Tag Archive: Keystone church


QUEST 36: SPANIARDS LIGHT: PART ONE

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March 18, 2023

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

Itinery and map for Quest 36

Day one: Wednesday 23rd November 2022:

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

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

Day two: Wednesday 24th November 2022:

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

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

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

Day five: Sunday 27th November 2022:

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

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

Day six: Monday 28th November 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day eleven: Saturday 3rd December 2022:

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

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

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

QUEST 36: SPANAIRDS LIGHT: ROUND UP PART TWO.

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

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

Day 12: Sunday 4th December 2022:

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

Day 13: Sunday 5th December 2022:

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

To be continued…..

 

 

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

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’

 moon.willow@ntlworld.com

ublished March 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAY NEAR BARCELONA

 

SANTA MARIA SANT NICOLAU

 

ROMAN VILLA

 

SANTA MARIA CHURCH IN ARENYSEDEMAR

 

MANRESA GOTHIC CHURCH

 

CHURCH OF SAINT JAMES THE GREAT ALBORACHE

 

GRAIL CHURCH TEMPLAR CHURCH BANOSDECERRATO:    

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QUEST 33: ‘EIRE THE GREAT’ ‘THE IRISH LINE’ DAY ONE & TWO

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January 1, 2022

England into Wales…..

And so we are on day one of another epic Quest into Eire. We will be travelling through England, into Wales across the seas from Hollyhead through to Dublin, then travelling in a mostly south westerly direction through Eire via some most amazing rugged scenery, of both coast and mountains. An epic journey through time and history on this quest in the blazing trail of the enigmatic Grail. We will be connecting to St Michael at many points, as we have always done through times mysterious passage. We will be travelling to the heart of many mysteries both physical and metaphysical in our Grail quest (also both physical and metaphyical) to unravel the mystery and beauty of the grail….

 

 

Day One: 12th September 2021: St Michael’s Church, Bray, Berkshire: Bray, is a large suburban village and civil parish in the county of Berkshire, sitting on the banks of the River Thames. The civil parish is far larger than the village itself and includes a number of other villages and hamlets, it had a population of 8,425 at the 2001 census. Bray has some exclusive housing, known, in the press as ‘Millionaires’ Row’, and Monkey Island in the Thames is associated with the 3rd Duke of Marborough and houses two structures that he built and furnished with paintings of monkeys, and the architecturally grade 1 listed building, Monkey Island Hotel. The Jesus Hospital is a red-brick group of almshouses founded in 1609 by William Goddard to house thirty-four of the aged poor of Bray and six of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, to which he belonged.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bray,_Berkshire

St Michaels, Bray is a grade 2 listed building and a Keystone church, dating from 1293, supposedly to replace a Saxon Church at  Water Oakley. It was partly rebuilt ca.1500 and extensively restored in 1857–82 by Thomas Henry Wyatt. It has a number of sculptures which may have come from the earlier church, including a damaged Sheela na Gig. The church contains several brasses from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, notably that of 1378 to Sir John Foxley, the Constable of Southampton Castle. Sadly we could noy get in but did manage to take some very presentable shots through the glass windows of the church porch.

St Michael’s Church, Bray – shots taken from church porch <click to view>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Michael%27s_Church,_Bray

It is said that the Grail could have arrived in this area around 450 AD, in the era known as the ‘Saxon’ period when there was much migration going on from places such as Germany and Norway into the old kingdom of England. People were transient then, and with them, their possesions too. Like most churches, this current church is a replacement for a much older church. Many myths and legends surround the building of the older church. St Michaels is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1066, when at that time it was located at the site of an old Roman cemetry. If the Grail did journey here, as suggested,  to St Michaels, it would probably have been a very challenging journey.

You can read more about the Keystone churches and the journey of the Grail in the forthcoming book ‘When thw Trumpet Sounds’ by Mr Karl Neville on Amazon:

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • A Keystone Church
  • St Michael – past, present and future.

St Michael’s Church, Cefnllys, Llandrindod: Cefnllys is an abandoned ghost village, formerly a medieval castle town and boriugh near Llandrindod Wells in Wales. The settlement was founded during the 13th century by the Mortimer family in order to strengthen their hold on land in the vicinity of the Cefnllys Castle, with which the town was closely associated. The town was probably intended to become the primary settlement of the lordship and cantref of Maelienydd, but was unsuccessful and declined during the 14th century as a result of bubonic plague outbreaks, economic isolation and military insecurity. Despite this, Cefnllys retained its borough status until the 19th century. Nothing is left of this once thriving town and it is hard to imagine just how commercial a town it once was and you can read much more about it here and watch our own vide about it:

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

It is said that the settlement was concentrated around St Michael’s church, now a very isolated church nestling in the mountains, almost hidden from view from the outside world and indeed a merry game to actually locate it at all! It is found on low land next to the river, where there would have been easy access to the mill and a nearby spring. A series of earthworks surrounding the church represent raised causeways above boggy land, sunken roads in the direction of the toll bridge and probable medieval house platforms, as well as ridge and furrow patterns from open-field system agriculture which we managed to take photos of. Archaeological finds surrounding the church have been mostly from the Tudor period or later, however. the church’s structure is of 13th century origin, although the date of its founding is unknown and it was heavily restored in 1895.

Hints of the once thriving settlement and town can still be seen, as can the very intriging tree ‘grove’ <click to view>

The church of St. Michael was erected in the 13th century, but most likely it could have been built on the site of an earlier building from the 10th or 11th century. The earliest written references to the building date from 1291. During this period under the Norman rule, a settlement developed near a nearby castle, which became a royal borough with market charter. At the end of the Middle Ages, the castle fell into disrepair, and the village decreased to a small hamlet, with the temple remained, as a symbol of better times. In the 16th century, construction works were carried out at the church, probably from this period the southern porch comes from.

St Michael’s Church, Cefnllys <click to view>

A major renovation was carried out at the end of the 19th century. It included a partial reconstruction of the walls, replacement of windows and a timber ceiling. The church was built on the bend of the River Ithon, which encircled it from the north and west, and further south. On the eastern side, the church was dominated by an oblong hill occupied by Cefnllys Castle, which secured the only land route into the meander of the river.  The church was erected as an orientated building on an elongated rectangular plan, consisting only of the nave, without the externally separated chancel. On the west side, there is a low tower, and right next to it, at the southern wall of the nave, a 16th-century porch. The façades were most likely pierced by narrow lancet windows, perhaps doubled in some places.  Inside, the priestly part was separated from the western part intended for the congregation by inserting a wooden rood screen partition. Sadly we could not gain access to see any of these features or any of the ‘treasures’ contained within such as the oldest element of the temple’s furnishings, the octagonal Norman baptismal font. The late-medieval painted rood screen has also been preserved in the church, divided into 6 sections on both sides of the door. The roof truss and some of the windows (especially on the south side) are the result of early modern renovation. It is a Keystone church with connections to the Grail and of course St Michael, with suggestions in history that the Grail may have spent some time here around 1430 AD. See more in our video, where you can see the contours on the land from past settlements there and also a very intriging grove of trees….

St Michael’s Church, Cefnllys

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • A Keystone Church
  • St Michael – past, present and future.

So at this point it was time to make our way to our digs for the next two nights – the appropriately named ‘Cosy Cottage, in Felinhell, in Wales. We were high up in the mountains, and the clouds were low over the mountain tops and in the shadowy dusk it created a very magical and misty effect. One could entirely see why Wales is known as the land of myth and legends. Finding our digs and letting ouselves in, in the pitch black is a story for another day…..

Wales, stunning, beautiful, magical and timeless…

Day Two 13th September 2021: Dolfellau Stone Circle Dolfellau: (Dolgelly or Dolgelley) is a town and community in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, lying on the River Wnion. We had not planned to have wander or indeed some lunch here, but Dolgellau was such a pretty and interesting town, steeped in history that it would have been a great shame not to have stopped. The town was formerly the county town of Merionethshire (now Gwynedd). Its main bridge over the Afon Wnion dates back to 1638 and the remains of historic Cymer Abbey, founded in 1198, can be seen in the nearby village of Llanelltyd. The stone circle on the Marian (the local recreation field) is not ancient, but left over after the 1949 Eisteddfod. Although those whom built it must have known a thing or two for it is situated on old energies. The many buildings, shops and walks here are full of history and ancient character; one can see why it is so popular and it is an excellent base from which to explore Snowdonia. The name of the town is of uncertain origin, although dôl is Welsh for “meadow” or “dale”, and (y) gelli (soft mutation of celli) means “grove” or “spinney”. This would seem to be the most likely derivation, giving the translation “Grove Meadow”. The Encyclopaedia Britanica in 1911 suggested the name means ‘Dale of Hazels’.

Pretty Dolfellau – well worth a stroll around with lots ot see and nice places to eat <click to enlarge>

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

Our Lady of Seven Sorrows: Not part of our quest as such, but we were drawn there for a reason. There were some interesting artifacts inside one piece was very old and of interest, so including some of the photos i took and an online link for reference…

A bonus church full of surprises….

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Seven_Sorrows_Church,_Dolgellau

 

A lovely relaxing lunch – just what we needed! <click to enlarge>

So after a delicious lunch we made our way to the Dolfellau Stone Circle, which was the main purpose of our visit here. Although this is a modern stone circle built in 1948, and were erected when the National Eisteddfod came to town. It is important to note that the circle was built on a much more ancient site of pyramid energy. There are indeed mixed and strange reviews on the internet for this peaceful little circle, which instinct tells me does indeed get used in the modern day and age. What the modern reviewers dont know is that like all Craft sites we visit, it is what is under the current structure, of whatever age that is really important; usially pyramid sites of energy and power…. Obvioulsly the folks whom set it up knew just what they were doing and why – another case of something important hiding in plain site for all to see, yet no-one does.. The circle does follow the ancient designs of stone circles and could best be describes as a marking point in time…..

If one looks closely one can see the lines of energy formed from the magnetics of the site <click to enlarge>

 

On the road again and Barmouth awaits…..

St Mary’s Church Llanaber: Barmouth: The drive to Barmouth on the west coast of Wales, (where the mountains meet the sea) was extremely picturesque, along some beautiful rugged coastline and Barmouth itself, although we only drove though it looked like a lively and arty place for a visit one day. Barmouth is a seaside town in the county of Gwynedd, lying on the estuary of the Afon Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. The Welsh form of the name is derived from aber (estuary) and the river’s name, “Mawddach” The English form of the name is a corruption of the earlier Welsh form Abermawdd. The community includes the tiny villages of Llanaber, Cutiau, and Caerdeon and it was Llanaber were were making our way to…

A scenic drive to Barmouth…

The church was set upon a solitary possition upon the cliffs overlooking the sea and the local railway line. The graveyard was on a slope with some interesting gravestones there, and some hidden Templar symbolism too, and a beautiful lingering perfume that seemed to come from nowhere which permeated the very air… Sadly though the church was shut, but it would have been lovely to go inside. According to one of the church websites, Llanaber is in many ways the original settlement for Barmouth and as such the church served the once thriving local ship building community. Sadly though, the coming of the railway in 1866 finished the shipbuilding industry.

St Mary’s on the cliff top over looking the sea, hiding a few secrets… <click to enlarg>

St Mary and Bodfan is a Grade I listed building, which despite substantial restoration work in 1860, is a well-preserved 13th-century building with lancet windows and arch-braced collar beams (16th-century) to the chancel roof. Ancient maps refer to the church as St Bodfan’s and an association with the saint is preserved in the name of the nearby Bodfan Farm, but the church is more popularly known as St Marys. The present church dates from the early thirteenth century. One of its great benefactors was Hywel ap Meredydd ap Cynan, the Lord of Ardudwy, Hywel was a great grandson of Owain Gwynedd and a near relative of Llewelyn the Great. In the north west corner of the church are to be found two ancient stones. One is the Calixtus Stone, placed in the Church in the 19th century and having been previously used as a footbridge on a neighbouring farm. The inscription has been read as: CAELIXTUS MONEDO REGI, and is thought to mean Calixtus King of Mona. Such a shame we could not gain access to see these ancient treasures…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary_and_St_Bodfan_Church,_Llanaber

Grail Bloodline Connections:

  • Sir Thomas Neville (4th GGF) 1810 – 1893

In the morning we were catching the ferry from Holyhead to arrive in Dublin early evening.

More Irish adventures were waiting and i was so happy i wanted to dance with joy….

 

‘The Keeper of Scrolls’  January 2022

<moon.willow@ntlworld.com>

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MORE FENLAND CHURCHES!

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December 28, 2021

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

St Thomas Becket Church Ramsey

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

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

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

 

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

Grail Bloodline Connections:

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

 

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

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

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

 

Grail Bloodline Connections:

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

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

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

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

 

  

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

‘When the Trumpet Sounds’

I will post the link when the book is published!

 

Grail Bloodline Connections:

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

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

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

Such stunning architecture! <click to enlarge>
The church itself, which was originally built in 1243 AD, was beautifully looked after, both inside and out, maybe for good reasons, for it is said that there is a ‘hidden’ Grail Energy link associated with the church. The church has one of the most famous of all steeples in the area, built in the 13th century, it’s square lower part has three stages, the top one with highly decorated belfry windows. The church’s older foundations go back to 1178 AD.