It is with Knightly honour that we are empowered to have great knowledge from within & without. With such knowledge comes power, a power that is naturally produced & requires no additional influences to achieve great things. Power is not about the control of others, it is about harnessing the inner strength & full understanding of one's purpose in this particular existence, such truth that can only be realised at a knightly level
“I found some old notes going back many years to a time when i was seeking my path, a path i always knew to be there. Over the years i have made many notes and had the thought of making these little notes and thoughts into poems. Here is the first one that is of my very personal journey into Craft, with some up to dates thoughts added too….”
The wheel turns and new times arrive through the gates of destiny.
Old doors clang irreparably shut.
New doors creek and slowly open.
What once was, now no longer is.
What is now, is never to be.
Within the chaos ahead a path intertwined with mine.
A desire.
A change, then never no more.
I dreamed of chaos.
I stood in that labyrinth, that physical labyrinth at midnight and screamed for change in my mundane life.
For deep dark chaos.
A yearning to be taken to the centre, to the darkness, to the desire.
To see what others do not.
To see the hidden.
My hidden was always there in plain sight.
My potions, my healing herbs, my culinarys sitting there on my kitchen shelf side by side with my hexing’s and poisons.
That old, ragged charm over the door, or the worn pouch hung on the tree near the gate. Did you not notice?
Kitchen canisters full of, well not food….
Yet within my healings and spells, a dream of a different future yet untold, took shape.
A shadow, a flickering, a whisper of a way.
A serpent uncoiling.
I was bound to the wrong path, by the false words, the fake hierarchies and the false knowledge.
I knew this.
I desired a way out; I desired truth however dark, that resonated on my soul.
An ancient path that came from before the dawn of human time.
I wanted that which comes from deep within, that which can bind with the without to achieve that perfect balance of dark and light, night and day.
I wanted connection to that deep well of inspiration, that deep dark place within my soul, that source that binds us all not to the Wyrd, but to the complete unknown.
I wanted to stand on the edge of human reality and stir that deep cauldron of truth.
Would i find my place with the energy we know of as the goddess, or would the energy find me?
Would he whom weilded the flaming sword push me and show me the way?
Little did i know at that time, that i had already been found by that force, that energy that was the driving force of all i would come to be.
I wanted to break all the human-set rules, become a part of a soul defining truth that I knew existed. But first I had to know the rules, learn the rules before I could even consider breaking them.
Down, down, down into the dark I journeyed, into the unknown, surrendering, letting go of all I knew.
A solitary journey.
Familiar faces came and went, as I turned away from false priests and prophets. Yet I surrendered every corner of my life in love and trust and to the deep yearning of my soul.
I saw humanity revealed in a blink of an eye, a creation that knows not its purpose, a carbon footprint echoing briefly upon the shores of time.
I heard the wind whisper long and low and the waves wash over the saddled shores of time at sunset to erase all footprints with just one swift touch.
I felt the serpent awaken.
I waited then and only then for humanity to realise the truth.
The truth I had longed for, searched for and desired.
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’.…
Rochester and Castle
Inside Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral
Near the museum
A two-night stay at the delightful and chaming ‘Oast House’ in the heart of rural Sussex.
The Oast House
The Oast House well
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.
St Mark’s Church
Tunbridge Wells
King Charles the Martyr
Wellington Rocks
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.
Waiting….
Finally moving….
Almost there….
At last!
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.
A pitstop
and rest
in rural France
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.
Eglise Saint -Henri
et Saint-Ursin de Bourges
A two night stay in the hillsides of Frolois in Burgundy at 1 Rue Du Bourg, Venarey-les-Laumes, Cote d’Or.
Day six: Monday 28th November 2022:
Dijon: It was a very wet day when we arrived in this beautiful and magical old city, and the rain just seemed to make it even more charming and picturesque.
Cathedral Saint-Benigne de Djion: 4 Place Saint Benigne: Sadly under lock and key until mass at 5pm, so one of those days when G-d just wasn’t at home… A little stroll around the outside had to suffice with tasters of a very interesting history attached to this Cathedral. It is built on the original remains of a structure from 511 AD, but the current building, which is Gothic in design, dates from 1325 AD . There is a direct link here to the Clarke line and that of the group of Desposyni. Ancestry link: Knight Tesceline Sorus (03/08/1065) Fontaine-les-Dijon, France le Roux (11/04/1120) Fontaine-les-Dijon, France (29xGGF) and Father of Benard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), the Founder of the Knights Templar and also (Karl’s 29x Great Uncle). (extra info: Tescelin de Fontaine, lord of Fontaine-lès-Dijon, and Alèthe de Montbard, father of the founder of the Knights Templars Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 to 1153 AD), Karl’s 28th Great Uncle)
Cathedral Saint-Benigne
Cathedral Saint-Benigne
Day seven: Tuesday 29th November 2022: We left Burgundy today for an epic drive right into the heartlands of Spain, a whole day of travel where we experienced changing scenery and a massive change in the weather. As we drove down into warmer climes, across the Pyranees, there was a noticable shift in the culture too, as we headed along into rural Spain. So at nightfall, we arrived safe and sound in Alpens in Spain, it looked to be extremely beautiful, with very old buildings. We had gone from a converted barn in rural France to a third floor apartment high up in the Spanish mountains! It was an epic journey today, almost from dawn til dusk…. It was very late at night though, so a good rest this evening and a wander around tommorow, but there is something very exciting about arriving somewhere new late at night and not knowing what awaits you in the morning….
A two night stay at Alpens in the beautiful mountains of Spain at Barcelona Calle Ripoll 1. We were not ‘alone‘ in this interesting apartment, built right next to the church and old churchyard….
Day eight: Wednesday 30th November 2022: Designated a rest day for relaxing and recuperating and for doing our own thing. Alpens in Catalonia was far too pretty and the weather too gorgeous to not have a relaxing day wandering around with my camera…
Day nine: Thursday 1st December 2022: Another very long day of driving as we ventured further southwards and deeper into Spain, but with two very important stops before anchoring for the night, one of which was Girona in Spain. Girona: is an old Spanish river city of which the old part is built on a very steep hill. It is bustling with life, full of different layers, very old buildings, very steep steps and alleyways galore. We visited the cathedral, which was built on a much older previous site. It has the widest Gothic nave in the world and is connected to Lamech in respect of our Grail Quest. Did i mention steps, up and down we went, old steps trod by so many people over the years, many would have been pilgrims, to reach the cathedral that towers above, over the city. Today, may be known on a wider scale as a prominent setting for the well-known Game of Thrones. On a day like this it looked splendid, full of symbolism and deep meanings, but i shall forever remember those steps! We had a lovely wander round this interesting city, the weather was hot and sunny, and the shops were very inticing, so a lovely day.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Girona: Placa de la Catedral: There was a settlement here in early 497 AD, and even earlier, with the land and area being in use way back into the BC periods. There was a primitive church here in 696 AD, built on an older site, but by 1417 AD there was some serious investment for renovation going ahead. The cathedral has the widest Gothic nave in the world and full of treasures inside. There was some amazing symbology in place inside, very useful for both Craft and/or Grail researchers alike. It is said that if one looks towards the East, then the West, then the above to below, a great mark will present itself in light… But on a personal level i did not find the energies there very inviting and i felt that ‘they’ felt the same about me, maybe a test? Ancestry line: connected to Lamech, born 3130 BC Baghdad and settled in this area (111xGGF) and some may say, father to Noah.
Castle of Montsoriu: There’s an old ruin of a castle, that sits atop of a mountain just outside of Girona, ‘Cami del Castell de Montsori’. One can see it for miles and miles around – it is that high up. It is situated in the eastern section of the Montseny Natural Park and reserve of the Biosphere. To get there the road winds up and up the mountainside, the views are stunning, if not a little scary, it’s over a thousand years old and reconstruction commenced in the twentieth century. It is of the turreted Gothic castle design, nestling high up in those Spanish mountains and is one of the most relevant examples of medieval military architecture in the Mediterranean region. It is said that this sacred land is connected to Lamech and of Noah himself, very interesting and one wonders if there ever was a flood here or a change in geological circumstances? Ancestry line: The connection here is to Lamech, whom settled in the area.
Girona Gothic Cathedral
Castle of Montsoriu
A three night stay in a swish high-up apartment in the lovely area of Barbera del Valles, Catalonia, just north of Barcelona.
View
from the
Penthouse!
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)
Church of Santa Maria & Sant Nicoloau
Vil-la Romana del More & aquaduct
The Pyramid
Esglesia de Santa Maria d’Arenys de Mar
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….
Santa María de Manresa
The Crypt
A secret clue…..
Santa María de Manresa
“View our videos below to enhance your understandings of our Grail Quests and maybe partake of a little quest of your own”
“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.
A long journey……
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.
Saint James the Great
Alborache
Alborache
Saint James the Great
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…
San Juan Church
San Juan Church
Cheva
Cheva
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.
Church of
San Juan Bautista
Banos de
Cerrato
“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.
Burgos Cathedral
Templar & Craft items
For sale
Burgos Cathedral
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.
Tour Tanguy
Tour Tanguy
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.
The Neville Arms
Neville Commune
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”
Goodbye from Karl
Goodbye from Janis
With the eyes of the Watchers forever upon us, our Grail Quest thus continues….
“So off we went on Quest 35 to Wales and the West Country. It is always a great pleasure to travel through these very special lands in search of our (Craft) history and to be able to join up more dots and allow the pieces of this real-life puzzle to fall into place. As always we experienced ‘watchful’ eyes looking over us and ‘time and space’ dancing round us. Again i am streamlining my write-ups in order to catch up – but more can be added over time, either here or as seperate posts. I am not including links this time as good info and webpages are not easy to find, but be asured all the relevant info is here and if folks are interested, anyone can do a web search”.
Day one: Wednesday 31st August 2022:
St Edward the Confessor Church: 6 Church Street. Leek: Restored in 1839 AD. The original Norman church burnt down in 1297 AD. We were not alone on this occasion, for as has happened on numerous past quests a Watcher, whom turned up out of nowhere, sat in the church keeping a watchful eye on us. Ancestry line: Lord Robert De Neville 1240 AD born Raby Castle (20xGGF)
St Edward the Confessor Church
Chi-Rho Symbol
St Edward the Confessor Church
Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:
St Davids Church: Heyope Road. Heyope. Knighton: A previous site of St Marys Church in 1462, which was flood damaged, thus St Davids was built in 1844 AD. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Raby Castle. Died 18th Oct 1476 Priory Church. Abergavenny (13xGGF) (Was at this church in 1451, prior to flood that damaged the church)
Knighton Museum: 1 Broad Street. Knighton: A map in the museum that was donated holds a firm clue to the Grail itself.
St Edwards Church: Church Road. St Edwards Close. Knighton: The church tower is of Medieval origin from 1366/1368 AD. The restoration is from 1752 AD, and further in 1877 AD. “The centre of the Earth. Holding the secrets of Atlantis Itself”. A peaceful energy here. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Abbergavenny. A direct connection to Lord Robert De Neville 1172-1248. 78 years. Raby Castle. A connection to the area and knowledge. The start of the Neville surname in respect of May 1254, who took her mothers surname upon her death.
St Mary Magdalene Church: Bleddfa. Beacon Hill. Radnor: ‘The Place of the Wolf‘. Bleddfa means ‘the abode of wolves’, and wolves were still to be found in Radnor Forest until Tudor times. The church dates from the early 13th century and latter part also. The wooden bellcote dates from 1711, and the south porch is 15th century. For many years a mysterious mound at the west end of the church was thought to be a prehistoric burial chamber, but when it was excavated in the 1960s it was discovered to be the base of a substantial stone tower to the church. Excavations showed that the tower had been burned down, assumed to have happened during the revolt of Welsh patriot Owain Glyndwr in the 15th century. A connection here to royalty too, but maybe not in a way expected… A Keystone Church: not all is as it seems….
Arthurs Stone: Dorstone. Hereford: A Neolithic tomb dating to 3700 BC. A place so great in its time that many came to worship here, but now at the side of a small road. Two knights fought here during the War of the Roses (1455-1487) Knight Turberville was killed here. Ancestry line: Barron George Neville: 1440 AD born Abergavenny. It has been suggested that Lord Edward Neville 1417-1476 (16xGGF) Ist Lord of Abergavenny fought Knight Turberville.
St Davids Church
Knighton
St Edwards Church
Church of St Mary Magdalene
Arthurs Stone
Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:
St John the Baptist Church: Stokesay. Craven Arms: The original chapel was buit in 1150 AD, as a chapel for the castle. Restored in 1654 AD, with past Norman features visable. Ancestry line: Earl Gospatrick Mac Maldred 1042 AD born Bamburgh. Northumbria (25xGGF) Area connection to Lord Maldred Fitz Dolfin born Raby Castle 1157 AD-1183 AD
Land of the Lost Content: The Old Market Hall. Market St. Craven Arms: Museum of collectables from throughout time. A point of interest.
Hopton Castle: Craven Arms: “In Hopton’s mound one can truly see, a sight of sights for eternity” A peaceful site with lovely energies, but with ‘pockets’ of time standing still or of being of ‘no-time’, further still a link lay here with the Mark of ‘Eternity’. Ancestry line: Lord Uchtred Fitz Maldred 1075 born Raby Castle. (24xGGF)
Clun Castle: Newport Street. Clun. Craven Arms: A Norman Castle established by a Norman Lord in 1033 AD, as ‘odd’ as that may sound. Ancestry line: Lord Uchtred Fitz Maldred 1075 born Raby Castle (24xGGF) Area connection to Knight Tescelin (Clarke) born 1040-1085 AD in Dijon France. As we have visited this castle previously, and it was arather long walk over rough terrain, we declined on this occasion.
St John the Baptist Church
Land of the Lost Content
Hopton Castle
Clun Castle
Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:
St Laurences Church: 2 College Street. Ludlow: Built in 1056 AD when the Normans founded Ludlow itself in the late 11th century. A large and bustling church which seemed very popular as a tourist atrraction. Ancestry line: Lord Edward Neville 1471 AD born Abergavenny (13xGGF)
Ludlow Market: Historic market town and a point of interest.
St Lawrences Church
Ludlow Market Place
St Lawrences Church
Day five: Sunday 4th September 2022:
Holy Trinity Church: Watermoor Road. Cirencester: Built in 1872 AD on a much older site that is said to be the gateway to the ‘Middle-Land’. Contains some very significant and important artwork within… Ancestry line:Lieutenant Ralph Neville 1832 AD born Lewes Sussex. (3xGGF) A Keystone Church: The Grail was said to have been here from 49 AD-78 AD, for 29 years.
Holy Trinity Church
Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:
St Benedicts Church: Benedict Street. Glastonbury: Built in 1363 AD replacing an 11th century Norman chapel, originally dedicated to St. Benigows, a great freind of St. Patrick. Ancestry line: Lord John Neville 1337 AD born Raby Castle (17x GGF) A Keystone Church: The Grail was here from 37 AD-49 AD for 12 years.
Glastonbury Abbey & King Arthur’s Tomb: Magdalene Street. Glastonbury: Built 765 AD, a fire occurred in 1184 AD, rebuilt in 1269 AD. Ancestry line: John Clarke 1746 AD born Farway Devon (5xGGF). Also a connection to Lancelot Desposyni born 520 AD in Bretayne France.
Chalice Well: Chilkwell Street. Glastonbury: A place of spirituality and peace for more than 2000 years. Lovely energies and a true sanctuary in time. Ancestry line: John Clarke 1746 AD born Farway Devon (5xGGF)
St Benedicts Church
Chalice Well Gardens
Glastonbury Abbey
Day seven: Tuesday 6th September 2022:
Church of St Decuman: Brenden Road. Watchet: the chancel was built in 1263 AD, with ‘add-ons’ in 1497 AD. It is said that a ‘Watcher’ once revealed himself at this place. Ancestry line: Sir Thomas Woodchurch 1216 AD born Woodchurch Kent (23xGGF)
Barrow Mump and St Michael’s Church: Barrow Bridge. Taunton: A medieval church on top of Barrow Mump and seen for miles around, built 1439 AD, also known as St Michael’s Borough. “A place of great spirituality and the gate to all knowledge”. Wonderful views across the surrounding countryside if one is up for the challenge of the climb – as i certainly was! It is a scheduled monument and a grade two listed building; the church ruin on top. Although there is some evidence of Roman visitation, the first fortification of the site was the construction of a Norman motte. It hs been called King Alfred’s Fort, however there is no proof of use by King Alfred the Great. Ancestry line: Sir Thomas Woodchurch 1216 AD born Woodchurch Kent (23xGGF)
All Saints Church: The Hill. Langport: Of 12th century origins and rebuilt in the 15th century. The East window is of Medieval glass still. The ghost of a monk is said to ‘roam’ the church and grounds shouting prayer to ward off the evil spririts.
The Hanging Chapel: The Hill. Langport: A 13th century archway or gateway that spans the road, built in 1229 AD. Previously known as Chantry Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It became a masonic hall in 1891 and is currently leased to Portcullis Freemasons Lodge, by the town council.
Church of Decuman
Barrow Mump & St Michael’s Church
All Saints Church
The Hanging Chapel
Grail Quest Video Link: Craft information and symbolism explained:
Boscastle: Like Tintagel, a lot less energy now than ever once was, for many reasons known to Craft. But still a nice experience to wander around this pretty town.
King Arthurs Great Halls: Fore Street. Tintagel: A magificant building which has become a popular tourist attraction due to the ‘King Arthur’ legends, and still used by the Freemasons. A sacred underground spring flows onto the nearby land which is sadly not accesable – we did ask! But the experience is well worth a look…
St Materiana’s Church: Tintagel: A beautiful church, both magical and inspirational, that stands alone on the cliff top and a church close to both our hearts. The first church here was built in the 6th century, the present one in th 12th century. This would be my third visit, a profound and spiritual place with meanings in time that belong to me and my connection to our lady Mary Magdalene… Ancestry line: Barron Christopher Neville 1587 AD born Birling Kent (10xGGF)
Boscastle
King Arthurs Great Halls
St Materiana’s Church
One conclusion and obervation i can take from Quest 35 would be the prolification of Craft animal symbolism in evidence, especially the wolfe, the eagle and the serpent or dragon, in particular the serpent which seemed to appear in almost every church, it is as if there was a message there somewhere…. Here are a selection.
‘The next day, day six was a beautiful sunny day as the photos will testify and it was just a ten mile drive from Clonakilty, Cork where we were staying for the next 4 nights, to Rosscarberry and our first port of call for the day’
Day Six: 17th September: St Fachtna’s Cathedral. Rosscarberry: (Irish: Ros Ó gCairbre, meaning ‘Cairbre’s wood’) is a town in County Cork that sits on a shallow estuary, opening onto Rosscarbery Bay. The area has been occupied since at least the Neolithis period, as evidenced by several Neolithic sites such as portal dolmens. The area is also home to a number of Bronze Age remains, including stone circles, ring forts and holy wells. Due to its popularity as a centre of pilgrimage it was also known as Ros Ailithir (“Wood of the Pilgrims”). The hereditary chieftains of the area, or tuath, were the O’Leary’s, known as Uí Laoghaire Ruis Ó gCairbre, until it passed to Norman control in the early thirteenth century. In March 1921, during the Irish War of Independance, Tom Barry’s 3rd Cork IRA Brigade attacked and destroyed the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in Rosscarbery. Two RIC officers were killed in the attack, and nine others were injured. There is a plaque on the site of the former barracks, beside the current Garda station, commemorating the event. In the 20 years between the 1991 and 2011 census, the population of Rosscarbery grew by approximately 17%, to 534 people. As of the 2016 census, the population of the town was then 490. Although it looked an interesting place to explore, it was the catherdral which was our focus of attention and we spent an interesting time there.
A gorgeous day to visit St Fachtna’s Cathedral, one of the keystone churches <click to enlarge>
Although at first the cathedral appeared to be locked, a quick phone call was all it took for us to be let in by a very chatty and obliging guy, attached to the church of course. He of course turned out to be the very kind Rector Chris, whom shared his history and knowledge with us. He certainly knew his history of the cathedral and the area, so we were treated to a personal guided tour. It was so important to be able have access to St Fachtna’s Catherdral today, as it is a Keystone Church, an energy point and it is said that there are some very important remains hidden within it’s walls… This cathedral is one of the smallest in Ireland, yet lovingly looked after and beautiful inside and out. St. Fachtna’s Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St Faughan, has been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years and is one of the most significant religous sites in Ireland. The current cathedral dates from the 1600’s, and was extensively restored in the 19th century. It is the smallest cathedral in Ireland, being the size of a small parish church. It is also the only cathedral in Ireland in which the bellringers can be seen from inside the building. There are a fine set of six bells here, in the key of G, and they are regularly rung.
The interior was immaculate and beautifully cared for <click to enlarge>
Here St. Fachtna founded a monastic school in AD 590. Pilgrims and scholars came from near and far and gained for Ross the title “Ross Ailithir”: the wooded headland of the pilgrims. The ruins of a church erected by St Faughnan still exist on the southern slope of the land on which Rosscarbery is built . A church or cathedral has occupied the site since at least the tenth century, and after Bishop John Edmund de Courcy resigned in 1517, Pope Leo X ordered an inquiry into the state of the diocese, and it was noted that by then a cathedral stood on the site. It was known at that time as Tiompal mor Feachtna, or “Feachtna’s big temple”
Such wonderful carvings to see, and very much a part of our Grail Quest, with subtle clues for the keen and learned of eye <click to enlarge>
The first reference to a Cathedral on this site is in the 12th. century. The present building dates from 1612 and was extensively rebuilt following the Rebellion of 1641. Significant developments occurred within the building in the nineteenth century. The spire of the original building was removed in either 1785, 1793, or 1795, with the current spire being added in 1806. The walls of the church were freestone, but what remained of the old walls were plastered and dashed in 1880. Storms have blown the top of the spire over on two occasions, once in the winter of 1886, and then again in February 1923. Between 2002 and 2005, major restorations were carried out on the cathedral, including rebuilding the organ and restoring the bells. In 2012, an additional bell was added to the tower.
A joy to see so many treaured artifacts still in place <click to enlarge>
Many stunning windows and plaques tell the history of the cathedral <click to enlarge>
Grail Bloodline Connection:
A Keystone church and energy point
Drombeg Stone Circle Co Cork: Just a very short drive away was this very impresive stone circle, a small axial stone circle, also known as ‘The Druid’s Altar’. Luckily it was quiet when we arrived even though a very popular place to visit. The stone circle originally consisted of seventeen closely spaced stones, made of local sandstone, of which 13 survive. The circle spans 31 ft in diameter. As an axial or “Cork–Kerry” stone circle, it contains two taller entrance stones placed opposite a recumbent axial stone. Its axis is orientated south west towards the setting sun. The most westerly stone is the long recumbent and has two egg shaped cup marks, one with a ring around it. An axial stone circle, also known as a “Cork–Kerry type” stone circle, it is flanked by a pair of high axial portal stones, which mark the entrance to the stone circle, and face the recumbent altar stone. This arrangement creates a south-west axis, and orients the monument in the direction of the setting sun during the midwinter solstice.
Drombeg Stone Circle: an amazing site with powerful energies, interesting features and of course Craft/Grail quest connections hdden within the land. Old stories, from the physical and the metaphysical realms never fail to delight…. <click to enlarge>
Near the stone circle, approximately 40m to the west, are two round stone-walled prehistoric huts and a fulacht fiadh which evidence suggests was in use until approximately the 5th century AD. Of the two huts, the largest had a timber roof supported by timber posts. The smaller hut contains the remains of a cooking sport on its eastern side. A causeway leads from the huts to the fulacht fiadh, which has a hearth, well and a water trough.
The domestic areas, although some parts allude to a more sinister past (as the energies testify) especially as bones have been recovered here…<click to enlarge>
Following a number of surveys in the early 1900s, the site was excavated and restored in 1957. Radio Carbon Dating of samples taken from the site suggest that it was active c. 1100 – 800 BC. An inverted pot, found in the centre of the circle, contained the cremated remains of a young adolescent wrapped with thick cloth. The pot was found close to the centre of the circle and was found alongside smashed sherds and a collection of sweepings from a pyrle, so one could hazard a gues that it was a place of sacrifice too…. Parts of the site are still to be excavated, so who knows what will be discovered there.
A riddle from Mr Karl Neville to make you think about the secrets of the stones & what they may have witnessed…
Grail Bloodline Connection:
King Niall Mac Echdach. King of Ireland (53rd GGF) 311 – 378 (67)
Mizen Head: Not a part of our quest but this stunning area was recommended to us by some fellow travellers and as we were in the area it proved to be well worth a vist, for the views of the coastline are simply out of this world! It is a stop on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, a route that takes in all the wild and ancient places. Ireland truly is the land of dreams….
It was a stunning drive to reach it too. Mizen Head is one of the extreme points of Irealand and is a major tourist attraction, noted for its dramatic cliff scenery. One of the main transatlantic shipping routes passes close by to the south, and Mizen Head was, for many seafarers, the first (or last) sight of Europe. The tip of the peninsula is almost an island, cut off by a deep chasm, now spanned by a bridge; this gives access to an old signal station and a lighthouse. The signal station, once permanently staffed, is now a museum housing displays relating to the site’s strategic significance for transatlantic shipping and communications, including the pioneering efforts of Guglielmo Marconi. The “99 steps” which formed part of the original access route have been supplemented by a series of paths and viewing platforms, and a full range of visitor facilities is available at the entrance to the site, however it is not for the faint-hearted or for those challenged by walking, for there are lots of steps and very steep slopes to navigate up and down the rocky cliffs.
Mizen Head: A most stunning place, one of the most stunning on the planet! <click to enlarge>
Day Seven: 18th September: Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Cork: It was another gorgeous day as we left our digs in Shannonvale, Clonakilty for a very full day ahaead but not before we espied the welcome sign over the door!
The city of Cork: (Irish: ‘Corcaigh’ from ‘corach’ meaning “marsh) is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and is located in the south-west of Ireland, in the province of Munster, in 2019 it’s population was 210,000. The city centre is an island positioned between two channels of the River Lee which meet downstream at the eastern end of the city centre, where the quays and docks along the river lead outwards to one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Cork was originally a monastic settlement, reputedly founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th century and became (more) urbanised some point between 915 and 922 when Norsemen settlers founded a trading port. The ecclesiastical settlement continued alongside the Viking longphort, with the two developing a type of symbiotic relationship; the Norsemen providing otherwise unobtainable trade goods for the monastery, and perhaps also military aid.
This cathedral is stunning both inside and out and we spent quite a long time there, as there was so much to see. It is full of symbolism, beautifully represented in astounding pieces of artwork. We met some really kind and freindly people there and took part in a little personal service too. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral (Irish: Ardeaglais Naomh Fionnbarrra) is a Gothic Revival three-spired Church of Ireland on the River Lee, dedicated to Finbarr of Cork, the patron saint of the city. The Christian use of the site dates back to the 7th century, when according to local lore, Finbarr founded a monastry there, which survived until the 12th century, when it fell into disuse, or was destroyed during the Norman invasion.
The stunning architecture of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral <click to view>
Around 1536, during the Protestant Reformation, the cathedral became part of the Church of Ireland, but the previous building constructed in the 1730’s was regarded as plain and featureless, so a demolition and rebuild was commisioned and work began in 1863; a project for Victorian archetect William Burges who designed most of the archetecture, stained glass and interior features etc, including the beautiful angel on the roof. Saint Fin Barre’s foundation stone was laid in 1865 and the cathedral consecrated in 1870 and the limestone spires completed by October 1879.
It is with Knightly honour that we are empowered to have great knowledge from within & without. With such knowledge comes power, a power that is naturally produced & requires no additional influences to achieve great things. Power is not about the control of others, it is about harnessing the inner strength & full understanding of one's purpose in this particular existence, such truth that can only be realised at a knightly level
