THE MIDKNIGHT GARDEN: KNIGHTS OF THE RED ORDER

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)

  

  Cathedral Saint-Benigne

  

  

  

  Cathedral Saint-Benigne

  
  

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.

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