Three days last week spent in the beautiful surroundings of the closest National Park to me, the New Forest, just over an hour south of Autumn Cottage. It was, in fact, 'New' just ofter the Norman Conquest, after being designated the Royal hunting forest of William the Conqueror, so is actually a mere 900 years old.
Now who knows where the time goes? - these words have become the theme tune to my life!. So that you don't all have to wait until my next visit to the forest (which will hopefully be soon - it is a magical place), here are just a peppering of the photographs I took while I was there. Many more to come!
We actually drove straight through the forest on Tuesday, to the Priory town of Christchurch, on the coast. The weather was mild but overcast - not nearly as gloomy as it looks here, and warm enough to sit outside the cafe on the Quay, watching the swans and gulls being fed by passers by, and eating a hot bacon bun for late breakfast. (What IS it about eating food in the open air that makes it taste quite so wonderful?)
Christchurch is an ancient town - above, you can see the tidal mill which was in use for a thousand years...
My main reason for another visit to Christchurch was, however - yes, to visit a church and poke around a graveyard. in this case, the rather magnificent priory church, surrounded by some wonderful old Georgian graves.
The lichen patterns on the graves are quite as beautiful as anything carved by human hands...
Inside the Priory, many wonderful graves and memorials...but before going inside, what do you think of this monument - and the reason for it to be built?
In my next post, I'll show you around some of the interior of the Priory - but churchcrawling and shopping take a toll on a woman - and as if they knew, this cafe placed words of re-assurance in my path - which I was, of course, obliged to follow!
Thank you for bringing me along with you to discover this little gem.
Posted by: Gracie | Friday, October 21, 2011 at 11:48
What a completely delightful place!! Of course you will have to go again and see more...or even the same things in another season, a different light. Love the ancient tidal mill, the lichen. A very atmospheric place...and a super photo of YOU!
Posted by: Margaret Lambert | Friday, October 21, 2011 at 21:05
I have the book, The Forest, by Edward Rutherford which is about the New Forest area. I have always loved his books, but for some reason, I could never get into that one, perhaps because I am so visual and have never seen many pictures of that area. Maybe, when you post some more pix - I'll try again. Also, love the sign! The "Keep calm and carry on" quote is also very popular on this side of the pond - but I like that sentiment better, especially if it's chocolate cake!
Posted by: LindaB | Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 04:15
Lovely post, Roz, and beautiful pictures as always. I enjoyed my armchair visit so much even if I did substitute toast for cake.
Posted by: Sonja | Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 22:25
Roz, I've enjoyed this walk thoroughlly !
AND I've kept calm for 2 weeks... Now where's the cake ???
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | Friday, November 11, 2011 at 10:49