Saturday, 10 December 2011
THE MADPRIEST GANG GO TO TANFIELD
We went for a walk along the Tanfield Railway Path this afternoon and were fortunate enough to pass the station as one of the engines was getting ready to pull the North Pole Express.
The Tanfield Railway was originally built to transport coal from the collieries of County Durham, to the staithes on the River Tyne, for onward transport in colliers (bulk coal carrying ships). Originally a wooden railed horse drawn wagonway the oldest part of the Tanfield Railway, located to the north east of the present heritage line, in the Lobley Hill area, dated from 1647, and was in continuous use until final closure in 1964.
The route and structures of the oldest section of the now preserved part of the line, between Sunniside and Causey, dates from 1725, and is thus claimed to be the World's oldest working railway. (Wikipedia)
The Tanfield Railway was originally built to transport coal from the collieries of County Durham, to the staithes on the River Tyne, for onward transport in colliers (bulk coal carrying ships). Originally a wooden railed horse drawn wagonway the oldest part of the Tanfield Railway, located to the north east of the present heritage line, in the Lobley Hill area, dated from 1647, and was in continuous use until final closure in 1964.
The route and structures of the oldest section of the now preserved part of the line, between Sunniside and Causey, dates from 1725, and is thus claimed to be the World's oldest working railway. (Wikipedia)
Friday, 9 December 2011
OH BUGGER! IT'S CHRISTMAS - 9TH. DECEMBER
I really do feel sorry for Jesus. The pain he suffered whilst he was on earth must pale into insignificance compared to the pain "sincere" American evangelicals with microphones inflict on him each and every Christmas. I bet he really looks forward to Epiphany.
Oh, wonderful. Miss Music Nerd has found the video.
CHIN WAG UPDATE
I have sent details to everyone but some of you have changed your email addresses since you joined. So if you have not received the new instructions please contact me by email. Details about Chin Wag can be found in the right hand sidebar (right down near the bottom).
CALLING ALL SCOTS
This is not a request it is an order. Anyway, you really do not want Father Kelvin on your case. He has powers, you know.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There are two overriding factors that inform the actions of human beings - the pursuit of happiness and fear.
Evil is pursuing personal happiness by deliberately causing fear in others.
Evil is pursuing personal happiness by deliberately causing fear in others.
THE U.S.A. - A NATION OF CAT HATERS
From NEWSER:
At the end of November, Israel passed a bill that bans the declawing of cats—with some seriously stiff penalties. Those convicted of the crime will face up to a year in prison and a $20,000 fine.
If the idea of banning the practice shocks you, you're probably American: About 25% of cats in the U.S.A. are believed to be declawed, but doing so is illegal in Europe, Australia, Brazil, and beyond (and a few California cities.)
The procedure is actually called an "onychectomy," and Discover points out that it involves more than just removing the nail. Generally the entire toe joint, including the bone found there, is amputated, the equivalent of having your fingertips chopped off around the third knuckle. Because cats rely on this part of their paw while walking, Israel believes the move will safeguard cats' ability to walk normally and defend themselves, and will prevent the medical complications that affect as many as 20% of cats after declawing.
COMMENT: I first heard about this barbaric practice when my sister in law in Canada notified me casually that she had declawed her new cat. I was, to say the least, shocked and appalled. You wouldn't pull a puppy's teeth. Or perhaps you would.
At the end of November, Israel passed a bill that bans the declawing of cats—with some seriously stiff penalties. Those convicted of the crime will face up to a year in prison and a $20,000 fine.
If the idea of banning the practice shocks you, you're probably American: About 25% of cats in the U.S.A. are believed to be declawed, but doing so is illegal in Europe, Australia, Brazil, and beyond (and a few California cities.)
The procedure is actually called an "onychectomy," and Discover points out that it involves more than just removing the nail. Generally the entire toe joint, including the bone found there, is amputated, the equivalent of having your fingertips chopped off around the third knuckle. Because cats rely on this part of their paw while walking, Israel believes the move will safeguard cats' ability to walk normally and defend themselves, and will prevent the medical complications that affect as many as 20% of cats after declawing.
COMMENT: I first heard about this barbaric practice when my sister in law in Canada notified me casually that she had declawed her new cat. I was, to say the least, shocked and appalled. You wouldn't pull a puppy's teeth. Or perhaps you would.
LIFE NO LONGER A DRAG FOR ABUSED POOCH
From DOGSTER:
Officer Michael Lake, Michigan cop, has stepped up to provide a new home to a little dog whose owner who allegedly took her for a “walk” by driving his van with the leash sticking out. The dog, Cricket, could not keep up, and ended up going for a drag instead of a walk. She received an injury above her eye, and one of her claws was torn out.
Her former owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and drunk driving.
Cricket seems to be in great spirits. “She is a doll. She’s playful. She’s spunky,” said Michael.
Thanks to Paul(A) for this one.
Her former owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and drunk driving.
Cricket seems to be in great spirits. “She is a doll. She’s playful. She’s spunky,” said Michael.
Thanks to Paul(A) for this one.
BREAK OPEN THE BUBBLY!
Louie Crew is 75 today
God save Queen Lutibelle!
Louie Crew was born in Anniston, Alabama. He attended Baylor University and received his master's degree in 1959 from Auburn University and his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 1971. He has taught English at a variety of colleges and universities. He is a widely published poet who also uses the noms de plume Li Min Hua, Quean Lutibelle, and Dr. Ddungo. He has also written a book called 101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian. His longtime partner is Ernest Clay; the two were married in 1974.
Crew founded IntegrityUSA, a gay-acceptance group within the Episcopal church, in 1974. He also co-founded the lesbigay caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in 1975. He served on the board of directors of the National Gay Task Force (now National Gay and Lesbian Task Force) from 1976 to 1978. He also served on the Wisconsin Governor's Council on Lesbian and Gay Issues in 1983. When Crew first began working for the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in the Episcopal church, he was widely denounced or dismissed, but today the Episcopal Church has come to agree with many of his views, while some churches and dioceses are strongly opposed.
"It is indisputable that Crew has been an enormously influential figure, in his diocese, in the national church, and throughout the Anglican world. If any one person can be deemed responsible for the state in which the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion now finds itself, that person is ... Louie Crew." (Wikipedia)
Thursday, 8 December 2011
ST. LAIKA'S ACHIEVES MEGA-CHURCH STATUS
Prepare to be amazed!
These are the stats for the Advent Carol Service and Evensong on St. Andrew's Day.
The Sunday services have been accessed by about 1800 people for a while now whilst the evening services are downloaded by around 700 people. To tempt over 2500 people into downloading a standard Book of Common Prayer Evensong is, in my opinion, a major achievement as it proves right my long held belief that there are plenty of Christians out there who do not find traditional services in the slightest bit boring and irrelevant as long as they are prepared and presented with a commitment to excellence. And I am happy to claim that my podcasts are excellent because I put a lot of work into each and everyone of them. There is skill involved but it is mostly hard slog and lots and lots of time consuming research.
Of course, the success of St. Laika's would not be possible without the continuing and extremely generous financial support of my patrons out there in the Blogosphere. Your donations, that amount to about £500 per month keep my head (just) above water, although financial emergencies like our recent need to visit my in-laws in Norfolk and Glenna's recent illness are major headaches when you are "living on faith."
So I'm going to be cheeky and ask those of you who do not already support my ministry and who can afford to do so, to consider contributing to my Christmas Box this year. There are a few things on my wish list.
1. A microphone and software so that the services sound more professionally produced.
2. An upgrade of my computer's hard drive as I am running out of storage space.
3. Some clothes for myself from the January Sales as I haven't been able to afford to buy a single bit of new clothing since August 2010 and even I, who is not the most appearance conscious person in the world by any means, am beginning to feel embarrassed by my scruffiness when I go out.
I do not assume that I will receive enough dosh from you to pay for all of the above but your help towards the cost of them would be very much appreciated.
Oh, and everyone who does donate during December will receive a special photoshopped thank you from me which is sure to be worth a small fortune when I'm dead.
These are the stats for the Advent Carol Service and Evensong on St. Andrew's Day.
The Sunday services have been accessed by about 1800 people for a while now whilst the evening services are downloaded by around 700 people. To tempt over 2500 people into downloading a standard Book of Common Prayer Evensong is, in my opinion, a major achievement as it proves right my long held belief that there are plenty of Christians out there who do not find traditional services in the slightest bit boring and irrelevant as long as they are prepared and presented with a commitment to excellence. And I am happy to claim that my podcasts are excellent because I put a lot of work into each and everyone of them. There is skill involved but it is mostly hard slog and lots and lots of time consuming research.
Of course, the success of St. Laika's would not be possible without the continuing and extremely generous financial support of my patrons out there in the Blogosphere. Your donations, that amount to about £500 per month keep my head (just) above water, although financial emergencies like our recent need to visit my in-laws in Norfolk and Glenna's recent illness are major headaches when you are "living on faith."
So I'm going to be cheeky and ask those of you who do not already support my ministry and who can afford to do so, to consider contributing to my Christmas Box this year. There are a few things on my wish list.
1. A microphone and software so that the services sound more professionally produced.
2. An upgrade of my computer's hard drive as I am running out of storage space.
3. Some clothes for myself from the January Sales as I haven't been able to afford to buy a single bit of new clothing since August 2010 and even I, who is not the most appearance conscious person in the world by any means, am beginning to feel embarrassed by my scruffiness when I go out.
I do not assume that I will receive enough dosh from you to pay for all of the above but your help towards the cost of them would be very much appreciated.
Oh, and everyone who does donate during December will receive a special photoshopped thank you from me which is sure to be worth a small fortune when I'm dead.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
HOLY COMMUNION
THURSDAY
8TH. DECEMBER
2011
THE FEAST
OF THE
CONCEPTION
OF MARY
THE MOTHER
OF JESUS
All are welcome to join me in taking communion.
There are no exceptions.
MP3 File
All are welcome to join me in taking communion.
There are no exceptions.
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
If you want to physically partake of communion you will require a small piece of bread and a small amount of drink (preferably made from grapes and containing alcohol). You eat the bread after I say “The body of Christ,” and drink the wine after I say “The blood of Christ.” How you view the nature of this part of the service is completely up to you.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
Download podcast via iTUNES.
MP3 File
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
THE BASTARD SUPERVISOR OF RENO
From THE MAIL:
A Reno-area woman says she was fired as a baggage handler at Reno-Tahoe International Airport last month after she refused to load an emaciated hunting dog on a plane. Lynn Jones of Lockwood said her supervisor told her to load the dog lying in a pet carrier because the animal's paperwork was in order and its condition wasn't her concern. But Jones, an employee of contractor Airport Terminal Services at the time, told the Reno Gazette-Journal that she couldn't put the dog on the plane for shipment to Texas because its paws were bloody and its body was covered with sores.
She said: 'Everybody who saw it, the TSA people, the airport police officers, the girls at the ticket counter, were concerned. The dog was so weak and torn up. It didn't look like it could survive the flight. I was crying. I kept saying that dog could not be put on a plane.'
She said airport police phoned Washoe County Regional Animal Services, which took custody of the dog. The animal is owned by a hunter who has it shipped to places he hunts, according to authorities. It was taken back to Texas after being nursed back to health.
Jones said she was fired on the spot on November 15, adding: '[My supervisor] kept yelling, "That's it, you're done, you are out of here, go home".'
She said her job loss has been a hardship, but she has no regrets. She held the job for more than five years.
'I just couldn't turn my back on that dog. My supervisor said it wasn't my concern, but animal abuse is everyone's concern who sees it.'
County animal services officials declined to comment on the incident, citing a new state law that keeps details of animal abuse cases secret.
COMMENT: What! Just when you think the "land of the free" cannot possibly get more secretive and unconcerned about injustice some inbred hick legislature always proves you wrong by coming up with another draconian law to protect the guilty. Thank God that there are also people like Lynn living in the USA as well, whose integrity in putting the welfare of "just a dog" before her own livelihood has earned her the well deserved honour of being our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
Somewhere in Reno there must be an honest employer and if God doesn't put that good person in touch with Lynn Jones, and quickly, I'm going to be having words with Him.
Thanks to the eternally soppy, Paul(A),
for sending this story into me
(Bless his little cotton socks).
A Reno-area woman says she was fired as a baggage handler at Reno-Tahoe International Airport last month after she refused to load an emaciated hunting dog on a plane. Lynn Jones of Lockwood said her supervisor told her to load the dog lying in a pet carrier because the animal's paperwork was in order and its condition wasn't her concern. But Jones, an employee of contractor Airport Terminal Services at the time, told the Reno Gazette-Journal that she couldn't put the dog on the plane for shipment to Texas because its paws were bloody and its body was covered with sores.
She said: 'Everybody who saw it, the TSA people, the airport police officers, the girls at the ticket counter, were concerned. The dog was so weak and torn up. It didn't look like it could survive the flight. I was crying. I kept saying that dog could not be put on a plane.'
She said airport police phoned Washoe County Regional Animal Services, which took custody of the dog. The animal is owned by a hunter who has it shipped to places he hunts, according to authorities. It was taken back to Texas after being nursed back to health.
Jones said she was fired on the spot on November 15, adding: '[My supervisor] kept yelling, "That's it, you're done, you are out of here, go home".'
She said her job loss has been a hardship, but she has no regrets. She held the job for more than five years.
'I just couldn't turn my back on that dog. My supervisor said it wasn't my concern, but animal abuse is everyone's concern who sees it.'
County animal services officials declined to comment on the incident, citing a new state law that keeps details of animal abuse cases secret.
COMMENT: What! Just when you think the "land of the free" cannot possibly get more secretive and unconcerned about injustice some inbred hick legislature always proves you wrong by coming up with another draconian law to protect the guilty. Thank God that there are also people like Lynn living in the USA as well, whose integrity in putting the welfare of "just a dog" before her own livelihood has earned her the well deserved honour of being our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
Somewhere in Reno there must be an honest employer and if God doesn't put that good person in touch with Lynn Jones, and quickly, I'm going to be having words with Him.
Thanks to the eternally soppy, Paul(A),
for sending this story into me
(Bless his little cotton socks).
CLINGING ON TO POWER
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Bishop Eddie Long has announced that he is taking a break from the church – just days after his wife filed for divorce. The Atlanta megachurch pastor has been embroiled in a sexual misconduct case with four young men in the last year.
“I’m still your pastor. You’ll still receive my direction,” Long told the congregation of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday.
Bishop Eddie Long has announced that he is taking a break from the church – just days after his wife filed for divorce. The Atlanta megachurch pastor has been embroiled in a sexual misconduct case with four young men in the last year.
“I’m still your pastor. You’ll still receive my direction,” Long told the congregation of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday.
DON'T DISS THE PRIEST!
From SUN STAR (Philippines):
Bartolome Fajardo, a policeman from the Pinamungahan Police Station, was relieved from his post while facing an investigation for allegedly disrespecting a priest, a police official said.
Last Sunday night Fajardo was allegedly alone in the police station and was asleep when Fr. Mark Rommel Barneso, the assistant parish priest of Sta. Monica Church, arrived. The other police officers were playing basketball against a team composed of priests. The priest wanted to report about a group of teenagers mauling a drunken man near the municipal hall around 10 p.m.
Before the chaos, Barneso said he was enjoying watching people putting up a Christmas tree in the town’s public plaza when a drunken man came and challenged everyone to a fistfight. The teenagers approached the man and pummeled him to sleep. Some persons in the plaza called for police assistance while Barneso walked away. But when he came back minutes later, he saw the same drunken man creating trouble again. Barneso decided to report the incident to the police. When he arrived in the police station, he greeted Fajardo. When he noticed the policeman was asleep, Barneso woke him up. Fajardo allegedly got mad at Barneso and asked the priest how he could respond when he was the only policeman left.
While they were arguing, people swarmed to the police station. After a teenager told Fajardo that Barneso is a priest, the policeman apologized to Barneso, who said he won’t file a complaint against the policeman.
The policeman later said he knew the priest, who was in civilian clothes and accompanied by a woman.
"Even if I did not commit a sin, someone would fabricate a sin allegedly committed me. It would be better to retire soon,” said Fajardo, who has two years left in his police service.
The police director said they will also look into the report that some of the police personnel were playing basketball.
Bartolome Fajardo, a policeman from the Pinamungahan Police Station, was relieved from his post while facing an investigation for allegedly disrespecting a priest, a police official said.
Last Sunday night Fajardo was allegedly alone in the police station and was asleep when Fr. Mark Rommel Barneso, the assistant parish priest of Sta. Monica Church, arrived. The other police officers were playing basketball against a team composed of priests. The priest wanted to report about a group of teenagers mauling a drunken man near the municipal hall around 10 p.m.
Before the chaos, Barneso said he was enjoying watching people putting up a Christmas tree in the town’s public plaza when a drunken man came and challenged everyone to a fistfight. The teenagers approached the man and pummeled him to sleep. Some persons in the plaza called for police assistance while Barneso walked away. But when he came back minutes later, he saw the same drunken man creating trouble again. Barneso decided to report the incident to the police. When he arrived in the police station, he greeted Fajardo. When he noticed the policeman was asleep, Barneso woke him up. Fajardo allegedly got mad at Barneso and asked the priest how he could respond when he was the only policeman left.
While they were arguing, people swarmed to the police station. After a teenager told Fajardo that Barneso is a priest, the policeman apologized to Barneso, who said he won’t file a complaint against the policeman.
The policeman later said he knew the priest, who was in civilian clothes and accompanied by a woman.
"Even if I did not commit a sin, someone would fabricate a sin allegedly committed me. It would be better to retire soon,” said Fajardo, who has two years left in his police service.
The police director said they will also look into the report that some of the police personnel were playing basketball.
GEORGE CONGER HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD
From CHRISTIANITY TODAY:
An 11-year-old denomination that has prided itself on its submission to majority-world leadership broke away from that leadership Monday. Amid a dispute over authority, bishops in the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA) resigned from their positions in the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
Under the (11 year) oversight of the Church of Rwanda, the South Carolina-based AMIA has grown to more than 150 congregations in the United States and Canada, with 100-plus additional church plants and mission endeavors in the works. But the 2010 retirement of Kolini, who had a strong connection with Murphy, AMIA's chairman, has precipitated a nasty turn in the relationship between the American association and Rwanda's bishops.
"It's just a sad, sad case all around," , says George Conger, a Florida-based correspondent for The Church of England Newspaper in London (the gays are Nazis rag). "There are no doctrinal or theological issues. It's not about women priests or homosexuality or race. It's entirely about egos."
COMMENT: Which, let's face it George, is what the recent schisms from official Anglicanism, that you have championed so vociferously, have all been about all along.
An 11-year-old denomination that has prided itself on its submission to majority-world leadership broke away from that leadership Monday. Amid a dispute over authority, bishops in the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA) resigned from their positions in the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
Under the (11 year) oversight of the Church of Rwanda, the South Carolina-based AMIA has grown to more than 150 congregations in the United States and Canada, with 100-plus additional church plants and mission endeavors in the works. But the 2010 retirement of Kolini, who had a strong connection with Murphy, AMIA's chairman, has precipitated a nasty turn in the relationship between the American association and Rwanda's bishops.
"It's just a sad, sad case all around," , says George Conger, a Florida-based correspondent for The Church of England Newspaper in London (the gays are Nazis rag). "There are no doctrinal or theological issues. It's not about women priests or homosexuality or race. It's entirely about egos."
COMMENT: Which, let's face it George, is what the recent schisms from official Anglicanism, that you have championed so vociferously, have all been about all along.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
WEDNESDAY
7TH.
DECEMBER
2011
ON THE FEAST OF
SAINT AMBROSE
BISHOP OF MILAN
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
MP3 File
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
OH BUGGER! IT'S CHRISTMAS
I have to say that it saddens me that so many of you are so Scrooge-like that you even look to make a profit out of Christmas cheer. I'm referring, of course, to the ridiculous requests I have received requesting that I dish out days off purgatory to those of you who listen to the beautiful seasonal selection of Crimble tunes that I go to a lot of trouble to make available for your enjoyment every year. But, people, you already have your reward! I promise you that if you diligently listen to "Oh Bugger! It's Christmas" every day it won't matter how miserable your Christmas turns out to be, it will be sheer bliss compared to the listening experience I have subjected you to. As always, your wellbeing and happiness are my primary concern. I live to serve.
ROWAN'S COVENANT OF HATE
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
BIGOTRY WITHOUT END.
AH! MEN.
From PM NEWS:
As the controversy over the law banning same sex marriage rages, the Anglican Communion of the Niger Delta North has taken a tougher stance by compelling newly ordained priests to take an oath against homosexuality and secret cult activities. Before ordaining the priests among whom were an Archdeacon, eight Canons and twelve priests, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Port Harcourt, the Most Reverend Ignatius C.O. Kattey, Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of the Niger Delta North, insisted that the priests must swear to canonical oaths in the presence of thousands of Anglican faithful. The newly ordained clergy took oath that if they get involved in the banned practices, which also include fetish practices “the wrath of Almighty God will fall upon them.”
The Archbishop warned the newly ordained clergymen to lead the life demanded of their calling as enshrined in the Holy Bible. He told them in clear terms that Anglican doctrine and the Bible abhors same sex marriage, fetish and homosexual practice.
As the controversy over the law banning same sex marriage rages, the Anglican Communion of the Niger Delta North has taken a tougher stance by compelling newly ordained priests to take an oath against homosexuality and secret cult activities. Before ordaining the priests among whom were an Archdeacon, eight Canons and twelve priests, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Port Harcourt, the Most Reverend Ignatius C.O. Kattey, Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of the Niger Delta North, insisted that the priests must swear to canonical oaths in the presence of thousands of Anglican faithful. The newly ordained clergy took oath that if they get involved in the banned practices, which also include fetish practices “the wrath of Almighty God will fall upon them.”
The Archbishop warned the newly ordained clergymen to lead the life demanded of their calling as enshrined in the Holy Bible. He told them in clear terms that Anglican doctrine and the Bible abhors same sex marriage, fetish and homosexual practice.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
PRAYER
TUESDAY
6TH.
DECEMBER
2011
ON THE
FEAST OF
SAINT NICHOLAS
OF MYRA
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
MP3 File
Monday, 5 December 2011
THE MADPRIEST GANG GRAB SOME TIME
FOR THEMSELVES IN NORFOLK
Double click (or whatever) on the photos to enlarge.
Cowper Memorial Congregational Church at EAST DEREHAM. It was built on the site of the house in which the poet, WILLIAM COWPER, died in 1800. The poet, George Borrow was born in the town.
The holy well of SAINT WITHBURGA at East Dereham.
Withburga was originally buried on this site but the evil monks of Ely stole her relics and they have never been returned.
The seven sacrament font inside ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, East Dereham. It was commissione in 1468 and cost £12 14s. 9d.
The bell tower of St. Nicholas Church was built, separate from the main church, in the mid 14th. Century.
William Cowper is buried in St. Nicholas Church.
Girls just want to have fun and the the two wicked sisters had loads of fun on Branchester Beach.
North Elmham Chapel.
In the late Saxon period North Elmham was the principal seat of the Bishops of East Anglia and the centre of a great episcopal estate. Excavations have revealed evidence for an earlier timber structure, probably the Anglo-Saxon cathedral, which went out of use when the seat of the Bishop was transferred to Thetford in 1071. Some time between 1091 and 1119 Bishop Herbert de Losinga founded a new parish church for the village and built a small private chapel for his own use on the site of the old timber church. In the 14th century, Bishop Henry le Despencer held the manor of North Elmham. He turned the chapel into a house and in 1388 obtained a royal licence to fortify. He was not a popular man, especially in Norfolk where he was despised for his merciless quashing of the Peasants’ Revolt, and this fortification suggests he felt ill at ease among his tenants. There is no record of any bishop occupying the site after Henry’s death in 1406 though manorial courts continued to be held there. When Elmham passed into the hands of the notorious Thomas Cromwell the ‘castle’ site was assigned to the vicarage and gradually fell into ruin. (ENGLISH HERITAGE)
The tower of St. Mary's Church, NORTH ELMHAM.
Saint Helen's Church, GATELEY.
I had half an hour to spare whilst I waited for a neighbour of my in-laws to turn up with a key. I popped into this church just for something to do. It turned out to be the most interesting 30 minutes of my trip. This is a truly beautiful and holy place and I recommend that anyone who finds themselves in this neck of the woods should take the opportunity to pay this little, well hidden church a visit.
There is a (14th. Century) rood screen (which somehow managed to escape the vandalism of the Reformation) with fine paintings thought to be East Anglia, which are of a local flavor. The Saints chosen for the screen are for local devotions. From left to right they are Saint Etheldreda, foundress of the Diocese of Ely shown as a nun with a Latin inscription, Scta Adria, or Saint Audrey. Next is Saint Elizabeth, also shown dressed in a nun's habit and her arms crossed as if in an echo of the Visitation, The Blessed Virgin, turned to face her cousin. A third image is of the Mistress of Ridibowne, a local devotion. Virtually nothing is known about her. Ridibowne was probably either Redbowne in Lincolnshire or Redbowne in Hertfordshire. On the other side of the screen are paintings of Saint Louis of France, Henry VI labeled in Latin as 'the Blessed Martyr Henry VI' , St Augustine and Sir John Schorne, conjuring the devil into a boot. Sir John Schorne was a clergyman, he is said to be best known for his ability to cure the gout. (WIKIPEDIA)
Oooh, yes! that's the spot.
And the dead won't mind.
Cowper Memorial Congregational Church at EAST DEREHAM. It was built on the site of the house in which the poet, WILLIAM COWPER, died in 1800. The poet, George Borrow was born in the town.
The holy well of SAINT WITHBURGA at East Dereham.
Withburga was originally buried on this site but the evil monks of Ely stole her relics and they have never been returned.
The seven sacrament font inside ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, East Dereham. It was commissione in 1468 and cost £12 14s. 9d.
The bell tower of St. Nicholas Church was built, separate from the main church, in the mid 14th. Century.
William Cowper is buried in St. Nicholas Church.
Girls just want to have fun and the the two wicked sisters had loads of fun on Branchester Beach.
North Elmham Chapel.
In the late Saxon period North Elmham was the principal seat of the Bishops of East Anglia and the centre of a great episcopal estate. Excavations have revealed evidence for an earlier timber structure, probably the Anglo-Saxon cathedral, which went out of use when the seat of the Bishop was transferred to Thetford in 1071. Some time between 1091 and 1119 Bishop Herbert de Losinga founded a new parish church for the village and built a small private chapel for his own use on the site of the old timber church. In the 14th century, Bishop Henry le Despencer held the manor of North Elmham. He turned the chapel into a house and in 1388 obtained a royal licence to fortify. He was not a popular man, especially in Norfolk where he was despised for his merciless quashing of the Peasants’ Revolt, and this fortification suggests he felt ill at ease among his tenants. There is no record of any bishop occupying the site after Henry’s death in 1406 though manorial courts continued to be held there. When Elmham passed into the hands of the notorious Thomas Cromwell the ‘castle’ site was assigned to the vicarage and gradually fell into ruin. (ENGLISH HERITAGE)
The tower of St. Mary's Church, NORTH ELMHAM.
Saint Helen's Church, GATELEY.
I had half an hour to spare whilst I waited for a neighbour of my in-laws to turn up with a key. I popped into this church just for something to do. It turned out to be the most interesting 30 minutes of my trip. This is a truly beautiful and holy place and I recommend that anyone who finds themselves in this neck of the woods should take the opportunity to pay this little, well hidden church a visit.
There is a (14th. Century) rood screen (which somehow managed to escape the vandalism of the Reformation) with fine paintings thought to be East Anglia, which are of a local flavor. The Saints chosen for the screen are for local devotions. From left to right they are Saint Etheldreda, foundress of the Diocese of Ely shown as a nun with a Latin inscription, Scta Adria, or Saint Audrey. Next is Saint Elizabeth, also shown dressed in a nun's habit and her arms crossed as if in an echo of the Visitation, The Blessed Virgin, turned to face her cousin. A third image is of the Mistress of Ridibowne, a local devotion. Virtually nothing is known about her. Ridibowne was probably either Redbowne in Lincolnshire or Redbowne in Hertfordshire. On the other side of the screen are paintings of Saint Louis of France, Henry VI labeled in Latin as 'the Blessed Martyr Henry VI' , St Augustine and Sir John Schorne, conjuring the devil into a boot. Sir John Schorne was a clergyman, he is said to be best known for his ability to cure the gout. (WIKIPEDIA)
Oooh, yes! that's the spot.
And the dead won't mind.
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