Tag Archive: Hidden Histories


QUEST 41: ‘REPEATING HISTORY-THE CLARKE LINE’: WEEK THREE:

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December 3, 2025

WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER  2025 – WEDNESDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2025

Traveling through six countries. England, France, Germany, Czech, Slovakia, and Poland for four weeks.

What an exciting adventure awaits us  – read below for part two!

 

DAY TWELVE: SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER 2025: Church of St Stanislaus. Skierniewice. Poland: This church has a direct connection to the ‘Desposyni’, the grounds on which the church lays has been the place of the entrance, among a few upon the Earth. When we arrived we were greeted with the strangest of sights, the congregation, for it was a Sunday, were scattered outside, almost awaiting to be allowed into the church. I realized that due to the church being so small, the service continued outside in the grounds, even so it still felt very much like a sign of control by both church and priest. The Church of St. Stanislaus isa historic Baroque temple built in 1720, founded by Archbishop Stanislav Szembek. It is known for its historical and cultural significance to the city and has undergone various restorations to preserve its structure and traditions. The folks and the energies there were a tad solemn, rightly or wrongly, but pleased to have been to this Sacred place. We got quite a few weird looks from folks attending, but never the less continues to take our photos of the church and grave yard, both of which did look very pretty decked out in their autumn attire.

 

<click on all photos throughout to view>

 

Muzeum Historyczne: Skierniewic. Jana Olszewskiego: Many interesting items here and of course a Craft connection too. Some great items from WW2 and some amazing artworks throughout, including some very demonic voodoo masks and artifacts from ancient Sumeria too. The chap on reception was very chatty and friendly too!

 

Time for a wander in the town and a delicous pizza to boot!

 

Such a pretty well-laid out town square with shops and eateries all around, looking amazing in the sunshine. We had a wonderful wood-fire sough dough pizza, then a wander around the town square with it’s pretty dancing fountains. It was Sunday and most of the shops were shut, but we managed to gather a few general groceries.

 

Always time for a lovely espresso and a delicious pizza – followed by a walk around this lovely area!

 

 

DAY THIRTEEN: MONDAY 6th OCTOBER: REST DAY: A lovely rest day – time to catch up on sleep before leaving Makow, Poland to journey to pastures new in the morning!

 

DAY FOURTEEN: TUESDAY 7th OCTOBER 2025: Memorial and Museum Auschwitz. Oświęcim. Poland: Of course over the years i have read and seen so much about this place, it did seem very surreal being there and i was unsure about what to expect. Obviously there was a Craft connection but i was still very unsure. The car park there cost the earth and the security team at the entrance were ‘jobsworths’. Apparently one needed to get tickets at the ‘other’ site which we had no reason to visit, so we could not get beyond the barriers, of both human and physical making – such is the way of the world these days – sadly all of tickets, barriers and money. The site was great for the ‘energies’ there though and Karl got some good material for his new book and some well made gifts from the shops there. I was amazed at how many coach loads were there, must have been at least fifty. Still we did what needed to be done, as in all our quest it is not about the actual physical site at all. I tried to take photos through the barbed wire that conveyed the history and feel of the past…..

 

 

Stay for two nights at Domek na Szlacheckiej. Graboszyce. Poland.

 

DAY FIFTEEN: WEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2025: Tyniec Benedictine Abbey. Poland: The Abbey which is set high up on a huge cliff with magnificent views, is said to be the oldest Monastry in Poland, with records from 1044 CE. It is not known when exactly the Benedictine abbey was founded. King Casimir the Restorer is speculated to have re-established the Abbey in 1040 during his rebuilding of the newly established Kingdom of Poland, after a Pagan rebellion and a disastrous raid of Duke Bretislaus 1 (1039). There was some fantastic symbology at the Abbey, and Karl wrote on his  youtube page that it was great to see a Royal Mark in use at such a fine place. We stayed for coffee in the little abbey cafe, bought some lovely gifts and enjoyed the amazing views. The abbey was very beautiful inside and out, but sadly it had it’s own little ‘jobsworth’ there too, who seemed determined to stop me being near the altar and taking photos!

 

https://krakow.travel/en/380-krakow-benedictine-abbey-in-tyniec

 

 

DAY SIXTEEN: THURSDAY  9th OCTOBER 2025: Orava Castle. Oravský Podzámok.  Slovakia: Today we left Poland behind and journeyed though into Slovakia, enjoying the changing scenery and beautiful buildings, which in this part of the world had a very Russian feel about them. On a personal level i did find the ‘energies’ in Poland quite ‘chaotic’, but never the less we did see some beautiful places while we were there and today it was another such fantastic visit to Orava Castle in Slovakia, which was amazing to behold! We enjoyed a drive through scenic mountains to get there and then it was a steep old walk up the big rock to get to the castle, with lots of stops on the way, but very well worth the climb! We never went right up to the very top as there were far too many steps involved but we went inside the chapel, which was where we were meant to be. Again many beautiful symbols, marks and artworks within the chapel, one painting did look like a vampire in his coffin, but yet again we arrived without tickets because one needed to buy them prior to arriving! But a very kind guide let us in for she could see we were struggling…

The heart of this castle is within it’s tower, and myth and legend say that a ‘Being’ was once laid to rest here, and there seemed to be clues and Craft knowledge all around to testify this. The area was once known as the ‘Kingdom of Hungary’, the building of the castle  started in 1241 CE, but the top of the actual cliff has been used for many a millennia. Some great and important Craft symbology was to be found here at the castle. 

The castle has been used as a film set many times, and many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, the castle representing Count Orlok’s Transylvanian castle. Also in their 2020 TV adaption of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, Mark Gatis and Steven Moffat used Orava as their Castle Dracula. The castle has famously been used as a location in many other movies and TV adaptions, which one can read about on-line. There was an exhibition that commemorates the movie side of the castle, but as that was right at the very top, it was out of our reach. I was interested in the Alchemists Workroom though, on the lower levels and i did take many photos from there, maybe for further research and maybe for poetry. Also in the lower castle, it was the chapel of St Michael that had special Craft interest on this quest.

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

https://www.oravskemuzeum.sk/en/exhibition/orava-castle/

 

The artifacts were stunning here with much symbolism relating to Craft and this quest.

 

 Afterwards we had a lovely coffee in the town below, before a great drive through Slovakia with all the stunning mountain views to feast our eyes upon, before arriving at our next digs.

Stay Villa Koralka. Liptovsky. Trnovec, Slovakia for three nights

DAY SEVENTEEN: FRIDAY 10th OCTOBER 2025: St Nicholas Church. Liptovský. Mikuláš. Slovakia: A lovely visit to this church and vibrant town. Built in 1248 CE on the site of a much older church. The Church of St. Nicholas in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia, is an ancient Roman Catholic church built around 1280 in the Gothic style. It is located in the center of the city on the Main Square, and it is considered the oldest architectural masterpiece, a national cultural monument and largest early Gothic building in the area, situated in the main square. A large influx of migrants from Germany in 1299 CE, of which one said Migrant would lay the path for the discovery of the Grail. Sadly we could not get inside, but took some great photos from the outside.

 

We spent some quality time in the town afterwards, a lovely wander, some retail therapy and a delicious meal!

 

 

An afternoon out in Slovakia – two churches, a coffee, some lunch, very wet rain and a wander around the local town. They like their florist shops over here, interestingly many are next to cemeteries, but they are are very much into autumn decorations here big time but without all the tackiness!

 

Church of St Peter of Alcantara: Liptovsky. Mikulas: As the rain set in for the rest of the day we drove a short distance to the church of St Peter, sadly again we could not get inside but managed some great photos despite the rain! This magnificent building dates back to 1473 CE. Once a major place of gatherings, it now lays strangely silent to the local people, unknowing of its real significance. It is a Baroque style Roman Catholic church and one could see it had many tales to tell and was once a monastery in the fifteenth century. 

https://www.mikulas.sk/en/visitor/monuments-of-the-town/st-peter-of-alcantara-church-in-okolicne/

 

 

DAY EIGHTEEN: SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER: We left our accommodation in Slovakia a day early due to ‘issues’ with property, some dissatisfaction and a lack of privacy. My rest day will need to wait for now…. So we traveled onwards for just one night, at a very swish property, then on to our next scheduled stop, another beautiful and very posh property for three great nights and a rest day for ‘yours truly’, so back on track. We did a bit of re-arranging in respect of sites to visit, but as in life, nothing ever turns out as expected. The thing about the quests is to be ready for the unexpected and to go just with the flow, for we are always where we are meant to be. As you know if you have followed me on the quests, we are not here to visit the actual sites (lovely as many are) but here for the secrets they hide, here for their histories untold, and here for what is hidden ‘underneath, often for many, many centuries’.

So rounding up, I wasn’t at all grounded in Poland, in fact i did not connect to it or it’s strange chaotic energies at all. However Slovakia is another matter indeed and i felt at home with the calming energies straight away. We had some supernatural encounters in Poland, nothing unusual for a Quest, but they just seemed to be more intense, one in particular proved many things to me about other beings and entities. Life is all a great learning curve and other life forms are to be greatly respected. On a mundane level I was really missing good quality real English crisps and thus endeth a wonderful week three! I ran out of marmite too!

See all of Karl Neville’s excellent  quest videos and posts here on his very informative channel below:

Please do get in touch if you are interested and feel that this path is for you and in the meantime we bid you a warm farewell…

 

Please contact me here for further details

‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

‘Keeper of Scrolls’ ‘Grail Guardian’

 

“For even the Angels will mask themselves as Demons and Demons as Angels themselves”

 

 

 

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QUEST 40: SPAIN & PORTUGAL WEEK FOUR: ‘HIDDEN SEQUENCE’

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August 18, 2025

“So the last week of this amazing quest has begun and as we make our way into northern Spain and up into the beautiful mountains, we know that more extraordinary experiences await us”

 

DAY TWENTY FOUR: THURSDAY 17th APRIL: Leave Casa Zinda Rua do, Portugal for a long yet very scenic drive to northern Spain

Cathedral Beach northern Spain. (Playa de las Catedrales) Lugo:  Remnants from the past, a mix of carved cliffs, arches, and structures on the beach. A beautiful and unique beach and one of the most impressive and scenic sights on the north coast of Spain. There are towering arches here on the beach looking like flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral. It is a spectacular scene which gets very busy in the summer. Interestingly these caves or the area, were once the dwelling place of an ancient civilization, the info of which seems to be lost in time. Its name was given by the tourism industry, and the original name is ‘Praia de Augas Santas’ (translated from Galician meaning ‘Beach of the Holy Waters’. The caves are accessible at low tide, and many folks were enjoying them on the day we visited.

Stay Casa Uría – Cam. Santiago. Berducedo. Spain, with mountain views

DAY TWENTY FIVE: FRIDAY 18TH APRIL: Colegiata de Santa María Magdalena: Cangas del Narcea, Asturias, Spain: Dedicated to Mary María Magdalena this church was built in 1633 CE. It rests in the oldest place in North-West Spain, is a baroque temple which gained the status of basilica in November 1992. We drove way up into the mountains, up very steep, windy and scenic roads. We wondered at the way civilization happened in these remote places, especially in our times, when all the trappings of modern life needs to be transported up and down the mountains. This church was an interesting site to visit, with something of interest to us occurring there too…
It was surprising to come across such a large town hidden amongst the mountains and we enjoyed a lovely walk around and a welcomed coffee, where in the coffee shop an observation did not go unnoticed.

“Out of the corner of one’s eyes is perceived a flicker, a movement, a figure? Someone is watching, waiting, observing, seeing all, telling all. Sometimes in the blink of an eye, a wanderer appears and then is gone….

 

Iglesias de Santa María de Celón. Lugar Celon,  Asturias,Spain: Original 1139 CE, fully restored in 1982, then further works in 1986. It is interesting to note that this place was once the point of landing for those from the past… It was quite a rainy day but the mountains looked shimmery and photogenic with a bit of  mist hanging around. This church was quite isolated up in the mountains, a peaceful spot though. The church is a Romanesque-style Roman Catholic parish church in the municipality of Allande, Spain and was was built in the 18th century on a previous building. There is a welcomed water point here, especially for hot days and for walkers on the pilgrim trail, of which we saw quite a few, even in the rainy weather.

 

 

DAY TWENTY SIX: SUNDAY 20th APRIL.  Mirador da Pena I Boi , Spain,  Asturias. A mountain viewpoint: The views were stunning and speak for themselves. There was also the remains of a building up there too, i think a chapel, so zoomed in to see it. Just when one thinks one is in the middle of nowhere, there is farm machinery – having got up there somehow!

Iglesia parroquial de Samartín. (San Martín del Valledor―Allande) Asturias, Spain:  Built in 1452 CE, this small church holds the key to a ‘secret place’. 4,500 feet high in the Astrias mountains amid the most stunning scenery you could imagine is the little church of Saint Martins, truly charming with a surprise around the back.

 

 

The views everywhere in this mountainous region of Spain are straight out of a fairy tale, every direction is stunning. Today we could not get where we had planed for the road all but disappeared into a mud track, unsuitable for a vehicle such as ours. I did get out and walk a way but the track only got worse with no sign of our destination. However the views were stunning and so green and lush, and i did come across a row of stones in a field.

And because it was my birthday week Karl treated me to a tasty meal in the village restaurant!

It had been a lovely few day here in this little rural community at the top of the mountains. There was a couple of little cafes or shops, the restaurant and places to sleep for pilgrims and travelers. This area was part of the el Camino trail and the little shell signs indicated to the pilgrims the way through the village, right past where we were staying. Mostly it was rainy up here but could have been because we were so far up in the mountains, in the clouds in fact. The only strange thing to have happened was that once again we ‘enjoyed’ the company of the existing ‘tenants’ of the property who insisted on ‘bang banging’ their way through the night. Clearly we were not wanted – well it was their home!

 

DAY TWENTY SEVEN:MONDAY 21st APRIL:  Leave Casa  Uría – Cam.  Santiago Spain

 

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la  Asunción. Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain:  Built in 1198 CE, with completion in 1207  CE, some nine years of  construction. Built on the foundations of a previous Temple that was dedicated to Ataegina, whom ruled the underworld at that time.  (More info can be found on Wikkipedia but the English link wouldn’t work)

The cathedral and a stroll around the town before journeying onwards

 

A long drive through mountainous scenery to the Basque region to stay at Villa La Perla de Sonabia  Oriñón, Spain for  2 Nights

         

 

DAY TWENTY EIGHT : TUESDAY 22nd APRIL: A planned rest day but we went out to the Parish Church of  Santa Maria del Juncal in Irun, Basque Country, Spain.  An amazing church with links to the ‘Lady of the Lake’. The Church gets its name from Juncal, which means reedbed. For it is recorded that a small chapel existed in 1400 CE, on the riverside, with a statue of the  Virgin Mary within the reed bed.  Outside pictures of the constructed church from 1506 CE, which was completed on 1608 CE. A nice stroll around too, a relaxing day.

 

Then a stroll around the town, and a nice coffee too, ‘watched’ by a mysterious lady….
 DAY TWENTY NINE: WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL: Leave Orinon for a journey through to France to Stay at Fougeres in France for two nights
       

DAY THIRTY: THURSDAY 24th APRIL:  A surprise visit, and very nice drive to Notre-Dame Basilica in Alecon. Normandy. France. This was a very special and poignant visit for me, as there were very important connections here to my Craft energy line, Craft heritage and to those whom went before me. The church is dedicated to Saint Therese. The current renovations are from 1513 CE, though a chapel stood here in 936 CE. Saint Therese was baptized on 4th January 1873, being the 9th Child of Saint Louis and Z Elie Martin, who married in 1859 CE. There are many interesting Craft symbols here and Karl was kept very busy with research for his up and coming book, ‘Timeless’ in 2026.

The town itself was very charming with some lovely old timbered building and a nice main shopping street. Interestingly for us English, just yards from the church were several shops legally selling that ‘funny green stuff’!

DAY THIRTY ONE: FRIDAY 25th APRIL;  Leave Fougeres  to catch ferry home a day early!
To summarize this epic adventure:
We visited: 23 churches, 4 cathedrals, 1 abbey,  2 sacred stones, 11 places of interest and went twice through the Euro Tunnel! We drove (or rather Karl did) approx. 5,2oo miles.

We connected to: the Craft energy lines of Cy and Ku, 10 and 2, of the Father and of Balance. To find out more about these ‘energy lines’ and what they mean, you will  need to read the books by Karl Neville, the latest one to be published next year is called ‘Timeless’ and will be on Amazon, or even come and join us in respect of our teachings.

“So there you have it dear friends, another amazing adventure comes to a close, many experiences were enjoyed, both physical and metaphysical and much learning and understandings in respect of Craft were acknowledged by myself. As always i grew in Craft understandings and i also grew in my understanding of myself in Craft’

Our Temple Master and renowned tutor of Craft is Mr Karl Neville details below:

My Chap Publications – all Karl’s books and more

You will also find our Quest videos and extra info here too.

MyChapPublications (Karls youtube channel)

 

Please do get in touch if you are interested and feel that this path is for you and in the meantime we bid you a warm farewell…

 

Please contact me here for further details ‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

‘Keeper of Scrolls’ ‘Grail Guardian’

Updated August 2025

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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 31: ARTHUR’S TABLE: PART TWO

Filed under: The Quests — Leave a comment
September 13, 2020

QUEST 31 CONT: “Still very much walking in Arthur’s footsteps and continuing our quest for the grail in the magical and beautiful south-west lands of England, we left our apartment in Roman Cirencester on Sunday 2nd of August to travel in a southerly direction towards Plymouth, yet with lots of exciting stops along the way. This day was to take us even nearer to Arthur and The Grail”

‘WHAT DID RALPH LEAVE BEHIND?’     

DAY THREE: SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST: ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. REDCLIFFE BRISTOL.  

Framed by the River Avon and the Floating Harbour, Redcliffe is a bustling commercial hub. It is home to ancient landmarks such as the medieval, Gothic-style St. Mary Redcliffe Church, an anglican church and one of the largest parish churches in England, with its with stained-glass windows and 18th-century ironwork, residential tower blocks and the port of Bristol. It is bounded by the loop of the Floating Harbour to the west, north and east, together with the New Cut of the River Avon to the south.nn Redcliffe takes its name from the red sandstone cliffs which line the southern side of the Floating Harbour. These cliffs are honey-combed with tunnels, known as the Redcliffe Caves, constructed both to extract sand for the local glass making industry and to act as store houses for goods. Interesting to us, in the 12th century, Robert Fitzroy gave the Knights Templar part of Redcliffe, which then became known as Temple Fee. The Templars were granted the power to hold courts and execute felons. This right passed, along with the fee, to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem after the suppression of the Templars.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redcliffe,_Bristol

The parish church of  St Mary Redcliffe is an impresive looking church within a setting of green grounds; it is one of Bristol’s best known churches, with the spire at a height of 292 ft (90m) making it the tallest building in the city, and one of the largest parish churches in England, yet sadly on the day we visited, the church was well and truly locked to all visitors. Whether this was due to corona virus or whether it was the policy to keep G-d’s door so unwelcoming is anyone’s guess, but either way the small amount of pilgrims and visitors would pose no threat at all and if the reason was not because of the virus, one does have to question why such an important church would be so locked?

The church itself is an Anglican parish church, the building being constructed from the 12th to 15th centuries and has been a place of Christian worship for over 900 years. It was famously described by Queen Elizabeth I, who spoke highly of the church, as “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England”. Yet the mystery of our quest remains of just what was ‘left behind’? Little is left of the earliest churches on the site although a little of the fabric still remaining has been dated to the 12th century. Much of the current building dates from the late 13th and 14th centuries when it was built and decorated by wealthy merchants of the city. The spire fell after being struck by lightning in 1446 and was not rebuilt until 1872. Although the church plan dates from an earlier period, much of the church as it now stands was built between 1292 and 1370 and the first church was built in Saxon times. Obviously there would have been some fascinating artifacts to see, but sadly today we were unable to enter this church.

During the Bristol Blitz in the Second World war a bomb exploded in a nearby street, throwing a rail and tram from the tramway over the houses and into the churchyard of St Mary Redcliffe, where the rail became embedded in the ground. The rail is left there as a monument. An accompanying memorial plaque reads “On Good Friday 11th April this tram-line was thrown over the adjoining houses by a high explosive bomb which fell on Redcliffe Hill. It is left to remind us how narrowly the church escaped destruction in the war 1939-45.”

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

St Mary Redcliffe – important yet sadly very closed…. <please click on image to enlarge>

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:  

  • Earl Ralph Neville: 1364 Raby Durham (16 x GGF)  “What did Ralph leave behind?”
  • Queen Elizabeth 1st spoke highly of this church.

‘FROM LEFT TO RIGHT’

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL BRISTOL:

Bristol is a city in south-west England with a population of 463,400, between Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south, with South Wales just across the Severn Estuary. Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas were built near the confluence of the rivers Frome and Avon, and also around the beginning of the 11th century, the settlement was known as Brycgstow “the place at the bridge”. Bristol was a starting place for early voyages of exploration to the New World and on a ship out of Bristol in 1497 John Cabot, a Venetian became the first European to land on mainland North America. At the height of the Bristol slave trade from 1700 to 1807, more than 2,000 slave ships carried an estimated 500,000 people from Africa to slavery in the Americas. The Port of Bristol has since moved to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock. Bristol’s modern economy is built on the creative media, electronics and the aerospace industries, and the city-centre docks have been redeveloped as centres of heritage and culture.

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

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL: formally the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is a Church of England cathedral in the city of Bristol. Founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148, it was originally St Augustine’s Abbey but after the  Dissolution of the Monastries it became in 1542, the seat of the newly created Bishop of Bristol and the cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol. It is a Grade I listed building and as with many of our cathedrals, stunning to look at both inside and out inside, but all spirituality or sacred energies long dissapated. Covid restrictions were very much applying here, so visitor numbers limited yet sadly the visitors whom were there, were unacknowlegded by the clergy there….

In a beautiful setting and ‘Covid ready’ <please click to enlarge>

The eastern end of the church includes fabric from the 12th century, with the Elder Lady Chapel, which was added in the early 13th century. Much of the church was rebuilt in the English Decorated Gothic style during the 14th century despite financial problems within the abbey. In the 15th century the transept and central tower were added. The nave was incomplete at the Dissolution in 1539 and was demolished, but in the 19th century Gothic Revival, a new nave was built. The western twin towers, showing a big similarity with Wells Cathedral in Somerset, designed by John Loughborough Pearson were completed in 1888. The cathedral has tall Gothic windows and in addition to the cathedral’s architectural features, it contains several memorials and an historic organ. Little of the original stained glass remains, some being replaced in the Victorian Era with further losses during the Bristol Blitz.

Stunning to look at yet no spirituality left… <please click to enlarge>

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

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:

  • Sir Ralph Neville : 1301 Raby (18 x GGF) ‘From left to right’

“WHAT CONNECTIONS?”

THE NINE MAIDENS STONE CIRCLE/BELSTONE STONE CIRCLE. BELLSTONE. OKEHAMPTON. After the heat and sterile enviroment of the city i was pleased to be driving all the way to Dartmoor where i knew great adventures and true spirituality would great me. Dartmoor has always had a place in my heart and although it was a long drive, it was a relaxing and enjoyable drive through gorgeous scenery and pretty villages. This was to be the highlight of the day by any mile! When we reached Belstone village it was quite a little trek upwards and over the moors to gain access to the circle and one had to take one’s time, but the steady walk was enjoyable and well worth it. There was hardly anyone around and the few folks whom were there were chatty but did not linger. The sacred energies and earth magnetics are very evident and strong here; the St Michael Ley Line runs right through the circle or rather the stone circle was purposefully placed upon the ley line; the frequencies are very strong here and at times felt as if time was truly standing still and the stones breathing…. A powerful place on so many levels, the day being full of revelations…..

The Belstone Circle – full of magic and mystery <click to enlarge>

The Nine Maidens, is a Bronze Age stone circle and settlement located near the village of Belstone on Dartmoor, in Devon, and one can still see evidence of the settlement in the landscape all around the circle, and yet it was so much more than that. It is also known as the Seventeen Brothers, for there were in actual fact seventeen stones, including an altar stone, just outside the main circle; in these days is no longer complete. It is said that the circle may have been called the ‘nine maidens’ due to the origins of the number nine and to the connections of the site of the number nine, ie the ninth, the ‘hidden one‘. The number nine in sacred geometry from a Ninansian perspective (grammer and language) means ‘the hidden one’. The number nine has many magical or occult meanings such as the ninth gate, the nine stones, the nine maidens, the nine ships, the nine battles. All relating to the ‘hidden one’, the secret underlying knowledge of Craft. Folks whom are astute and tuned in will certainly pick up on this while visiting the circle and will feel the energies for themselves. And of course there are secrets hidden there that maybe no one in our life times will ever know, things forever hidden from the current cycle of mankind. The stones here are so much more significant than Stonehenge or Avebury yet are almost deserted so maybe the curse is working and is in actual fact a blessing? Special mention to, to the ‘Burial Chamber’ and ‘Devonium’

The stones here are so much more significant than Stonehenge or Avebury<click to enlarge>

There are many folklore tales attached to the stones and despite the fallen stones of the past, the locals are said to be apprehensive of restoration work, believing that anyone whom tampers with the stones will be cursed. Locals cite a film crew which added an extra stone to the circle in 1985; the ‘curse’ was the unfortunate loss of the only copy of the film, ‘The Circle of Doom’, in the post. The St Michael’s ley line, which runs 350 miles from Lands End to Hopton on Sea, Norfolk, via Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, is one of our points of study and focus on this quest, and runs right through the Nine Maidens. This ley-line goes through many sites dedicated to St Michael, such as St Michael’s Tower on Glastonbury Tor, with the line matching the sunrise on 8 May when the Catholic Church celebrated the apparition of St Michael. Local folklore too suggests that the stones dance: The stone circles on Dartmoor, are said to have been made “when there were wolves on the hills, and winged serpents in the low lands.” On the side of Belstone Tor, near Okehamton is a small grave circle called “Nine Stones.” It is said to dance every day at noon. The stones are also said to have originally been nine maidens who were cast into stone and damned to dancing every noon for eternity as a punishment for dancing on the Sabbath. Equally, the story has involved seventeen brothers. It is also said that the ringing of the nearby church bells brings them to life.

The Altar Stone and Burial Chamber <click to enlarge>

From our point of view, from a Craft and Quest point of view this is said to be a far more important site in the true tellings of King Arthur, of Lancelot Desposyni and the Fordham line, than even Tintagel, which is a bit of a very big red herring. Also we know that in the distant past the site has in actual fact been used as a burial chamber – yet for whom, being far enough above sea level to be placed forever safe in this realm. I was very reluctant to be leaving the moors and the stones behind after our visit.  So it was a sad farewell and heavy heart i felt in leaving this wild magical beauty behind me to travel to pastures anew. I attained new knowledge up on those moors and felt the energies of the land shift and change, felt time stand still as vibrations pulsed, and dimensions shifted. I felt acknowledged as a part of a whole. Up on the moors, the energies were very strong; a place where the metaphysical truly connected to the physical and whispers on the winds told a hidden tale or two and for those whom would love another clue there is a big connection here to our forthcoming Iceland Quest!

 

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

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:

  • Sir John H. Fordham: 1423 Kelshall Hertfordshire (18 x GGF) ‘What Connections?’

And so after a magical end to day three of Quest 31 we made our way towards our very posh apartment at Phoenix Quay, Plymouth where we would be spending the next three nights. The apartment overlooking the harbour and night ferry terminus to Spain treated us to some lovely views and sunsets from its huge windows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHEFtsG5tjE

Please enjoy our (very windy!) video of Belstone Circle

 

“Onwards then as our quest continued, to Buckland near Plymouth, Brentnor near Tavistock, Tideford near Saltash, Talland Bay near Loo, Charles Town near St Austell, Trevone near Padstow and Temple near Bodmin. Not all would be opened to us but the ‘jewel in the crown’ would prove to be the amazing Temple Church on Bodmin…”

 

A poem illustrating the folklore surrounding the stones is recorded in ‘The Witchcraft and Folklore of Dartmoor’ (although some say it could be referring to another stone circle)

And now at every Hunter’s Moon
That haggard cirque of stones so still
Awakens to immortal thrill
And seven small maidens in silver shoon
Twixt dark of night and white of day
Twinkle upon the sere old heath
Like living blossoms in a wreath
Then shrink again to granite grey
So blue-eyed Dian shall ever dance
With Linnette. Bethkin, Jennifer
Arisa, Petronell and Nance.

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’ September 2020

‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

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QUEST 31: ARTHUR’S TABLE: PART ONE

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September 4, 2020

‘Our Grail Quest Continues, seeking out the places in these lands that were important to ‘Arthur’ and ‘Lancelot’; following in their footsteps and knowing them and their journeys too…’

QUEST 31: Travelling around the beautiful lands of the south-west was amazing and was everything we had hoped it would be, despite the very intense heat, and being so thankful for air conditioning in the car, our quest was a triumph where much knowledge was assimilated and new places explored. All the apartments stayed in whilst journying had been more than up to scratch and the places visited and knowledge gained has been second to non. As said before, our quests are all for an ultimate purpose within the transitioning sphere of time; past, present and future becoming one as knowledge gainrd becomes personal power…

DAY ONE: FRIDAY 31ST JULY: CIRENCESTER:  With the boundaries of Cambridge left miles behind us, we escaped to the first destination of our quest; the tranquill beauty of Cirencester, a market town in Gloucestershire, 80 miles west of London. Cirencester lies on the  River Churn, a tributary of the Thames, and is the largest town in the Cotswolds. The Roman name for the town was Corinium which is thought to have been associated with the ancient British tribe of the Dobunni, having the same root word as the River Church. The earliest known reference to the town was by Ptolemy in AD 150. I had never been to Cirencester before and it was much prettier and older than i was expecting, and had a most definite ‘Roman’ feel to it, and the ‘energies’ there reminded me of Autun in France.

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

 

The Roman town of Corinium, now known as Cirencester <click to enlarge>

“FOUND HIS HEART IN JOHN”

CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST:  Sadly closed due to the virus; a situation that was to follow us around on this quest, we never the less did what we needed to do… The church is a medieval Church of England parish church, and is the largest in Gloucestershire.  Some parts date from the 12th century, though most is from the 15th and 16th centuries, of the perpendicular gothic style. The chancel is the oldest part of the church; construction starting around 1115. To the north of the chancel is St Catherines Chapel, which dates from around 1150 and contains a wall painting of St Christopher carrying the Christ child and vaulting given by Abbot John Hakebourne (whom liked to be simply called John), in 1508. The church was originally part of a monastery (Augustinian), founded here by Henry I in 1117, on the site of an earlier Saxon church replacing an ancient Roman settlement. Because of its size, grandeur and historical importance, the church is known, informally, as the Cathedral of the Cotswolds, and is constructed out of the local yellowish Cotswold limestone, which illuminates lovely in the sun.

Besides the tall tower, the exterior is also notable for the south porch, originally a separate, administration building, connected to the church in the 18th century. The church interior includes five chapels and an assortment of historical artefacts including a 14th century font, a 15th century pulpit, fragments of wall paintings, coats of arms, a collection of tombs and memorials, often very ornate, and the Anne Boleyn cup, given by Anne to a local doctor (Richard Master) who treated her, and presented to the church in 1561. Sadly non of these artifacts did we see due to the church being closed but we took some good exterior photos.

St John the Baptist Church Cirencester <please click to enlarge>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St._John_the_Baptist,_Cirencester

https://www.uksouthwest.net/gloucestershire/church-of-st-john-baptist-cirencester/

Grail Bloodline Connections:

‘UNDERSTOOD THE ROMAN CONNECTION’

THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE: Just a short drive from the main town centre is to be found the wonderful Roman Amphitheatre, which would become in time, the second largest in the UK. Archeological digs have uncovered earthworks revealing the outline of the construction, with the banking reaching 25 feet from the bottom of the arena. The arena itself is approximately 150 feet by 135 feet. Roman artefacts including coins and pottery have been discovered on the site. It is estimated that it was constructed towards the beginning of the 2nd century. The earthworks show evidence of tiered wooden seating, for around 8000 people, placed upon a terraces of stone, although a timber only structure may have existed before the 2nd century. There are two entrances, located at the North-Eastern and South-Western ends of the stadium. During the 5th century, when the Western Roman Empire was under attack and soldiers returned to Rome to defend it, the amphitheatre was fortified to defend against the invading Saxons. Unlike other amphitheatres, it is aligned in parallel to the streets of the town itself. It has also been referred to as the ‘Bull Ring’ due to the ‘sport’ of bull baiting taking place there; yet also ‘human sport’ would have taken place there too. It also has one or two other secrets hidden in plain sight within the arena itself; the Romans of course understanding completely the geo-magnetics of this site…

Corinium’s Amphitheatre <plese click to enlarge>

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

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cirencester-amphitheatre/history/

‘See our video below for a trip to the Roman Amphitheatre’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKjdx036OHA

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:

  • James Fordham: 1697 Ware Herts (9 x GGF) ‘Understood the Roman Connection’

So after a very long and busy day we had a lovely meal and coffee in Cirencester, using the (then) new phone scanning method of ordering and paying, before retiring to our very nice apartment for the night.

DAY TWO: SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST: BATH AND AVEBURY. Because of the restrictions of covid we had booked in a time slot for the Roman Baths in the beautiful Roman city of Bath which in many ways is not unlike Cambridge. Bath is the largest city in Somerset, known for and named after the Roman-built baths.  The city became a spa  known as Aquae Sulis (“the waters of Sul”) c. 60 AD when the Romans built baths and a temple in the valley of the River Avon, although  hot springs were known even before then.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Somerset

‘OF SECRET MEETINGS’

THE ROMAN BATHS: It was an extremly hot day and we were so greatful to be queing in the shade of the baths entrance, albeit only for a short while. Navigating the labyrinth of the baths proved to be very challenging due to covid distancing, and although it meant only a few people in any one space at any one time, it did mean movement around the baths was very slow. The baths are very well-preserved and certainly worth a visit. A temple was constructed on the site between 60-70CE in the first few decades of Roman Britain and its presence led to the development of the small Roman settlement known as Aquae Sulis, around the site. The Roman baths, designed for public bathing were used until the end of the Roman rule in Britain in the 5th Century CE. According to the Anglo Saxon Chronocle, the original Roman baths were in ruins a century later but the area around the natural springs was redeveloped several times during the Early and Late Middle Ages. Although i have visited the Roman Baths before, they never cease to amaze me and I wondered upon, what meetings and social occasions must have been held here; many a secret assignations too… Some even say that this was the place where secret meetings were held with King Henry VI himself, in the year 1459 – what were these meetings about i wonder. A hot sacred spring fed from below ground, the Penyquick fault, where ‘fault lines’ hold their own secrets too, looked very inviting…. This was also a place of worship by the Celts, so always sacred and special throughout the years.

The amazing Roman Baths, where new bathing areas are still being discovered were a place of social activity and shall we say ‘fun’ and where a hot spring bubbles up an from underground fault <please click on an image to enlarge>

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Baths_(Bath)

https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS: Barron George Neville: 1440 Aberganveny (14 xGGF) ‘Of secret meetings’

“A MEETING HELD IN SECRET”   “A SECRET TO TELL”

BATH ABBEY & ST THOMAS a BECKET CHURCH: Both sites over time would have had many secrets to keep and maybe keen ears overhearing secrets whispered in the pews would have vowed never to tell. One of these meetings held in secret at Bath Abbey was with a king with Jacobs Ladder upon their lips, a meeting so to ‘enhance’ the Ladder, but sadly today due again to ‘Miss Rona’ and social distancing, entry into the Abbey was via a very long queue in sweltering sunshine, which was not possible to do. The abbey is a parish church of the Church of England and a former Benedictine monastery, but the Benedictine community was dissolved in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was founded in the 7th century and was re-organised in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries; major restoration work was carried out by Sir George Gilbery Scott in the 1860s. It is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic Architecture in the West Country. Although we were unable to enter in we made notes of the important features of both ‘Jacobs Ladder’ and also the ‘Tree of Life’, both very significant on a Craft level, upon both sides of the entrance to the Abbey.

 

Bath Abbey showing ‘Jacobs Ladder’ and the ‘Tree of Life’ <please click to enlarge>

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

  • GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS: Barron George Neville: 1440 Abergaveny (14 x GGF). ‘A meeting held in secret’ (with a king, so to enhance Jacob’s Ladder)

Sadly in respect of St Thomas Church, tucked away on a quite hillside just outside the main centre of Bath (blink and you would miss it) in a very peaceful spot, we yet again found G-ds doors well and truly locked, so lovely exterior photos were all we could manage. St Thomas à Becket Church is a parish church of  Widcombe, Bath and is one of a number of churches named after Thomas Becket and a Grade II listed building. The church was built between 1490 and 1498 by John Cantlow, Prior of Bath Abbey and took the place of an older Norman church. However, there was a common tradition that a weaver was the founder of the church, and an escutcheon bearing a weaver’s shuttle can be seen on the outside of one of the north battlements of the tower. It is believed that there was originally a Saxon chapel on the site. The church was commonly called Old Widcombe Church and used to be the principal church of the parishes of Widcombe and Lyncombe. The Domesday survey of 1086 shows a small settlement around the church although no trace of it remains. the wardens of St Thomas’s. |We know too that St Thomas a Becket was murdered by followers of King Henry 11.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Thomas_%C3%A0_Becket_Church,_Widcombe

https://www.batharchives.co.uk/cemeteries/st-thomas-%C3%A0-becket-and-st-marks-widcombe

St Thomas Church where there are writings hidden within this church <please click to enlarge>

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:

  • Barron Edward Neville: 1518 Newton Somerset (12 x GGF) ‘A secret to tell’
  • St Thomas Beckett: Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162; murdered by followers of King Henry II in 1170

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

‘UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF A COLLECTION’

AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE: Thought by many to have ‘pagan’ connections, this enigmatic site may in fact have other secrets to tell, other stories hidden firmly away in time with similarities to other significant sites recently visited and connecting to our Craft Quests. Here at Avebury in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, important messages were given and recieved (for me), messages that will change my outlook for ever and will forever have far reaching effects (for me) in this physical world. Of course i had been to Avebury on a few occasions before for different reasons, but this time with fresh eyes wide open i saw a very different Avebury indeed, and those marvelous structures whispered a few secrets to me of past times, past ocurences and past peoples. Avebury Stone circle in Wiltshire, contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world and is a place of many pilgrimages and rituals alike, for modern day pagans. Yet it’s history does not connect to the pagan world or pagan ways and is certainly not what it is commonly thought to be, even though many say its original purpose is unknown – however the purpose and history is know to folks of Craft… It was constructed in a different time period than is usually thought; the following link is here for reference only, and the true history and purpose of the site is different than many previously think. It was a lovely day out and the structures were shimmering in the sunshine.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/

Avebury: modelled to be ‘The Stones of Time’ (see our Iceland Quest for more on ‘the stones of time’) being created in 3,000 BC (5K years ago) <please click to enlarge>

GRAIL BLOODLINE CONNECTIONS:

  • Sir John H. Fordam: 1423 Kelshal Hertfordshire 918 x GGF) ‘Understood the importance of a collection’

‘Watch our video of our Quest so far: the round up with lots of interesting facts’

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

“A day where more pieces of the Grail puzzle fell into place and a time and history previously thought known was scattered as ashes to the sands of time”

“The Keeper of Scrolls” September 2020

‘moon.willow@ntlworld.com’

Next: Day three and four: On the Dartmoor trail…..

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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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IRELAND: THE LAND OF THE TRUE HIGH KINGS: PART THREE

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October 27, 2018

IRELAND: QUEST TWENTY SIX:

Day Four: Dublin: Although sadly we never had time to see anything of the city of Dublin as such, i did manage a few quick photos whilst traveling to our designated destinations, but certainly a city to come back to and explore at leisure.

 

Driving through Dublin!

 St Andrews Church: Although we were unable to actually stop here due to location and parking challenges, we did indeed drive past and acknowledged that it is now the Central Tourist Office for Dublin! Times change, people change and the use of buildings change, but let us not be sad as it is indeed good to see the building being used and vibrant, even though not in a religious sense.

The original St Andrews Church was located on present-day Dame Street, but disapeared during Oliver Cromwell’s reign in the mid-17th century. A new church was built in 1665, a little further away from the city walls and due to its shape was commonly known as the ‘Round Church’. Thomas Dalton, Lord Chancellor of Ireland was buried here in 1730. The population of the parish in 1901 was 3,058, in 1971 it was 300. It has to be noted also that there is a high Lithuanian population here.

You can read more about St Andrews Church in the link below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrew%27s_Church,_Dublin_(Church_of_Ireland)

 

  • Bloodline Connections: Both Albert John Fordham (1928-1987) and John Fordham (1892) were baptised here.
  • Also connection to the Neville line.

Christ Church Cathedral/The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity: This is the cathedral of the United Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough and the cathedral of the Ecclesiastical Province of the United Provinces of Dublin and Cashel in the Church of Ireland. It is the elder of the capitals two medieval churches being founded in c.1030, the other being St Patricks Cathedral. There were extensive renovations being carried out while we were there which were tad disorientating, but the hoardings themselves were fun and very photogenic in themselves, giving an opurtunity for some colourful photography!

 

Christ Church Cathedral: There are many richly sumptuous artifacts and fine decor here, yet at the same time there are equally (or in fact more) relevant and important histotical artifacts seemingly hidden away in corners…

 

The ‘hidden’ artifacts; many of which relate directly to ‘The Neville’ bloodline; but just why would they be kept low key and mostly unmarked?

Christ Church is officially claimed as the seat (cathedra) of both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin. The cathedral was founded probably sometime after 1028 when King Sitric Silkenbeard, the Hiberno-Norse king of Dublin made a pilgrimage to Rome. The first bishop of this new Dublin diocese was Dunan or Donat; the diocese was at that time a small island of land surrounded by the much larger  Diocese of Glendalough and was for a time answerable to Canterbury rather than to the Irish Church hierarchy. The church was built on the high ground overlooking the Viking settlement at Wood Quay and Sitric gave the “lands of Baldoyle, Raheny and Portrane for its maintenance.” Of the four old Celtic Christian churches reputed to have existed around Dublin, only one, dedicated to St Martin of Tours lay within the walls of the Viking city, and so Christ Church was one of just two churches for the whole city.

 

Some of the amazing and priceless artworks in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin; more photos from this cathedral can be seen in the section on Celtic Crosses (part one) and Templar Symbolism (part two)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Church_Cathedral,_Dublin

https://christchurchcathedral.ie/visit-us/

Right next door to the cathedral is a venue known as Dublinia; a historical recreation (or living history) museum and visitor attraction focusing on the Viking and  Medieval history of the city. Dublinia is located in a part of Christ Church Catherdral, known as the Synod Hall.

 

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

  • Bloodline connection is to the Neville line

St Patrick’s Cathedral: Dublin: On this occasion, although on our itinery, we never actually made it to St Patricks Catherdral which was some distance away; the journey had been fairly long getting to Dublin from our base that morning and still lots lay ahead. But hopefully in the future was shall be sure to visit. Please do follow the links though to read up about it:

https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/learn/life-and-history/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick%27s_Cathedral,_Dublin

 

  • Bloodline connection is to the Neville line

St Nicholas Parish Church: Dundalk: After another drive through the Irish countryside we arrived in the busy town of Dunalk in County Louth; part of the diocese of Armagh. This is a bustling and very friendly town, it’s name in Irish is Dún Dealgan, which means “Dalgan’s fort” and it is the county town of County Louth. It is on the Castletown River, which flows into Dundalk Bay, and is near the border with Northern Ireland, halfway between Dublin and Belfast, so we had travelled a fair few miles that day. It has associations with the mythical warrior hero  Cu Chulainn.

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

 

St Nicholas Parish Church, sits on a busy road junction in the heart of the town, surrounded by local shops, cafes and takeaways. Again once inside it is a beautiful church with a very peaceful energy. The original church was built in the 1220’s and some parts of the church have not born the ravishes of time very well, while in other parts restoration has been carried out.

 

The interior of St Nicholas Church

A Dr. Oliver Davies, who examined all the old churches of County Louth in 1945, put the probable date of the church in the thirteenth century and considered that it was the need of a rising seaport which called for its erection. In this connection it is suggestive that St. Nicholas is the patron saint of merchant venturers by sea, and that many sea ports have churches dedicated in his name. During the troubled times of the Rebellion in 1641-50, when Dundalk was taken by assault, and of the campaigns of Schomberg and James II, 1688-90, the church fabric became sadly damaged. It was re-roofed in part in 1702, as a stone in the vestry records, when Rev. Ralph Lambert was vicar, it was “restored in a new and more elegant form.” and as is the case for so many churches restoration continued down the centuries.

 

For a parish church St Nicholas did have some rather stunning stained-glass windows

https://www.stnicholas-greenchurchdundalk.com/history

http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=LH&regno=13701004

  • Bloodline Connection: the home of the ‘Fallen’ Nevilles of the Great War with actual records of the returned on ‘The Returned Army’ page.
  • NEVILLE, C, Royal Irish Rifles. From Church Street, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual 1916)
  • NEVILLE, Sapper, E V, 68 Division, Signal Corps, Royal Engineers. From New Street, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual 1916)
  • NEVILLE, Lieutenant, ERNEST W, Royal Engineers (Telegraphist). (Tempest’s Annual 1917)
  • NEVILLE, Sergeant, W, Royal Army Service Corps. From New Street, Dundalk.(Tempest’s Annual 1916)
  • NEVILLE, WILLIAM,  HMS Anemone. From 1 Brunswick Row, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual 1916)

Actual Records here:- http://www.jbhall.freeservers.com/the_returned_army_page_d.htm

Day Five: Belfast Jewish Community: As part of the Priory teachings we endevour to gain insight and understandings of all the earthly religions; to see common threads but also differences too. The Jewish community in Belfast dates back to 1079, but this building here was built in the 1960’s; as well as a temple of prayer and service it is also a community hub. The people there were very friendly and welcoming, and to someone who’s first time this was, the ladies kindly guided and engaged me in the service which was a massive three hours long due to the time of year!

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It is quite a big building; much bigger inside than it appears on the outside and  is decorated  in a modern style with lots of blue and light coloured wood. As expected, treasures of the religion are housed there for services, but as there was a service taking place when we visited (our reason for going) i was unable to take any photos. It has to be noted though that even in these so called enlightened times, there was a small police presence outside the building the whole time that worship was taking place.

http://www.belfastjewishcommunity.org.uk/history/

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

 

Bloodline Connection: The Neville line

St Anne’s Cathedral: Belfast: A beautiful building with the largest Celtic Cross on the outside that i have ever seen! St Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Church of Ireland in Donegall Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is unusual in serving two separate dioceses (Connor and Down and Dromore). A cathedral is the place where a bishop has a seat but Belfast Cathedral is unusual in having the seats of two bishops – the Bishop of Connor and the Bishop of Down & Dromore. It is the focal point of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast.

 

The first architect was Sir Thomas Drew, the foundation stone being laid on 6 September 1899 by the Countess of Shaftesbury. The old parish church of St Anne by  Francis Hiorne of 1776 had continued in use, up until 31 December 1903, while the new cathedral was constructed around it; the old church was then demolished. The Good Samaritan window, to be seen in the sanctuary, is the only feature of the old church to be retained in the cathedral.

 

In 1924 it was decided to build the west front of the cathedral as a memorial to the Ulstermen and women who had served and died in The Great War. The foundation stone for this was laid by the Governor of Northern Ireland, the Duke of Abercorn on 2 June 1925 and the completed facade, to an amended design by the architect Sir Charles Archibald Nicholson, was dedicated in June 1927. The cathedral is very grand inside and spacious and of course very photogenic!

 

 

Some of the beautiful artworks and stained-glass windows to be found inside Belfast Cathedral

 

The Columba Challice, The Hand of G-d; note the position of the fingers. The Pyramids in stained-glass;  an unusual design for a cathedral; if one looks close, one can see the sphinx too.

Bloodline Connection is that of the Neville line but we also saw a Forde reference too!

DSC06651

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Anne%27s_Cathedral,_Belfast

Stained-Glass Windows; the stories told: Throughout the lands of mankind, stories and myths have always been told; by scribes, by artisans, by painters, by monks in the old times, verbally by story tellers then and now, and of course by those craftsmen whom painstakingly worked on the stained-glass windows seen in churches all over our lands at certain sacred points in time. To understand the messages contained within, we have to look deep into our past history, yet not as we know it, not as we are told but of the real history, often hidden in plain-sight right there on the windows.

The windows often depict the life and death of ‘The Jesus‘, often showing him with a serpent entwined around a segment of the windows design. One would be forgiven to assume that it was a reference to the serpent of the well-known bible stories and in a way it is.  Yet it alludes to ‘The Serpent Priesthood‘; the path of the true Knight Templar. The serpent connects to freedom,  of being totally consumed by dogma; yet freedom has to be tasted within before it can be tasted without, so one (with knowledge of the Serpent Priesthood) learns over time how to control the serpent; how to be free.

The Jesus is often seen wearing the colours of the Templar (Neville) lineage, of Red and White (silver) representing blood and honour, especially in battle, with honour originating from the past monetery use of silver. Colours are never by accident; they are a very integral part of the hidden symbology and convey numerous meanings.

The lives and deeds of the saints are often depicted and of course it was St Patrick or Saint Columba here in Ireland;  a saint having a certain connection to an area will often be depicted in the local church windows, yet they are also shown in mythological  or esoteric connotations.

Of course many symbols and emblems to be found incorporated in these window designs again relate to the Neville bloodline, the Serpent Priesthood and to the Knight Templars, thus making them a fascinating source of history and thus traceble through time. But just why do these images always connect to each other in the way they do and how or why did they come to be? Enscriptions, together with Masonic and Templar symbols are very often placed strategically on the windows telling a truth without words, hidden from mankind.

The ladies in the life of the Jesus play a big part too, and if one looks closely at the windows, gender is not always what it seems to be either – or what we have been led to believe. Many artists of the day were involved in the creation of stained-glass windows, non more so than the Pre-Raphalite artists who were inexplicitly drawn towards mysticsm and knowledge. Celestial objects; the sun, stars and moon and other lesser-known planets, mean something much different in Templarism and often hold centre stage on many windows, often predicting the future times to come; yet offering a warning too. Caskets, boxes, scrolls, children and of course ‘The Lamb’ are often widely used too, as is nature and flowers, but always with a secret Craft meaning which eludes to the potions of creation.

 

.A selection of the stained-glass windows discovered in Ireland; many with messages hidden well within plain sight

So on these quests we are discovering among many things, how ancient buildings are speaking to us. The stunningly beautiful and exquisite artwork and mosaic tiles that adorn the wall and floors of many a church or cathedral is not just for the sake of the artwork alone, but also for the clues left to us, hidden ‘within stone’ of the true untold history of our country. All left for us to decipher; left for the astute truth seekers to discover and acknowledge – truly and surely a quest for the modern-day Knight…

Dan Brown did kind of have the right ‘idea’ in a very loose sense but was way, way off track with his actual facts and tellings; he had the wrong locations, the wrong churches and followed a few expertly placed red herrings, as one would. However the symbols of the past are all still here, expertly placed within plain sight for all to see, awaiting the astute to rip off their old hoodwinks and to decipher…..

These symbols do not connect to ‘modern day Christianity‘ for they hark back to a much older time, travelling through the lineages of The Knights Templars, the Free Masons, the Eastern Star, to the Egyptian Mysteries, to Ancient Sumeria and even much further back in time and beyond our world. The clues and stories have survived, yet few know of the real meanings and of the ‘placement’ of the clues in specific areas. It is truly a quest of a lifetime and most certainly beyond, and that is why we love these quests so very much!

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“The Grail Kingship is merely seasons in front.
So be it that all those whom disbelieve shall cease to remain” K. N.

“…show me that L.i.g.h.t that burns bright amongst the stars and the moon. Show me the dawn of a land that was never known and I shall see you in the trinity of time.” K. N.

Conclusion to our Irish Quest; many Templar secrets shared here:

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’ October 2018

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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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THE TEMPLAR SITES OF YORKSHIRE

Filed under: The Quests — 2 Comments
May 31, 2017

QUEST TWENTY TWO: YORKSHIRE: For this one-day quest to Yorkshire, we travelled northwards on Thursday 25th May; the day proved to be stunning as we ventured over the mighty Humber Bridge to our first port of call for the day, which was to be Hessle.

  • ALL SAINTS CHURCH: HESSLE:
  • ALL SAINTS CHURCH: PRESTON:
  • ALL SAINTS CHURCH: RISE:
  • ALL SAINTS CHURCH: DRIFFIELD:
  • SKIPSEA CASTLE:
  • HORNSEA:

ALL SAINTS CHURCH: HESSLE: The town of Hessle, near Hull is a pretty little town and the bright sunshine made it extremely picturesque. Hessle has a rather lovely town square with many little shops and listed buldings to it’s credit. It is very near by to that marvelous feat of engineering, the Humber Bridge. In the past Hessle has been a thriving centre for shipbuiding and even earlier on, for the building of wooden boats. It was also a centre for chalk quarying; the largest being at the Humberside Bridge Park, now a nature reserve.

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

The medieval, largely Gothic church itself has been here since the twelth century with modernization in 1884; there are some rather interesting original carvings on display to the right of the altar area and more info on them is mentioned in our video; they depict some rather ancient Gaelic symbols together with a representation of a female minatuar. The Neville family shield is on very prominent display here.

Inside All Saints, Hessle showing the Neville Shield & the name of Clarke on the wall plaque; all part of the ‘bloodline’ <click to enlarge images>

http://www.allsaintshessle.karoo.net/History%20-%20All%20Saints%20Church%20Hessle.htm

 

The ancient relics showing the female minataur & the entry to the church vault upon the floor – blink & you will miss it!

ALL SAINTS CHURCH: PRESTON: A short car ride away was the next stop of the day, although the church was sadly locked up with the keys being too far away to collect; even so i managed some good shots of the exterior of the church. Preston is a village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, six miles east of Hull. The parish church of All Saints is a grade one listed building.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preston,_East_Riding_of_Yorkshire

http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=166663

 

All Saints Church, Preston, showing memorial to the ‘Fords’ & the ‘Clarks’ <click to enlarge>

 ALL SAINTS CHURCH: RISE: Tucked away behind some beautiful tall trees amidst a sea of green countryside; Rise Church is easy to miss and drive straight past, which is exactly what we did do! Rise is a village and small parish in East Riding in Yorkshire, in the heart of a very rural area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise,_East_Riding_of_Yorkshire

This beautiful church is a grade two listed building in Rise: this current version of the church was rebuilt in 1844/45 using some old reclaimed medieval roof timbers. There was a church at Rise by 1221 but years of neglect sadly took their toll. The current church was built by local landowner Richard Bethal to designs by R. D. Chantrel.

Rise Church in it’s very rural setting <click to enlarge>

The beautiful painted ceiling here is very similar to other Templar churches we have visited over the past few months and to that also of the Italian Chapel in the Orkneys, Scotland. Quite clearly there is a very strong Templar connection here, especially from the aspect of a sacred site and the church is indeed still used by and supported by the local Freemasons of today. There is also a big connection here to the shipbuilding industry of Hull. Other significant symbols to look out for are the Harp, the tower of Babel with a direct connection to the Unicorns of earlier quests and strong connections to the female Minataur of Hessle, from ealier today. Take note also of the ‘Demons’ wheel; (the Samnu Emua) of the Templar teachings, all of which have strong Priory connections…

The bloodline names are once again the Nevilles, in particular Frederick W. Neville who was christened in this church, but who sadly died at a young age, and also the name of Bethal, the current church warden and estate owners.

See the Harp upon the window, the beautiful and very old bibles and the name of ‘Clark’ upon the gravestone, noted as leaving…

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1083419

 

See our link below for more info on All Saints Church, Rise

ALL SAINTS CHURCH: RISE

 

ALL SAINTS CHURCH: DRIFFIELD: After  short journey we arrived at our next destination of the day and after phoning the reverend, she very kindly came with the keys to let us in, as the church was unusually locked for that hour of the day. We were so glad she did, as this is an amazing church with so much to see once inside. Driffield, also known as Great Driffield is a market town and parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire. A bronze-age mound just outside of Driffield was excavated in the nineteenth century; the findings of which are now in the British Museum.

All Saints, Driffield <please click to view>

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

This church has been here since the early part of the twelfth century and probably going back to Saxon times even. A church, as is usual practice, has been built over a site of earlier significance. Basically what we have now is a Norman church, without side aisles with remodelling carried out over the centuries. It has a beautiful five hundred year old tower which is very dominant within the landscape; the churches bells of which were restored for the millenium. There are many beautiful and rather delightful gargoyles, grotesques and other little stone creatures all around the outside of the church; see below…..

Inside, the Templar influence on the stained glass widows is very evident for all to see, with the symbolism, yet the windows do stand alone in their maginficance, design and above all their colour.

Click to enlarge to see the Templar symbolism of these stunning windows

 

See our link below for the next three sites we visited

ALL SAINTS CHURCHES: HESSLE & DRIFFIELD, & SKIPSEA CASTLE

 

SKIPSEA CASTLE: It was a beautifull and peaceful evening when we arrived here at this ancient site, in the middle of a very rural landscpe, complete with it’s own grazing herd. The ‘castle’ is situated near the village of Skipsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I was unable to make it up to the summit myself, but the walk around the ramparts was stunning in itself. It is said to have been an impressive Norman motte and bailey castle, dating from before 1086 and among the first raised in Yorkshire, with the earthworks of an attendant fortified ‘borough’. The mound itself has recently been shown to date from the Iron Age. This is of course true but the actual site goes back much further still and is a site of one of the UK’s hidden and strategically placed pyramids, of which we are currently tracing and recording.  The energy here does indeed testify to this fact and our video will explain more still and also about the hauntings here too. It is a beautifully peaceful, energetic and picturesque site and well worth a visit.

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

Skipsea ‘Castle’, site of a very ancient pyramid <please click to enlarge>

HORNSEA: We did very briefly call in at the seaside resort of Hornsea and had a quick stretch of legs by way of a stroll along the concrete sea-defence wall, which serves as a ‘promenade’ too, sadly though one cannot see the actual sea whilst strolling along. The area where we stopped is rather comercialised and ‘touristy’ which is a shame, hence we never stayed long. The settlement itself dates back to the early medieval period at lest; the town was expanded in Victorian times with the coming of the Hull and Hornsea Railway.

DSC01581

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

  • The family bloodline name significant to the whole area of today’s quest; ie the East Riding of Yorkshire is once again that of The Nevilles and are as follows:-
  • Arthur Henry Neville: born 1864, Hull
  • Arthur John Neville: married 1898, Hull
  • Augusta Emma Neville: born 1887, died 1888
  • Edward Neville: born 1908, died 1908
  • Ellen Neville: married 1843, Hull, died 1975, Hull
  • Enid Neville: born 1923, died 1946  (23 years old)
  • Eva Neville: married (Harper) 1951
  • Frederick W. Neville: born Sealcoates 1927, died Hull 1941 (14 years old)
  • Henry Thorpe Neville: born Sealcoates 1857, married Hull 1873
  • Margaret Elizabeth Neville: born Sealcoates 1845, married Hull 1908, died Sealcoates 1918

 

“The Grail Kingship is within the realm of impossibilities”

May 2017

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

 

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THE TEMPLAR SITES OF NORTH WALES: PART TWO

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February 8, 2017

Quest Number Eighteen: The Templar Sites of North Wales

Day Four: 15th January 2017

  • St Thomas Church: Rhyll
  • St Marchellos: Whitchurch, Denbigh
  • St Asaph Cathedral: Denbighshire

Beautiful Colwyn Bay at dusk

Rhyl: is a seaside resort town in the historic county of Denbigshire, situated on the north east coast of Wales, on the mouth of the River Clwyd. To the west is the suburb of Kinmel Bay, with the resort of Towyn further west, Prestatyn to the east and Rhuddlan to the south. At the 2011 census, Rhyl had a population of 25,149.  Rhyl has long been a popular tourist destination for people from all over Britain. Once an elegant Victorian resort, there was an influx of people from Liverpool and Manchester after the second world war, changing the face of the town. The area had declined dramatically by 1990, but has since improved due to a series of regeneration projects, including the sea front re-developement, bring new life to the area.

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

St Thomas Church: This beautiful church in Rhyl is a listed building, containing many beautiful artworks and artifacts of a symbolic nature; it is a very fine example of high Victorian Gothic. The day we arrived was a Sunday and very busy with sunday services and christenings taking place, so we kind of had to sneak in for a quick look around between these activities, trying not to disturb the proceedings at all, so of course no filming though the church staff we welcoming and frindly.

The church is fairly new at 1867, with the spire being completed in 1865 but of course older building had been on the site previously. It boasts some stunning stained glass windows, includng a depiction of ‘The Light of the World’, one of my personal favourite pieces of art.

http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-1422-parish-church-of-st-thomas-rhyl#.WJcurDhAHIU

Wood carvings inside the church looking rather interestingly like a set of Tracing Boards…

Beautiful embroidery and other stunning artworks plus the two beautiful stained glass windows depicting the following quotes…

“I am The Good Shepherd, the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep”

“I am The Light of the World, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of Life”

Bloodline connections: The Parry’s were very strong here; we had hoped for some Fords (Ffords, Ffoords) but no evidence…

st-th-ryhl

St Marchellos: Whitchurch Denbigh: Following a very scenic drive we arrived at the equally scenic St Marchello’s church; a grade one listed church in the vale of Clwyd, with stunning views towards  Moel Famau. The grandest of all medieval Denbighshire parish churches, St. Marcella’s (or Llanfarchell) is also known as Whitchurch or Eglwys Wen ‘the white church’, probably from its originally whitewashed exterior. Its patroness Marchell the Virgin is said to have established her hermitage by a holy well here in the 7th century, and clearly the site was honoured as especially sacred. For though it now stands alone a mile from the present town centre (and further still from the old walled town by the castle), St. Marcella’s has always been Denbigh’s parish church. As such it was lavishly rebuilt in the local double-naved form during the late 15th century, with an imposing tower and a noble range of big ‘Perpendicular’ style windows.

One can see from the style of building that this is a true Templar church <click on image to enlarge>

Happily we were able walk straight inside this very beautiful Templar church, which stands upon a hillside commanding magnificant views across the countryside. The church is very old and one gets a real sense of history and peace within it. The ravages of time always take their toll on these old building yet thankfully much is left here to appreciate, including some depictions of very unusual animal carvings…

http://medieval-wales.com/site_31_denbigh.php

Our video clip will show and explain more and the photos show many details

ST MARCHELLO’S CHURCH NEAR WHITCHURCH

 

Many treasures to be found inside St Marchello’s Church (click on image to view)

 

Bloodline connections:

  • The connections here are of Gabrielle Parry of 1613, who was the Vicar here, and  then from 1290 Henry de Clerk; both noteworthy finds.
  • Saint Marchello herself was what would be known as a pilgrim, but who was she really and where did she come from? I am reminded of a little church in Cornwall; similar names…

 

St Asaph Cathedral: And so we had reached the last part of the journey of this particular quest to North Wales. St Asaph’s cathedral is in the centre of the town and dates back 1,400 years, though the current building dates from the 13th century. It is sometimes claimed to be the smallest Anglican cathedral in Great Britain. A church was originally built on or near the site by Saint Kentigern in the 6th century. Saint Asa (or Asaph) a grandson of Paba Post Prydain, followed after this date. The earliest parts of the present building date from the 13th century when a new building was begun on the site after the original stone cathedral was burnt by King Edward 1 in 1282; this present building being established in 1285.

It is certainly a magnificant building yet not overwhelming or overpowering in it’s pressence at all and luckily it was open to us on this late afternoon visit, so time for a perfect look around. There are some interesting pieces of artwork and evidence of certain names from the bloodline we are researching, so good finds.  Beautiful and meaningful works of art can be found here relating to the Knights Templar, John the Baptist and The Lamb of God etc. Certainly a beautiful cathedral with a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. Much more to see here in our video..

ST ASAPHS CATHERDRAL, DENBIGHSHIRE.

Click to enlarge and view image

Bloodline connections:

  • The Bloodline connection here is to the Clarke’s, the Parry’s and Perry’s.
  • Displayed is a copy of one of Karl’s ancestors bible’s; the bible of Richard Parry, from Alek’s mother’s side.

So a very fitting end to a very memorable quest in a beautiful country; there were two sites we did not gain access too and one further site; Worcester Cathedral, which we paid a brief visit to on the journey home.

Day Five

  • Worcester Catherdral: Worcester
  • Travel Home

Worcester Cathedral: And so the last part of the North Wales puzzle makes itself known; we arrived in Worcester rather late in the day, as an extra treat on out journey home. However we knew the building to be open until 6pm and we just made it by the skin of our teeth. An evening service was going on as we arrived, though visitors were still welcomed with parts of the cathedral made out of bounds while the service was going on. However afterwards, a few minutes were still available to walk around the altar area of the cathedral, despite rope cordens being hasilty erected and an over-zealous chief chorester trying to evict us dead on 6pm, at the point of us viewing the altar…. We did manage some stunning photos though and see clear evidence of the ‘Clarke’ bloodline here.

Worcester Cathedral, before the English Reformation was known as Worcester Priory. An  Anglican Cathedral in Worcester, England it is situated on a bank overlooking the River Severn.  It is the seat of the Bishop of Worcester; it’s official name is ‘The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester’. Built between 1084 and 1504, Worcester Cathedral represents every style of English architecture from Norman Perpendicular Gothic. It is famous for it’s Norman crypt and unique chapter house,  it’s unusual Transitional Gothic bays, it’s fine woodwork and its “exquisite” central tower (see above photos)

The interior of Worcester Cathedral showing off it’s stunning Gothic  designs – click on image to enlarge

What is now the Cathedral was founded in 680 as a Priory with Bishop Bosel at it’s head. The first priory was built in this period, but sadly nothing now remains of it. The crypt of the present-day cathedral dates from the 10th century and the time of St Oswold, Bishop of Worcester. Monks and nuns had been present at the Priory since the seventh century and the monastery became Benedictine in the second half of the tenth century although dates do vary here. There is an important connection with Fleury Abbey in France, as Oswald the bishop of Worcester from 961 to 992 and prior at the same time, was professed at Fleury and introduced the monastic rule of Fleury to Worcester. Remains of the Priory dating from the 12th and 13th centuries can still be seen. The Priory came to an end with King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monastries and thus the Benedictine monks were removed on 18 January 1540 and replaced by secular canons.

It is worth noting that Henry Parry; of the Parry line we are researching and Karl’s own family bloodline, was Bishop of Worcester here from 1610 to 1616 as the plaque below will testify. he was a very important and highly values person of his time.

http://www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/Heritage.php

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

A example of some of the Templar influenced artifacts and carvings and the Parry and Clarke connections found inside Worcester Cathedral

A few extra snippets to round up our trip below

GATHERING LOOSE ENDS…. ST PETERS CHURCH PWLLHELLI ST THOMAS CHURCH RHYLL ST ASAPH CATHEDRAL DENBIGSHIRE

Bloodline connection:

  • Upon the war memorial we have several Clarkes ver cleary indicated.
  • Th Bishop of Worcester from 1610 to 1616 was indeed Henry Parry no less.

The Clarke and Parry connection

Sadly we never managed to gain access to St Paul’s Church, Colwyn Bay or St Mary’s Church, Menai Bridge due to the late hour of the day when we arrived, nevertheless i have included some info on them anyway for those interested in tracking our quests. However i was unable to document or photo any bloodline evidence at this current point in time due to not gaining access; although the sites are definitlely on the ‘points of time’

c-b

Across Colwyn Bay at night; an apt farewell to an amazing quest in time…

January 2017 ‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

Take a look at the new Priory webpage too: http://priory7.wixsite.com/priory

“The Grail Kingship is within the realm of impossibilities”

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