2020

THE GRAIL QUEST

” Even in our modern times, the Grail still represents hope to people, yet still remains something unattainable, something still very much an enigma. Many of the tales trace it, as a vessel, back to Joseph of Arimathea, whom it was said collected Jesus’s blood from the cross and whom was said to have bought it to England. Yet as already stated, the lineage of the grail goes back to much earlier times,  and as we already know, we can discount the tales of a challice collecting blood from the cross, for we know the crucifixion tales to be untrue. Yet if Joseph was of the ‘pure bloodline’, which Templar knowledge indicates he was, the tales take on another meaning, Over time many and various churches and religions have claimed different successions and connections to the Grail and there are claimed to be many ‘resting places’ for the Grail, some believable, some not, but of course that does depend on what the Grail actually is. It could be resting/hiding within Time itself (within a ‘cloak of time’), maybe hidden in secret underground chambers of sacred buildings, kept watch over by guardians. Some say it found its way to Scotland and has a connection to the enigmatic Neville family whom may have guarded over it themselves.  Mary too, is said to be connected to it, in her own right and through her relationship with Jesus, and she too found her own way to Scotland. Lots of accounts refer to the blood of Christ or the flesh/DNA of Christ as being of pure blood, of being the Grail, and Christ certainly knew and kept the secrets to his grave.  So, did Christ possess the Grail or was it the ‘knowledge’ of the Grail he possessed? If Lucifer’s secret is the Holy Grail, that would certainly mean that Christ/Jesus/Lucifer knew the secret; that unattainable secret of the Holy Grail.”

QUEST 28: FRANCE, DUNKIRK & BELGUIM

12TH  NOVEMBER 2019

After three great days in La Boussac, our amazing trip was almost over and we left France to begin our journey towards Belguim via Dunkirk. Luckily yet again the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous Autumn day when we set forth. We journeyed all the way from the south of France up to Dunkirk and i managed to take some quite good shots on the way.  The drive was interesting and very scenic and the weather was good.  It was a long journey, of gorgeous autumn colours, dramatic skies and an amazingly huge suspension bridge that crossed a wide, wide estuary somewhere along the route. It was very windy and high up so not all lanes were open. The nearer we got to England though, the more horrid the weather became, settling down later.

Our last big road trip of the quest taking us out of France, towards Belguim, Dunkirk and back to good old Blighty! That bridge was so high and scary in the windy conditions – much higher than it looks! <click to enlarge>

Catholique Collegiale Notre-Dame-de-la-Crypte a Cassel: Cassel France: Quite late in the day we arrived here at Cassel, France. It had become quite chilly now and was getting dark, but there were shops still open and folks around, so we had a nice stroll and bought in supplies for when we reached our digs.

Cassel, from the Dutch meaning Kassel is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. Built on a prominent hill overlooking French Flanders, the town has existed since Roman times. It was developed by the Romans into an important urban centre and was the focus of a network of roads, which are still in use today, that converge on the hill. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Cassel became an important fortified stronghold for the rulers of Flanders which was repeatedly fought over before finally being annexed to France in the 17th century. It was the headquarters of Marshal Ferdinand Foch during part of the First World War. In 1940, during the German invasion of France, Cassel was the scene of a fierce three-day battle between British forces and German forces which resulted in much of the town being destroyed. Today the town, which was rebuilt following the war, is a popular destination for visitors to French Flanders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassel,_Nord

As the hour was late and the skies darkening, we half expected the church to be closed and spent dilligent time wandering around the seemingly closed building until at last we found a way in via the big stiff old wooden doors! Our efforts were well worth it as the church is beautiful inside and like a lot of these seemingly plain on the outside churches, what greets one inside is often amazing!

Sadly i could not find much on the internet in English about the churches history apart from a few lines from the above link, so most of my comments are from pure observation. The Collégiale Notre-Dame de la Crypte is Cassel’s main church, built in brick. Parts date from the 11th century but the main part is a 16th-century  Gothic structure of a design known as a hallekerk or hall-church, peculiar to Flanders and Artois. It comprises a huge rectangular space with three gables, three aisles, three apses and a square tower over the transept.

Many interesting symbols inside the church & the  ‘All Seeing Eye’ is prominent, together with relevant heraldry & shields. Some beautiful windows are here too & ornate artworks. A nice feel to the church connecting to the Desposyni bloodline.

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Galains Desposyni (48th GGF) 480-551, born in Sommant, with Grail connections.
  • Nascien Desposyni(49th GGF) 450-494, born in Sommant, with Grail connections.

The hour was late, dark and very wet when we arrived in Dunkirk and visability in respect of driving was very confusing. We were staying right in the middle of Dunkirk, near the river, in a very built up area with  lots of traffic lights, bus lanes and one way systems. It took us several tries to find a way out of the one-way system in order to reach our apartment – which we could see but not actually get too! Well done to my dear driver though for his persistence and patience! Tomorrow we are venturing into Belgium.

St Peter’s Church, De Panne, Belgium: So the day had arrived – Friday 8th November and the last day of this amazing quest and fabulous road trip. We found the church fairly easily and it looked quite inviting and very well maintained from the outside with planted flowers and a nod to it’s fishing history by way of the historic fishing vessel outside. However once we gained access and got inside through the main doorway, it was dissapointing to find a vast and very locked glass screen acoss the entrance barring any access into the rest of the church. So sadly the only photos i have are of the outside and taken through the glass screen. A shame as there were very relevant artefacts and info to be seen there. Based on a design by the Veurne-based architect Joseph Vinck, this aisled neo-Gothic hall church in yellow brick was built in 1891, at a time when De Panne was still a fishing hamlet of Adinkerke and a chapel built circa 1878 stood on this site. The tower was added in 1936, by which time the church was no longer located in the centre of town due to the construction of the Dumont Quarter.

St Peter’s Church, De Panne showing the historic fishing vessel <click to enlarge>

De Panne is the westernmost Belgian coastal town, sharing a border with France. It has a population of almost 10.800 people. Its history is closely linked with Adinkerke, nowadays a small village, situated about 3 kilometres from the sea.  The situation used to be reversed, for during the late 18th century, De Panne was part of the larger parish and municipality of Adinkerke. Because of the growing importance of coastal tourism from the late 19th century on, De Panne eventually transformed into a larger town than Adinkerke, beoming independent in 1911.  Originally De Panne was primarily a fishing place, founded in 1783. The fisheries, especially the small herring fisheries close to the coast, in De Panne flourished from the middle of the 19th century, and the fishing community steadily grew. Around the turn of the century, a number of shipyards were active in De Panne, while several small fish smoke houses were also present in the village. By courtesy of the local history and heritage club ‘De Panneboot P1′, the town possesses one of the last traditional inshore fishing vessel of the Flemish coast, also named the ‘Panneboot P1’. The vessel is an example of a ‘pannekotter’, the smaller successor of the famous ‘pannepot’, now on display in front of the Saint Peter’s Church of De Panne. On occasion, the ‘Panneboot P1’ still sails and from time to time, the ship is used for educational purposes

http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Fisheries_in_De_Panne

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

Very selective views through the huge secured glass panel

Grail Bloodline Connection:

  • Associated with King Marcomer (51st GGF) 387-458 Cologne, Germany.

Sadly, our very last day of this wonderful experience has come upon us all too soon. Lots of pieces of a very large puzzle to ponder over and put together but it will all be revealed in time, as they say. We have visited amazing places and met many folks – some friendly, some not, sadly often ‘church’ folks were not welcoming, but that’s for another day.

Saint Bavo Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium: When we arrived in Ghent it was certainly a lovely day and the city was full of life with lots of hustle, bustle and energy; trams and buses busily swung around the narrow city streets. Ghent is a city and a  municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province, and the third largest in the country, exceeded in size by Brussels and Antwerp. The city originally started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Leie and in the Late Middle Ages became one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe, with some 50,000 people in 1300. It is a port and university city. Around 650, Sain Amand founded two abbeya in Ghent: St Peter’s and St Bavo’s. Around 800,  Louis the Pious, of   Charleymagne, appointed Finhard, the biographer of Charlemagne, as abbot of both.  The city grew from several nuclei, the abbeys and a commercial centre. However, both in 851 and 879, the city was plundered by the Vikings. Within the protection of the County of Flanders, the city recovered and flourished from the 11th century, growing to become a small city-state By the 13th century, Ghent was the biggest city in Europe north of the Alps after Paris, bigger than Cologne or Moscow. Within the city walls lived up to 65,000 people.  Lots about Ghent in the link below:

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

 The main city square of Ghent; full of life with lots of shops and resturants nearby!

The Saint Bavo Cathedral, also known as Sint-Baafs Cathedral, an 89-meter-tall Catholic Gothic Cathedral is the seat of the dioces of Ghent, is named for Saint bavo of Ghent and contains the well-known Ghent Altarpiece. It is built on the site of the former Chapel of St. John the Baptist, a primarily wooden construction that was consecrated in 942 by Transmarus,  Bishop of Tournai and Noyon. Traces of a later Romanesque structure can be found in the cathedral’s crypt. Construction of the Gothic church began around 1274. Continuous expansion, in he Gothic style were carried out from the 14th through 16th centuries. In 1539, as a result of the rebellion against Charles V, who was baptized in the church, the old Abbey of St. Bavo was dissolved. Its abbot and monks went on to become canons in a Chapter that was attached to what then became the Church of Saint Bavo. When the Diocese of Ghent was founded in 1559, the church became its Cathedral and construction was considered complete June 7, 1569. Sadly in the summer of 1566, bands of Calvinist iconoclasts visited Catholic churches in the Netherlands, shattering stained-glass windows, smashing statues, and destroying paintings and other artworks they perceived as idolatrous. However, the altarpiece by the Van Eycks was saved. It was a beautiful looking cathedral but sadly yet again had lost much of its ‘energy’, not helped by the negative attitude of one of its human ‘religous’ helpers, trying to bar me from taking a photo of a sheild relevant to our quest. A beautiful building with many stunning works of art, but sadly with no actual spirituality…

There were some stunning marble memorial carvings that made good use of the skull imagery. There were some beautiful oil paintings, along with relevant Craft/Quest related heraldry and sheilds <click to expand>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Bavo%27s_Cathedral,_Ghent

Grail Bloodline Connection:

  • Bloodline connection associated with King Marcomer (51st GGF) 387-458 Cologne, Germany.

All that remained now was just one more view from our apartment window aside the river in Dunkirk before setting out on the road again in the morning and back home to the UK via the channel tunnel!

“On this epic journey we experienced the different energies of many lands as we followed in the footsteps of King Arthur around Europe and found out that churches are not what they seem;  I also found an amazing light inside me that I never want to dim. Putting aside the spiritual aspect of our quest and all the knowledge gained for a moment, this was the most amazing road trip ever. We journeyed through 6 countries including the uk; the experience of a road trip is mind-expanding in itself; an experience that I fully embraced. So that was it; an amazing quest fullfilled and I for one cannot wait until our next adventure.

Many of you have followed our quests since the very beginning and have read my in-depth write-ups on these pages, so have a good idea of what the quests are all about and why. It is always from a physical, spiritual and more importantly a metaphysical purpose that we partake of these quests and now we have bought ‘the grail’ into the mix.

The buildings we visit are built on very sacred sites, yet it is not the buildings as such, as to why we are there. The sites are of sacred, pyramid energy; the buildings atop have come and gone over the centuries, leaving no clues in the buildings since, as to their purpose and real reason within the rhyme of time; except of course to those whom can decode the symbols. The churches could be describes as ‘markers’ in time and space.

The quest, the King Arthur quest, traces his journey to these sites, it was his quest then, just as it is our important quest now; a journey of learning sacred knowledge, that has often been hidden within very time and the landscape itself. But yet most importantly never told of in history, yet the links are now appearing, like the colours of a magic painting book when the water is added, for when knowledge and understanding is added to our life, magically the truth appears.

We have visited many pyramid sites, some where the earth magnetis were so strong, that the so-called ‘sat-nav’ (which works via earth-based communications anyway), was caused to spin around in circles; going crazy due to the pyramid energy. The energy can often be overwhelming causing one to lose balance and feel a bit ‘woozy’ at times until one tunes into it and finds one’s balance. There is always so much more to space and time than meets the eye.”

DSC09853

“The Keeper of Scrolls” March 2020

‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

The Knights of the Red Order

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THE SACRED SITES OF DEVON & CORNWALL: PART TWO

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June 26, 2019

QUEST 27 CONTINUED…

Day Three: St Petrox Church and Dartmouth Castle: It was another gloriously sunny day when we arrived in beautiful Dartmouth; a town and civil parish in the county of Devon; we were on day three of this wonderful adventure. This is a designated area of outstanding beauty and one can easily see why. In 1086, the Domesday Book lists Dunestal as the only settlement in the area, and which now makes up the Parish of Dartmouth. Over time it developed as a port and was of strategic importance as a deep water port for sailing vessels. Interestingly the port was used as the sailing point for the Crusades of 1147 and 1190, and Warfleet Creek, close to Dartmouth Castle, which we also visited, is suposed by some, to be named for the vast fleets that assembled there; later it was also the home of the Royal Navy. The narrow mouth of the port is protected by two fortified castles, Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle. In modern times a Royal Regatta takes place annually over three days at the end of August.

Arriving at beautiful Dartmouth in Devon; a well-known tourist destination on the western bank of the tidal estuary of the River Dart.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth,_Devon

St Petrox Church: So on Friday 3rd May we made our way across beautiful scenery and moorland to this very special church situated right next door to Dartmouth Castle; St Petrox church is packed with ‘hidden histories’ relating to the Knights Templars, the Nevilles and beyond. Both church and graveyard have a powerful and scenic vantage point overlooking the estuary. The church of St Petrox, which is a grade one listed building, perches above the mouth of the river like a guardian, but its exposed position has presented it with problems and challenges. First recorded in 1192 in deeds relating to Little Dartmouth, St Petrox is referred to as the ‘Monastery of St Peter’. There is little recorded history of the church around this time and there is little more information on what the ‘monastery’ was. It has been suggested that the monastery was perhaps started by the man whose name now graces the church: St Petrox. St Petroc was an interesting saint; a Welsh aristocrat who gave up worldly things and travelled to Ireland to study in piety. Later he ministered around Cornwall where legend has him converting the rather evil Cornish King Constantine to the faith. He was based in Bodmin for a while before heading to the continent, where he is supposed to have met the Pope, travelled to India and beyond and had many fantastical adventures before his death. His bones were held at Bodmin and venerated. However their is a lot more to St Petrox than meets the eye…

https://www.bythedart.co.uk/things-to-do-in-dartmouth/what%27s-in-church%3F—st.-petrox/

https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101297086-church-of-st-petrox-dartmouth#.XPfE1497l1s

St Petrox Church with stunning views across the estuary.

This church then is absolutely  steeped in Knights Templar history going back as far as the Crusades and beyond. This part of the castle was built around 1330, yet the history and actual sacred site goes back far beyond that, for many reasons to be learnt about; this really is the only church in the area that is worthwhile to spend time at. It is a must see for anyone interested in templarism and knightly virtues, or indeed who are like us and are actual Templars researching blood lines….

There are many symbols and connections to the Templars here, which you can see explained in detail in the video below. There are connections too, to the Fordham line, which traces back to the Desposyni line and the line of Christ, and to France. There is a very particular tomb in the central isle that screams templarism, displaying a symbol that the Extinction Rebellion group of modern times now use.

There is also reference on one of the windows to Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge (home town of one of us questers) and as what may come as a surprise to many, the city of Cambridge was actually founded on templar money! There is also a plaque near the font displaying the MacAndrew name, which ties us in at this point in time to previous quests. But the most delightful and important discovery is the churches connection to Lancelot! The connection can be seen on the Lancelot stained-glass widow with on the left hand side a German connection, while on the right of the window are the emblems of Lancelot Desposyni himself; one of the ancestors of the Fordham line. As we may already mentioned the Fordhams ‘spawned’ out of Westphalen in Germany and then into France, where they stayed for many centuries, and then from France onto England,  thus linking us into the Arthurian Ledgends and future quests but also connecting us to our up and coming visit to Tintagel

Images above that prove myth and legend have roots firmly in fact & can be traced right back from modern times – exactly what we are doing on these quests! The first two photos connect to Gonville & Caus College in Cambridge, the second two are the stunning Lancelot Desposyni window connecting to the bloodline of our quests, then the familiar Neville sheild & the MacAndrew surname again – all part of the same bloodline! Lastly, the very profound plaque that was hidden behind a curtain in a little ‘cubby hole’ reads “The cup of blessing which we bless is not the communian of the blood of Christ” So lots to pause for thought about..

See our video below for a tour of the church and much more info…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Q5nmKTT14&t=45s

Dartmouth Castle: The castle seems to sit precariously on the cliff edge where the River Dart meets the English Channel with amazing views out to sea. The day we were there was sunny and the views were spectacular. One can enjoy roaming the castle and learning about its history over several levels; while the narrow winding stairway to the top is challenging; it is a must for the views alone! The castle was begun in 1388 to protect the town and harbour of Dartmouth against French raids during the 100 years war and 100 years later it was strengthened with a gun tower, the first purpose-built coastal artillery for Britain! The castle continued to play an important role in our defences of the land throught out the years – see link for further info.

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

St Edmund King & Martyr Church, Kingsbridge: Just a short drive along peaceful country roads bought us to our next scheduled stop which sadly on this occasion was closed to us, so a few shots of the outside will have to suffice. The symbols on the windows looked significant so a shame we could not get in – though we did have a good look aound the town, where there were some amazing charity shops!

The church is an Anglican churched dedicated to St Edmund the Martyr: once a parish church, it is no longer is used for regular worship. St. Edmund’s Church, is mainly in the Perpendicular style and retains some 13th century features including a font, but was enlarged and reconsecrated around 1414. The oldest part of the church is the 13th century crossing tower. The rest of the church is much altered with the addition of a large chapel in 1849. Further rebuilding of the nave was conducted in the late 19th century. There are a few other medieval remains in the south chancel chapel. Parts of the Rood Screen have been used to make the pulpit and the readers desk.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Edmund,_King_and_Martyr

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

Hope Cove: So the last port of call for the day, for a bit of ‘down time’ and the best vegan pizza i have ever tasted, was the stunningly beautiful ‘Hope Cove’. Hope Cove is a small seaside village within the civil parish of South Huish in South Hams, Devon. It has tw beaches and is sheltered by the headland of Bolt Tail. The name ‘Hope Cove’ may derive tautologically from the Old Norse word hóp meaning “bay” or “small inlet”

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

 

  • Bloodline connections: is that of Thomas Neville of Dartmouth, born 25/02/1810 & died 03/01/1893 & our lead questers 4th Great Grandfather. Originally from Tollesbury in Essex & died in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia & a frequent visitor to the area on Templar Business.
  • V. MacAndrew from the plaque in St Petroc’s Church
  • George Fairlie-Clarke from the memorial in church graveyard
  • Lancelot Desposyni of the Fordham line, depictedvon the church window of St Petrocs.
  • Thomas Neville again, connected also to Kingsbridge and Hope Cove

Join us for part three when we discover more secrets of time at Tintagel!

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’ June 2019

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QUEST 27: THE SACRED SITES OF DEVON & CORNWALL: PART ONE

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May 19, 2019

So much to embrace & look forward to as The Priory is about to set out upon Quest Twenty-Seven no less! On our journey for truth we will endevour to unravel the hidden histories of these lands, we will set forth into the kingdoms of Devon & Cornwall for our next knightly adventure.

Quest 27: Devon and Cornwall: So our quest was at last upon us and it couldn’t have got here quick enough. On Wednesday May 1st, we made our way to Gunnislake just inside the Cornish border, but wait! Our quest starts right here!

Day One: Princetown: St Michael & All Saints Church.  Princetown is a village in the Dartmoor national park and is the principle settlement of the civil parish of Dartmoor Forest. Princetown is known for being the site of Dartmoor Prison and is around 1,430 feet above sea level; the highest settlement on the moor and one of the highest in the UK and is surrounded by moorland; thereby attracting many hikers and walkers, especially in the summer months.

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

It was a typical wet and misty Dartmoor afternoon when we arrived at St Michael & All Saints Church, Princetown; the Archangel St Michael being the patron saint of sick people, the elderly and of people of ‘order’ whom work in the military. Contrary to the ‘official’ write-ups of the church, it is built on an ancient sacred ‘energy’ site, connected to our quests, even though the current building itself is not that old. The church is of a simple design and built between 1812 – 1814 by prisoners captured in the Napoleonic Wars with France, and the War of 1812 with the United States, all of whom were held in Dartmoor prison. The east window contains stained glass of 1910, in memory of the American prisoners who helped to build the church. It is a designated Grade II* listed building but is now sadly a redundant church in the good care of the Churches Consevation Trust.

St Michaels & All Angels Church sitting amidsts the stuningly serene Dartmoor

Inside the church are many interesting artfacts, and as one would expect some poignant military memorabilia too, lest of all a seat saved in the front pews for soldiers unknown, which one can glimpse in the video. Interesting to note that our lead researcher’s 6th great uncle, John Neville was stationed here, in the wars of 1812. He was born on the 20th April, 1773 in Birch in Essex, but he married a Mary Ann from Princetown and there is a record of their child Eliza Neville being baptised on the 11th June 1815, in this very church! The church had a lovely feel about it and felt much older; the beautiful and intriging wooden carvings around the pulpit, one of which portrays an animal head on a human body, certainly seemed older. The lovely tapestry of St Michael portrays the correct Celtic Cross, with the saint wearing blue, red and gold robes. The beautiful stained-glass window above the altar portrays the life and death of  ‘the Jesus’, from left to right in story-book style. Also on one of the wooden chairs to the left of the altar are some very interesting carvings of a direct Enochian origin, relating and connecting the church firmly to our path…

Inside the church, showing the window, the St Michael tapestry and the Enochian carvings

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Michael,_Princetown

Outside in the graveyard, very noticably separate from the rest of the gravestones is the secluded area where the prisoners have been laid to rest; separated in death as they were in life. Rather ironical really as death makes no distinction; we are all as one in death…

Take a tour around the church & discover our links & bloodline history for yourself

St Michael & All Angels Church Princetown

Day One: Walkhampton: St Mary the Virgin Church. Walkhampton is a village and civil parish on the western side of Dartmoor, in Devon. The village lies on the Black Brook, a tributary of the  River Walkman, about 4.3 miles south-east of Tavistock set amidst beautiful unspoilt countryside.

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

Walkhampton church, which is a grade one listed building, is situated on an ancient elevated site about half a mile north-west of the village and can be seen for miles. Unlike most churches which face east, it faces north-east, the direction of the rising sun on the longest day. The present building, which is built of granite and has a tower with four prominent pinnacles, dates from the 15th century, with much later alteration, including restoration in 1860–61. For 400 years until 1985 the church had no dedication and was known simply as “Walkhampton Church”, but in that year it was dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. Research has indicated that it may have been originally dedicated to St Dionisius of Walkynton. Sadly the church had already been locked when we arrived so we had to content ourselves with a stroll around the outside. It is a pretty chuch standing amidst some gorgeous countryside, so who knows what we may have found inside…

St Mary the Virgin; a pretty church built on an ancient site in beautiful Devon

And so onto Cornwall, where our digs for the next five nights was to be the converted Ebenezer Chapel, now flats; ours named aptly as ‘Pilgrims Rest’.

Gunnislake is a large pretty village in East Cornwall situated in the Tamar Valley; an extremely beautiful area on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Devon. There is a history of mining in the area, but this is no longer active, but in it’s day was one of the richest mining area of Europe. It has a small railway station which serves the local villages of the area. The geo-magnetics of the area are very powerful and interesting, especially for those using ‘earth-based’ satnav… (something to ponder on)

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

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

  • Bloodline Connections: Princetown: Our lead researcher’s 6th great uncle, John Neville was stationed here, in the wars of 1812. He was born on the 20th April, 1773 in Birch in Essex, and he married a Mary Ann from Princetown; there is a record of their child Eliza Neville being baptised on the 11th June 1815, inSt Michael & All Angels Church, Princetown.
  • John’s father was Earl Henry Neville, 2nd Earl of Abergavenny; a destination of a previous quest.
  • Walkhampton: Jonh Neville (as above) was stationed, as a soldier, in the area circa 1800’s,  6th great uncle.
  • Gunnislake: connections with the Clarke, Fordham & Neville surnames.

And of course finishing off the day with a gorgeous meal in a wonderful atmospheric local pub and resturant as one must always have balance in life “Reverence & Mirth in equal measures”

Day Two: Buckfastleigh & Buckfast Abbey: We drove across beautiful Dartmoor to reach Buckfast Abbey, with a stop for lunch at this delightful and peaceful beauty spot in Dartmoor, which in the summer months is absolutely teaming with visitors.

Buckfastleigh is a small market town and civil parish in Devon situated at the edge of the Dartmoor National Park.  It is part of Teignbridge and is a centre for tourism, and home to Buckfast Abbey.  The town has grown as a mill town known for it’s woollen mills, corn and paper mills and a tannery supported by the rivers Dart, Mardle and the Dean Burn; water being an essential natural resource used in the manufactoring of wool and other products. Buckfastleigh is medieval in origin and the name Buckfast means stronghold, and Leigh would have been the pastures belonging to Buckfast.

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

The very beautiful Benedictine monastry at Buckfast, known as Buckfast Abbey, is just near the edge of Dartmoor. After many ups and downs the monks are still there today and live a very peaceful devotional life. The Abbey is self-supporting with a farm, where vegetables are grown and animals are raised and a shop which sells wine, honey and religous items etc. The monastry is most famous for it’s Buckfast Tonic Wine, a delicous fortified wine that the monks have been making since the 1890’s

Buckfast first became home to an abbey in 1018. The first Benedictine abbey was followed by a Savignac (later Cistercian) abbey constructed on the site of the current abbey in 1134. The monastry was surrendered for dissolution in 1539, with the monastic building stripped and left as ruins, before being finally demolished. The former abbey site was used as quarry and later became home to a Gothic Mansion House.

The position of the hands in the above carving is very relevant to the Priory, our path and the truth of our quests; also note the Enochian influenced carvings around the doorway; all of which allude to teachings and truths of our path that are much older than the actual building here.

In 1882 the site was purchased by a group of French Benedictine monks, who refounded a monastery on the site, dedicated to Saint Mart. New monastic buildings and a temporary church were constructed incorporating the existing Gothic house. Work on a new abbey church, which was constructed mostly on the footprint of the former Cistercian abbey, started in 1907. The church was consecrated in 1932 but not completed until 1938. Buckfast was formally reinstated as an Abbey in 1902, and the first abbot of the new institution, Bonniface Natter was blessed in 1903. Despite all this it did feel a very peaceful place with some stunning works of art, windows and artifacts inside.

 

The abbey is full of stunning artworks, many with hidden symbolic messages; there are extra meanings here in several of these photos

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

https://www.buckfast.org.uk/

Next and without further ado, we made our way to Exmouth Marina and Harbour to embark upon a scheduled boat trip along the Jurasic Coast. Not a part of the quest as such but something that would be informative and fun.

Exmouth itself is a port town, civil parish and seaside resort, sited on the east bank of the mouth of the River Ex, and is 7 miles east of Exeter. The two ecclesiatical parishes, Littleham and Withycombe Raleigh, that make up the town of Exmouth today can be traced to pre-Saxon times. The name of the town derives from its location at the mouth of the River Ex estuary, which ultimately comes from an ancient Celtic word for fish.

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

We had booked to sail with Stuart Line Cruises, leaving from Exmouth Harbour at 2:15 and it was scheduled to be an over three hour trip, along the ancient coast line. This jurasic coast line is a world heritage site, attracting many visitors. It is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site; the circular cruise sails along the oldest section of the site, known as the Triassic Era.  The cruise certainly did show the age, beauty and importantly, the fragility of our coastlines. Here on the video below one can see the magnificance of the ‘sea stacks’ and hear a spot of the commentary on the video too. It was rather blustery out at sea but lots of snuggly blankets were thankfully provided.

The beauty of England’s Jurasic Coast Line

Englands Jurasic Coast Line & the Beauty of Devon and Cornwall

  • Bloodline connections: Buckfastleigh has connections to the Clarke surname and family link.

“The Keeper of Scrolls” May 2019

email me:  moon.willow@ntlworld.com

The land does not give up it’s secrets easily yet leaves clues hidden within the landscape of time for those whom are willing to decode the riddles…

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THE FENLAND CHURCHES

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July 16, 2018

The Priory Investigates: Quest Twenty Five: It had indeed been a while since our wonderful wintery quest to the Isle of Wight, and here in the heat of the summer, in complete contrast, we ventured literally just down the road and out into the open countryside of the fens, right on our own doorstep! We had five sites/churches planned for this day quest, yet as anyone following our quests will know, things do not always go as planned and we actually managed to get into three of them and took outside photos and videos of the others

  • St Andrews Church Witchford
  • St Andrews Church Sutton
  • St Mary’s Church Mepal
  • St Nicolas Church Manea
  • St Mary the Virgin Church Doddington

St Andrews Church Witchford: Our first visit of the day was only three miles, W.S.W. from Ely, the modern-day capital of the fens and thus took no time at all to arrive. Witchford is a pretty and peaceful village, full of fenland character set amidst an entirely agricultural landscape.

The name of the village means the ‘Ford of the Wych Elms’ (Wych meaning weeping: Weeping Elms-cf Weeping Willows) and refers to the tree Ulnus glabra. Other spellings of the name have been ‘Wycheford’ and ‘Wicceford’. The village was once important enough to give its name to the Anglo-Saxon Government division, the ‘Hundred’. This was the rural district of North Witchford and the Petty-sessional areas of South Witchford. As we have discovered upon many of our quests up and down the length and breadth of the UK, many sites that today appear as unimportant, being no more than small villages, hamlets and churches, way off the beaten track, were in their heyday, places of very high importance, energy and power. Yet over time, the reasons why they were built where they are, have become lost in time, with commercial reasons also changing the shape and meaning of the past.

The church of St Andrew, as appears from the mandate of Bishop Arundell, dated at Downham 4th December 1376, and preserved in the diocesan registry, was consecrated on the 12th December in that year. But an unconfirmed tradition says that a church has stood here since 607. It was originaly Norman, going back to the times of the Norman conquest, and incorporates the materials of the ancient structure, but is chiefly an edifice of stone in the Early English and later styles, consisting of a chancel, nave, north porch and an embattled western tower containing three bells, dated 1671, a possibly Norman font and there is also a memorial window to the Rev, B.M. Lloyd, vicar 1884-1911. Interestingly an entry from the Domesday Book, from the Abbot of Ely’s records, records 8 slaves amongst a listing of possesions of which the total vaue is £10 all told!

Never underestimate the importance in time and space of sleepy fenland villages: more on the symbology and significance of these windows are explained in the video below. As always please click on each image to enlarge and to see all the beautiful detail.

Bloodline Connection: Is that of Rose Eagle 1808-1876 who married Lord Gowler Neville in 1820 in this very church. Lord Gowler travelled all the way from Essex to marry Rose; a very long way in those days. Rose is our lead researchers 5 x G GM.

More about the church and village can be found here:
http://www.crsbi.ac.uk/site/438/
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/cambs/vol4/pp176-179
http://www.cambridgeshirehistory.com/cambridgeshire/TownsandVillages/Witchford/index.htm

St Andrews Church Sutton: A very short drive across open fenland scenery bought us to St Andrews Church in Sutton; known rightly as one of the great churches of the fens and like all medieval churches in this corner of the world, it was built on an island; those mounds of land that rose from amidst the damp fens. These isands were safe havens for both fishing folk and wildife alike. Of course those days are long gone and the once miles of waterworld are now some of the best agricultural land in the country. There are some that say, that one day the waters will rise again and once more transform the land. Many will welcome these changes and it is said that much will endure including St Andrews here, which will once again become an island.

Sutton’s island is the same one that Ely sits upon and so it is hardly urprising that St Andrews Church has enjoyed the patronage of the Abbots and then the Bishops throughout history. The present buiding dates from the later half of the fourteenth century, mostly having been built by Bishops Barnet and Arundel. The fine west tower, the final part of the church to be built, can be seen from miles around and is a very familiar landmark for the local folk. The church is surprisingly large for a smallish parish, yet no surprise to learn then that it is also known as the ‘Cathedral of the Fens’ being more significant that the more well-known cathedral at Ely; also worth noting is the strong connection between Scotland and this area of the fens. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, identified as Sudtone. There were then 9 sokemen, 8 villeins (each with 7.5 acres), 15 cotters and 7 serfs. In 1109, the charter 51 of Bishop Hervey included Suttune in the lands recorded as being conferred upon the Cathedral Priory of Ely. According to the Ely Diocesan Register, the Manor of Sutton was established in 1292 and belonged to the Priory. In 1312, Sutton was granted the right to hold a street market each Thursday; this was held on the wider part of the High Street, outside what is now the One Stop Shop.

Once inside the church one gets a sense of the vastness and cathedral-like feel of the building. There are some stunning artifacts, artworks and symbolic carvings here, that we have come to expect from churches connected to the Neville bloodline; and for the eagle-eyed the Neville sheild puts in an appearance too. Outside in the peaceful burial ground is a beautiful old gravestone; a Templar cross, the grave of James Neville in fact.  More can be seen in the video below.

Please click on all images to enlarge

You can read much more on the history of Sutton & St Andrews Church here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutton-in-the-Isle
>http://www.druidic.org/camchurch/churches/sutton.htm

Bloodline Connection: James Neville 1850-1912 born in Witchford with connections also to Witchford and Sutton, and our lead researchers 3 x G.GF. A small Neville shield can be seen inside the church with Jame’s Templar gravestone peacefully set in a corner of the burial ground.

St Mary’s Church Mepal: After picking up a very ancient key and driving through ripened fields we arrived at St Mary’s Church in Mepal, which nestles just off the beaten track somewhat, in a very beautiful setting. So we turned the key and entered in…

Mepal is a small fenand village, part of the East Cambs district, located just north of the A142 road between Ely and Chatteris. First recorded at the start of the 13th century, Mepal’s history has always been tied up with that of the fens with the village being less than ten metres above sea level. One of the smaller villages of the Isle of Ely, Mepal lies at the western end of the Isle on what was once the shore between the fenland and the higher ground of the Isle. The Old Bedford River and the New Bedford River (also known as the Hundred Foot Drain) run very close on the northwestern side of the village, and the only important bridges of the rivers are found in Mepal. The old and new rivers, originally modified by the Victorians, offer the main drainage route for the Fens and retain a major flood plain between the two river beds. The flood plain typically floods between November and March of each year. A major fire devastated the village in the 19th century, leading to a drop in population from 510 to 397 between 1861 and 1871. There are thus very few remaining buildings dating from before the 19th century. Listed as ‘Mepahala’ at the start of the 13th century, the village’s name means ‘Nook of land of a man called Meapa’

The church of St Mary sits in its own secluded little churchyard with a gate to enter in. It is just on the northern edge of the village, far enough away from the traffic of the main road. The exterior of the tiny building is fairly simple, being built of flint and stone in the Early English style; the building is not much bigger than a chapel really but with a lovely energy both inside and out. There is no tower, just a little bell-cote on the west wall plus nave, south porch and the western turret containing one bell. The chancel was restored by the Rev. Charles S. Harris LL.M. Rector (1876-84), and dates from the early fourteenth century, but successive restorations in 1849, 1876 and 1905 have sadly stripped away almost everything old from the inside. However upon the walls outside are carvings very reminiscent of those seen in Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland. The small graveyard itself would have originaly been a Saxon burial ground.

As said, there is sadly not much left of the orignal artifacts inside the church yet one is drawn to one of them almost instantly;  a beautiful wooden carving of ‘Ave Maria‘ which looks almost life-like. There were some rather beautiful tiles on the floor and an interesting plaque upon the wall with several Templar connections contained within its design and wording and upon the floor under the carpet a tomb of a previous rector with the initials J.F.

Please click all images to enlarge and see our video below to find out much more on the history, Templar symbology and so much more previuosly unpublished knowledge

Bloodline Connection: James Neville 1850-1912 was born in Witchford but involved wth Mepal Church. He was our lead researchers 3 x G.GF

Read more about this tiny church and Mepal itself here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mepal
http://www.druidic.org/camchurch/churches/mepal.htm
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/CAM/Mepal

St Nicholas Church Manea: Sadly we were unable to gain entry today, but do plan another visit in the near future and have added a few short comments on the video as much as standing outside the front porch allows for. The church has a rather lovely natural woodland burial ground around the back with a public footpath passing through. I would suspect though that the graveyard was not always surrounded by trees and nature in its day, but over time nature has cast a green shroud over the area.

Manea was formerly a parochial chapelry and hamlet of Coveney but it became an ecclesiastical parish in 1883 when a change occurred in the patronage of Coveny. The first building, a ‘Chapel of Ease’, was rebuilt in 1791 and this consisted of a nave, chancel and north porch, all of which were thatched. There was one bell in the turret at the west end, under which stood a small stone font. The bell was given in memory of some of the parishioners, before the turret was built; it hung in an old witch elm tree near the chapel. Interestingly there are no inscriptions inside the chapel, as the dead were buried at the mother church of Coveney. At this time Manea was a hamlet of only 36 dwellings and 14 cottages, yet it held a fair or wake on the Tuesday before Midsummer Day. The village stands near the Old Bedford river, in the middle of the Fens of the Isle of Ely, 6 1/2 miles SE of March. The church, erected in 1875 partly on the site of an earlier building, is a structure of stone in the Early Decorated style.

Even in the 17th century King Charles 1st had a bold plan for the drainage of all the fens, yet more importantly, he envisgaed a new town or rather a city here in the Isle of Manea called Charlemont. The manor which belongs to the Porter family; an incipient strong building, stood on a hillock or small mound, designated Charlemont and was the nucleus of an intended palace, some say a summer palace founded by Charles 1, but was relinquished at an early stage in consequence of his public troubles. The hillock is still to be seen in the centre of the village. Ancient earthen jars and urns containing burnt bones have been frequently found in the parish. However troubles in the country as a whole, and of course Chares 1st’s imprisoment on the Isle of Wight (our previous quest) and untimely end, put an end to his plans and sadly the new fenlnd city never materialised. For a small village Manea does seem to have some very interesting history which you can read more about by clicking on the links below:

The wild woodand burial ground behind Manea church <click on an image to enlarge>

Bloodline Connections: Lord Gowler Neville 1795 – 1864 (5 x G GF to our lead researcher). Lord Gowler was born in Uckfield, Essex yet lived in Manea and was involved with the church. His father was Earl Henry Neville.

St Mary the Virgin Church Doddington: Again another church we sadly coud not get into on this day, but it does have beautifully kept large grounds surrounding it with an almost ‘park-like’ feel about it. So at this particulaer point in time a few photos of the outside of the church and its grounds will need to suffice.

Historically, Doddington was one of the largest parishes in England. The population of the civil parish as of the 2011 census is 2,181. Under the Doddington Rectory Division Act of 1856 it was divided into seven rectories, Benwick, Doddington, Wimblington, Mrch,  Old Town, March St Peter, March St John and March St Mary. In the centre of the village is a clocktower built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Set in Fenland, between Chatteris and March, Doddington has two churches, St Mary’s Parish Church and the Methodist Chapel. The village has almost 1000 dwellings. The Parish of Doddington has existed for almost a thousand years when the manor of Doddington was owned by the monastery at Ely and a short while afterwards a Bishop’s palace was built in Doddington. The Parish included Benwick, Wimblington and March until the 1870s and covered an area of 37,000 acres making it one of the largest parishes in England, and it was one of the richest parishes in the country. It is believed the most famous Rector of Doddington was Christopher Tye, who was a musician to Queen Elizabeth 1st and composed the familiar tune, ‘While Shepherds Watched.’

Inside the church some lovely stained glass panels have been incorporated into the porch screen and were brought from Benwick Church after it was demolished due to subsidence in the 1980s. Some interesting headstones can be found in the Churchyard and the ancient Calvary cross which stands near the lychgate, was found in a field close by where it had been buried for centuries. The Church we see before us today stands on the site of an earlier building and dates back to 1250. This building was mainly completed by the 15th Century and experienced extensive restoration work during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Church has lots of fine features some of which date back to long, long ago and others are more recent. The nave roof displays some beautiful examples of angel carvings. The chancel is in the oldest part of the Church. The windows date back to the 15th century as does the screen which has been extensively restored. The tomb-stone of Sir John Peyton who succeeded Sir Walter Raleigh as Governor of Jersey and Guernsey, and who was granted the manor of Doddington by Queen Elizabeth 1st in 1601 lies in the floor in the sanctuary. On the north side of the chancel and at the end of the choir stall, there is a very small carving of a bloody hand which reflects an incident involving one of the Peyton family who accidently killed his man servant. A recently restored altar frontal hangs on the north wall of the chancel. The east window in the north aisle is an early work by William Morris and Rosetti which was given to the Parish of Doddington in 1923. The Church has a font at the back of the building which dates back to the 13th century and holds a plain octagonal bowl. On the west wall, quite high up, a coat of arms can be seen. The organ was given to the Church in 1938 and stands beneath the tower. Hopefully photos of what sound ike an amazing interior will arrive here shortly!

The extensive park-like grounds of Doddington Church <click to enlarge>

Bloodline Conections: James Neville 1824 – 1861, son of Lord Gowler Neville of Manea whom married Rose Eagle. (Our lead researcher’s 4 x G GF)

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’ August 2018

To contact me please email me at ‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

Our next quest: Quest 26 is Ireland in September so please stay tuned!

 

 

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