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23 July 2017
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Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.
A statue commemorating Thomas Becket (aka "Saint Thomas of Canterbury", who lived here, after he had fled from England.
Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. The nave seen here got of course remodeled as well over the time. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. Here on 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.
The cathedral is about 113 meters long.
The nave is more than 24 meters high.
Took a last minute drive upto Troup Head a couple days ago looking to hopefully find some sunshine to photograph the Gannets at the RSPB onshore colony there. Well plenty Gannets but the forecast sunshine was nowhere to be seen! Finally got some images with them flying towards me with their legs hanging down and some like this with everything extended as the steered around the cliff face looking for their own nest site amongst the 1000`s there.
Upto the end of the 18th century a large village existed here, named Salvenero. This village once had four churches at that time, I could still find two of them. Today the area around belongs to different villages and is covered by industrial zones and a large intersection.
A church existed in here 1138, when "beati Michaelis de Salvenero" was dependent on the Abbey of Vallombrosa (Tuscany). The Romanesque building of today was probably built within the 12th and 13th century. It got obviously altered and enlarged later.
Unfortunately the church was locked but it is for sure a popular church for weddings, seeing all the confetti around the portal.
Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done later. Some can be seen here. The southern tower collapsed in 1267 and got rebuilt within the next decades. The left tower still has "Romanesque windows", while the younger, right tower has already tracery windows.
Upto 1000 ft and the Northern Belle is seen in Holgate loop waiting to work a dining train to Newcastle.57313 and 57601 are the locos
Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.
Some of the stained glass windows of the cathedrals were created within early 13th century. Depicted here is the legend of Saint Eustace, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
That's right, I will take upto 10 requests for custom made minifigures - if there is any interest. I will have to charge between £10 and £20 depending on what is involed in making them (prices can be requested and fixed, I'm only interested in charging for materials and the time i spend doing them). I will have a go at most things, but it'd be nicer and easier if it was something I was particularly interested in (o: Please FM me if you are serious about an order because I am not going to waste hours on a custom which wont be bought.
Check out my photostream for examples of my work... I usually use waterslide decal or paint, sometimes sculpting parts using milliput. I've been doing this for a few years now, so my skills have improved, but there is always room for improvment. I have sold figs before and never had any complaints (o:
Like my customs? Read my blog: burakkis-bricks.blogspot.com/
...the dissatisfaction remain upto mortality... the past was or, the future would be better than the contemporary life...
____________________
Photo Taken with Canon EOS 40D & EF 135mm F2.8 SF
Taken From Pahartali Railway station, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Copyright: Abdul Aziz Apu
Contact: apu029@gmail.com
With having now visited more than 230 Kent churches, mostly in East Kent, it is difficult to find new ones to add to the list.
On a dull Saturday at the beginning of the month, and with Jools away watching Holiday on Ice or something in Brighton, I had the car and the car to myself.
So, I go to visit a church in Folkestone, only to find it locked, as most urban churches are.
But then I remembered Mersham.
Mesham is situated on the edge of Ashford, and I can see the spire of St John from the train every time I go upto London. That looks like a fine place, I think each time, I'll go there one day.
So this was to be the day.
Mesrsham is a fine village, built on the side of the downs, with the village spread out on either side of the main street.
Up a narrow dead end street is the gate to St John, with its square tower and Kentish spire beyond. You are never sure if a church is open, but I could hear voices coming from the modern vestry attached, so I had my hopes up.
Push hard said the sign on the door; so I pushed.
Hard.
And the door opened. The faces of the three wardens turned to look at me. They were clearing away the last of the festive decorations, but didn't mind me being there. In fact they pointed out many of the details of their fine church.
Most startling was the terracotta they had chosen to paint the walls of the chancel; not to everyone's taste maybe, but striking and I rather like it.
------------------------------------------
A pretty, many-gabled church with a fine short shingled spire. The church is a fourteenth-century rebuild of a Norman original that had been enlarged in the late 1200s. O slightly later date, and to be found on a tie-beam in the chancel is a carved head of Joan, Countess of Kent, who was married to the Black Prince, son of Edward III at Windsor in 1361. There is a fair amount of medieval glass, in the chancel and nave west windows whilst the screens which separate the south chapel from the chancel and south aisle are wonderful examples of seventeenth-century craftsmanship. The base comprises solid panels, the upper levels are of very closely set barley-twist balusters, and the top is of tall iron spikes. The south chapel contains many memorials to the local Knatchbull family whose ancestral home, Mersham-le-Hatch stands to the north of the village. Above the screen is a corbel of possibly thirteenth-century date which depicts a bishop, and which could be part of an earlier door or window. There is a fine Royal Arms of 1751 and a good holy water stoup by the south door with superb carving of Tudor roses.
www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Mersham
“a hide of land for a Church at Mersham” was bequeathed by ‘John Siweard and his wife Edith’ in their will dated c. 1040 AD . A church has existed on this site by 1086 AD, as recorded in the Domesday Book.
The Church was rebuilt by the Normans c.1100 AD and further rebuilding was accomplished in the second half of the fourteenth century (1350-1400 AD). The Church is substantially the same today, although over the years it has been altered and changed internally over the years to reflect the current fashions of the day.
The present church contains significant monuments to the local members of the Brabourne and Knatchbull families
www.a20churches.org.uk/mersham.htm
his is a beautiful Church although I have to admit that from the North side it did rather remind me of a Mennonite farmhouse. (For those of you who have not lived in Southern Ontario as I have, Mennonites do tend to expand their farmhouses as the family grows, usually resulting in lots of additional "bits" added onto the original building. St. John the Baptist Church at Mersham gives the same appearance). Although not actually architecturally visible, the oldest part of this Church is Norman. The South wall at the East end of the building has a thicker wall than the Western end as this once formed part of that original small Norman Church which measured only 36 feet by 25 feet. There was a Saxon Church here and the earliest documentation to confirm this was written in 1040 A.D. The Church was rebuilt in the latter half of the fourteenth century and much of the building we see today dates from that time. Even the main roof trusses and king posts in the Nave (picture top left) date from the fouteenth century.
The Church is well known for the various monuments and memorials to the Knatchbull family. The Chapel in the South East corner of the Church is know knonw as the Knatchbull Chapel although it was original The Lady Chapel. Under the floor at the East end of the Chapel is the Knatchbull family vault and there is also an area on the South side of the churchyard where there also additional Knatchbull family graves. More than one member of the family presided as a magistrate at the local Quarter Sessions and are already mentioned briefly on my smuggling pages. Certain of these memorials to this family are rather interesting for genealogists and you will find additional detail on the next page (see below).
In the Chancel there is some fine oak paneling said to date in one reference from the 14th Century but carrying a date carved into one section in the early 17th Century and some unusual altar rails which do date from the 17th Century. The Church also has some unusual and attractive ancient glass and the tracery in the West window is most unusual containing parts from two different styles of architecture.
When I was in the Church, there were works of art by local children proudly adorning the screen to the Knatchbull Chapel which at least shows that this delightful building is still playing a regular part in the daily lives of this country community. It was also nice to think that two centuries ago, members of my own direct family were being baptised in this Church.
www.kentresources.co.uk/mersham-sjb1.htm
MERSHAM is within the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese of Canterbury, and deanry of Limne.
¶The church, which is dedicated to St. John Baptist, consists of two isles and two chancels, having a handsome square tower at the west end, in which are five bells. In the north window of the high chancel is the figure of a bishop, with his mitre and crosier, praying, and the figure of a saint, with the dragon under his feet. On the rector's pew is carved in wood, a coat of arms, being A fess, in chief, three balls. In this chancel is a memorial for Elizabeth, widow of William Legg, of New Sarum, and mother of dame Grace, wife of Sir Edward Knatchbull, bart. obt. 1771; and several monuments and memorials for the Knatchbull family. The south chancel belongs to them, in which are several monuments and memorials of them, particularly a most superb one for Sir Norton Knatchbull, who died in 1636, having his figure in full proportion lying on it, and above that of his lady kneeling in a praying posture, under a canopy supported by two figures; above are the arms of Knatchbull impaling Ashley; underneath this chancel is a large vault, in which this family lie buried. A monument for Margaret Collyns, daughter of Thomas Tourney, gent. and wife of William Collyns, gent. obt. 1595; arms, Vert, a griffin, or, gerged with a ducal coronet, argent, impaling Tourney. In the north isle are several memorials for the Boys's, of this parish; for Richard Knatchbull, esq. and for Mary Franklyn, obt. 1763. In the west window, which is very large, nearly the whole breadth of the isle, and consists of many compartments, are eight figures of men, pretty entire, and much remains of other painted glass in the other parts of it. The arms of Septvans and Fogge were formerly in one of the windows of the high chancel.
The church of Mersham was formerly appendant to the manor, and belonged with it to the convent of Christ-church; but when the survey of Domesday was taken in the year 1080, it appears to have been in the possession of the archbishop, with whom the manor did not continue long before it was again vested in the convent; but the advowson of the rectory remained with the archbishop, and has continued parcel of the possessions of the see of Canterbury to this time, his grace the archbishop being the present patron of it.
This rectory is valued in the king's books at 26l. 16s. 10½d. and the yearly tenths, which are now payable to the crown-receiver, at 2l. 13s. 8¼d.
In 1578 here were communicants two hundred and forty-seven. In 1640, one hundred and eighty, and it was valued at eighty pounds.
As you go upto the Ptarmigan Tunnel in GNP, you a see a completely different landscape on the other side of the tunnel. Only about 100 footsteps beyond the tunnel is this amazing view of an existing glacier as see in the background (as of 2017), which many hikers doesn't know. Thanks to a ranger who told us about this.
Two Hino / McNeilus rear loaders were imported from Europe to Melbourne Australia. Eventually one of these Hino / McNeilus combos made its way upto Sydney to be utilised by Cozens Paper Recycling. Originally this truck was on a Manual Hino and the compactor had no bin lifter on it so it was dedicated to Cardboard Bale collections. Sometime around 2021 the McNeilus body was taken off the Hino and fitted ontop of a new 8x4 Isuzu FYH and the body was refurbished and given a fresh coat of paint and signage aswell as having a custom bin lifter made to tuck under the bowl which is essential for jobs which require backing upto loading docks. The Original Hino was kept and has had a hook lift frame fitted to service the company’s growing compactor work. I actually had the pleasure of working on this truck for around 3 months and was very impressed with the packing capability’s and strength of the hydraulics essentially eating 220kg+ cardboard bales like they where nothing and packing on excellent loads (Around 10T from memory). There was only 4 somewhat down falls I could mention about this truck being; 1 - Hard to source parts for in Australia, 2 - While having a large 8x4 is good for weight and packing ability it also has some limitations and difficulties on where you can take it, Some places we serviced would of been much easier and less narrow in a 6x4. 3 - The Isuzu had sufficient horse power and could pull a good load but once you started to reach the full / packed out stage the truck would start to struggle abit particularly up hill. It’d be nice if it had that extra little boost to it but overall it isnt to big of an issue. 4 - The thing that annoyed me most about this truck is the custom bin lifter. While it was good that the lifter tucked under the body it was as also frustrating getting used the lifter control buttons which at the time where set abit to fast so bins would often go up or down to fast and slam against the top of the hopper this was particularly annoying at night when trying to be quite, Also that when putting 240L bins on the lifter they didn’t sit on the teeth like a 240L normally would ( People who have used Urbins, JP5, Spaks, Garwoods know what I’m talking about ) which was rather annoying to cause when you go to raise the lifter abit they’d sometimes kick back. I would have loved to have the lifter slowed down abit or have a leaver to manually control it instead of buttons and it would have been a perfect set up. Overall it was a great truck to use hopefully I can manage to grab a video of this truck eating some bales one day.
New toy.
Light meter to be used with my Mamiya 645 (most likey my DSLR too). It can meter upto 30minutes, as well as having a true 1 degree reflective spot meter. As well as being a studio/flash metering allowing you to take reading with studio/strobe lights. Where as the light meter in say a SLR/DSLR is a reflexive light meter (which takes readings from the light which is reflexed back from the scene) where as incident light meter takes a reading from the light which is falling on the subject. (To take an exposure reading instead of pointing the meter at the subject, as one does with in-camera and reflected meters, you instead place the meter in the same light as the subject). Although you must be in the same light as what you are shooting (That's why in movies or TV, you see the photographer's assistant holding the meter right up alongside the face of the model and taking readings)
For more info on metering check out : www.flickr.com/groups/manual/discuss/146410/
Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. By then the early Gothic style had developed, so parts of the facade got remodeled end of the 13th century.
This is the northern portal of the facade, probably created end of the 12th century. It was dedicated to John the Baptist. The three scenes seen on the lower tier of the tympanum are the baptism of Jesus, Salome dancing in Herod´s palace, the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.
It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.
It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.
Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. By then the early Gothic style had developed, so parts of the facade got remodeled end of the 13th century.
The main portal of the facade, maybe a little younger than the western one but in the main parts created before the southern tower collapsed.
I found the two sides most interesting, though they are pretty weathered.
The upper tier has "arts" - dialectic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry etc. The lower tier has "nature" including some strange, exotic animals.
Here is a mermaid. Mermaids are much more common, than the monopod from the previous upload.
The mighty Temblor range, lying on the southwestern side of the Central Valley, rises from the plains in a mass of mountains. And within its deep folds, it hides the intimidating fault lines of the San Andreas fault.
For the most part of the year, it is a dry and dusty range, crossed on by travelers heading east-west on the scenic SR-58 who barely give it a passing mention. But come spring, the mountains are given a shiny new coat of paint, mostly yellow along its south-western face. Vast swaths of goldfields dominate the western faces of the long range shrouding a gold color on them.
South of it lies the Caliente range, and the open ranch of Cottonwood Canyon, which too gets its love of goldfields. This year, it was quite spectacular. Among the seemingly millions of goldfield plants, bright purple lupines, tiny blue dicks and orange fiddlenecks also jostle for space forming a psychadelic mixture of colors.
Driving along the private road, I came upto this viewpoint where a hill drops off sharply on the other side, with the Caliente range rising behind it. The topping of goldfields was all that was needed to complete this shot. Shot with a telephoto lens @ ISO 400, F9 @1/800s and at 300mm. Do view it large.
Further shots below are examples of the other wildflowers seen there. But the yellows dominated this place.
Cottonwood Canyon
CA USA
Another Shot of TKD Dual Cab EMD WDP4D 40026 That would be hauling my Chhatisgarh Expressall way upto Amritsar
Field Trip - Bramfield Park Woods - 23/06/19
A cracker of a night was had at Bramfield Park Woods on Sunday night, with 3 traps run 50m apart and a further one MV trap run in a different part of the wood.
The day was cloudy and warm, upto 24 degrees and the evening looked spot on for a good session.
As always something just had to put that doubt in my mind, as I finished setting up my traps, it started spitting! and the sky looked extremely angry and storm like... plastic bags over the electrics and rain covers on the traps ASAP, it was like some sort of military operation!
Thankfully, those spots of rain came to nothing, it was a little breezy in certain places around the wood, but 3 out of 4 of the traps were tucked away nicely out of the wind, and with complete cloud cover...what else could go wrong.
It didn't take long to get in a muddle with writing the moths down, as they arrived in quick succession, and the interesting and more unusual moths were potted up as a priority, quite hard to do when you are getting bombed by so many moths.
There must have easily been 300 moths per trap, plus all of the ones sitting in the grass and you are looking at upwards of 1500 moths.
I ran the traps from 9:30pm until 2:30am where I was absolutely frazzled from tiredness.
Driving home, the car temperature gauge confirmed why it was such a good night, 16 degrees is what it was at 3am!
In total 194 species were recorded over 5 hours.
Big numbers of certain species were 25x Grey Arches, 35x Great Oak Beauty and over 100 Aleimma loeflingiana.
Species of note were 2x Beautiful Carpet (New for me), Ancylis diminutana, Apotomis capreana, Argyresthia pygmaeella (New for me), Cosmiotes stabilella, Epinotia fraternana (New for me), Euspilapteryx auroguttella, Pseudosciaphila branderiana (New for me) and Scoparia subfusca.
Here is the total list
Macro Moths : 93 species
Micro Moths : 101 species
Total : 194 species
Catch Report - 23/06/19 - Bramfield Park Woods - Hertfordshire - 2x 125w MV Robinson Trap, 1x 250w MV Clear Robinson Trap & 1x 160w Mercury Blended Robinson Trap - 4 traps in total
Macro Moths
Barred Straw
Barred Yellow
Beautiful Carpet [NEW]
Beautiful Hook-tip
Bird's Wing
Blood-vein
Blotched Emerald
Bordered White
Bright-line Brown-eye
Brimstone Moth
Brindled White-spot
Brown Rustic
Brown Silver lines
Buff Ermine
Buff Footman
Buff-tip
Cinnabar
Clay Triple-lines
Clouded Border
Clouded Brindle
Clouded Silver
Common Carpet
Common Emerald
Common Swift
Common Wainscot
Common Wave
Common White Wave
Coronet
Dark Arches
Double Square-spot
Dun-bar
Dusky Brocade
Elephant Hawk-moth
Engrailed
Flame Shoulder
Gold Swift
Great Oak Beauty
Green Carpet
Green Pug
Green Silver-lines
Grey Arches
Heart & Club
Heart & Dart
Ingrailed Clay
Iron Prominent
July Highflyer
Large Nutmeg
Large Yellow Underwing
Leopard Moth
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Light Arches
Light Emerald
Lobster Moth
Marbled Brown
Marbled Minor
Marbled White Spot
Middle-barred Minor
Minor Shoulder-knot
Mottled Beauty
Mottled Pug
Orange Footman
Pale Oak Beauty
Pale Prominent
Peach Blossom
Peacock Moth
Peppered moth
Poplar Hawk-moth
Poplar Lutestring
Purple Clay
Riband Wave
Rosy Footman
Rufous Minor
Scarce Silver-lines
Scorched wing
Setaceous Hebrew Character
Silver-ground Carpet
Silver-Y
Slender Pug
Small Dotted Buff
Small Fan-foot
Small Fan-footed Wave
Small White Wave
Small Yellow Wave
Smoky Wainscot
Snout
Straw Dot
Tawny Marbled Minor
Tawny-barred Angle
Treble Brown Spot
Uncertain
Vine's Rustic
White Ermine
White-point
Micro Moths
Acleris notana/ferrugana
Acleris schalleriana
Acrobasis repandana
Agapeta hamana
Agonopterix arenella
Aleimma loefligiana
Anania hortulata
Anania lancealis
Ancylis diminutana
Aphelia paleana
Aphomia sociella
Apotomis capreana
Apotomis turbidana
Archips craetagana
Archips podana
Archips xylosteana
Argyresthia brockeella
Argyresthia goedartella
Argyresthia pruniella
Argyresthia pygmaeella [NEW]
Argyresthia retinella
Assara terebrella
Bactra sp
Batia lunaris
Blastobasis lacticolella
Blastodacna hellerella
Caloptilia alchimiella robustella
Carcina quercana
Carpatolechia fugitivella
Celypha cespitana
Celypha lacunana
Chrysoteuchia culmella
Clepsis consimiliana
Cochylis atricapitana
Cochylis nana
Coleophora sp
Cosmiotes stabilella
Crambus lathoniellus
Crambus pascuella
Crassa unitella
Cydia fagiglandana
Cydia pomonella
Ditula angustiorana
Ectoedemia sp
Elophila nymphaeata
Emmetia marginea
Epagoge grotiana
Epermenia falciformis
Ephestia sp
Epinotia bilunana
Epinotia demarniana
Epinotia fraternana [NEW]
Epinotia immundana
Epinotia signatana
Epinotia tedella
Eucosma cana
Eucosma hohenwartiana
Eudonia lacustrata
Euspilapteryx auroguttella
Euzophera pinguis
Exoteleia dodecella
Gypsonoma dealbana
Gypsonoma sociana
Hedya nubiferana
Hedya pruniana
Hedya salicella
Hypsopygia costalis
Lathronympha strigana
Metzneriana metzeriana
Mompha ochraceella
Morophaga choragella
Nemophora deegerella
Notocelia cynosbatella
Notocelia roborana
Notocelia trimaculana
Notocelia uddmanniana
Ostrinia nubilalis
Pammene argyrana
Pandemis cerasana
Pandemis heparana
Parachronistis albiceps
Parornix sp
Phtheochroa inopiana
Phycita roborella
Phyllonorycter coryli
Plutella xylostella
Prays fraxinella
Pseudargyrotoza conwagana
Pseudosciaphila branderiana [NEW]
Ptherochroa inopiana
Rhodophaea formosa
Scoparia ambigualis
Scoparia pyralella
Scoparia subfusca
Spilonota ocellana
Stephensia brunnichella
Syncopacma sp
Teleoides luculella
Teleoides vulgella
Tortrix viridana
Udea olivalis
It seems everyone's *upto it this Spring :S
While people greet the Spring with haunting glee, it seems I'm trapped in my domicile with an insatiable thirst for c-grade selfies after the surgical extraction of my wisdom teeth yesterday :( Lord I need an exorcism.
God knows how those Garo men live in their matriarchal societies. I'm already missing my afternoon walk through the chasm of my Old Dhaka neighborhood.
...and, unwillingly so, I've a confession to make. It seems taking selfies can be hard as...err...(lets no swear) "Silicone Carbide"...especially if you've mounted a 560 g 'ultrawide' on your camera and have to press the shutter, handheld.
The pain is settling in...and I've got Fluid Machinery to read...
"Why is Pelton Wheel considered an Impulse Turbine without any axial thrust?"
-How the F am I supposed to know?
I'm getting out tomorrow with or without my cheek swelling up like Hindenburg. এসপার or ওসপার
Want to see my ailment in all it's large and black glory?
I dare you.
Asea Brown Boveri Ltd (ABB) manufactured WAP5 30006 of Ghaziabad (GZB) arriving Howrah with 12312 (KLK-HWH) Kalka Mail. This is the only WAP5 in my photostream, so I dedicate this photograph to my friends SIDDHARTHA DA & SARBAMIT DA, who have encouraged me in railfanning upto my MPS !!!!!!
After our blustery stop at Camber, it was a short drive to Rye.
Rye was just waking up, after their biggest night of the year; the Rye Bonfire night. Indeed, down by the roundabout, the remains of the bonfire was still smoldering, and people were arriving to dampen it down.
Up the steep path upto the Citadel, to one of the town gates, still standing.
We walked up towards the High Street, hoping to find a place open where we could get a coffee. It was 5 to ten, and so we had a few minutes wait until one of the tea rooms opened.
Once we had a coffee, we wandered round the town, and each minute the town was filling up, as people who overnighted made ready to go home.
-------------------------------------------------
Rye is a small town in the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, England, which stands approximately two miles from the open sea and is at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede. In medieval times, however, as an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel and almost entirely surrounded by the sea.
Rye is officially a civil parish but with its historic roots has the status of a town; at the 2011 census it had a population of 4773.[2] During its history its association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the King in time of war, and being involved with smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang who used its inns such as The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, connected by secret passageway.
Those historic roots and its charm[3] make it a tourist destination, and much of its economy is based on that: there are a number of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms and restaurants,[4] as well as other attractions, catering for the visitor. There is a small fishing fleet, and Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels.
The name of Rye is believed to come from rie meaning a bank[dubious – discuss].[5] Medieval maps show that Rye was originally located on a huge embayment of the English Channel called the Rye Camber, which provided a safe anchorage and harbour. Probably as early as Roman times, Rye was important as a place of shipment and storage of iron from the Wealden Iron Industry. The Mermaid Inn originally dates to 1156.
Rye, as part of the Saxon Manor of Rameslie, was given to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy by King Æthelred; it was to remain in Norman hands until 1247.
As one of the two "Antient Townes" (Winchelsea being the other), Rye was to become a limb of the Cinque Ports Confederation by 1189, and subsequently a full member. The protection of the town as one of the Cinque Ports was very important, due to the commerce that trading brought. One of the oldest buildings in Rye is Ypres Tower, which was built in 1249 as "Baddings Tower", to defend the town from the French, and was later named after its owner John de Ypres. It is now part of the Rye Museum.[6] Rye received its charter from King Edward I in 1289, and acquired privileges and tax exemptions in return for ship-service for the crown. The "Landgate" (the only surviving one of four original fortified entrances to Rye) dates from 1329 in the early years of the reign of King Edward III. It is still the only vehicular route into the medieval centre of Rye and is suitable only for light vehicles. In 2015, some 25 tonnes of pigeon excrement that had built up had to be removed from Landgate Arch for fear of damaging the ancient structure.[7]
The River Rother originally took an easterly course to flow into the sea near what is now New Romney. However, the violent storms in the 13th century (particularly in 1250 and 1287) cut the town off from the sea, destroyed Old Winchelsea and changed the course of the Rother. Then the sea and the river combined in about 1375 to destroy the eastern part of the town and ships began use the current area (the Strand) to unload their cargoes. Two years later the town was sacked and burnt by the French, and it was ordered that the town walls be completed,[8] as a defence against foreign raiders.
Rye was considered one of the finest of the Cinque Ports even though constant work had to be done to stop the gradual silting-up of the river and the harbour. There was also a conflict of interest between the maritime interests and the landowners, who gradually "inned" or reclaimed land from the sea on Romney and Walland Marsh and thus reduced the tidal-flows that were supposed to keep the harbour free of silt.[9] Acts of Parliament had to be passed to enable the Rother to be kept navigable at all.
With the coming of bigger ships and larger deepwater ports, Rye's economy began to decline, and fishing and particularly smuggling (including owling, the smuggling of wool) became more important. Imposition of taxes on goods had encouraged smuggling since 1301, but by the end of the 17th century it became widespread throughout Kent and Sussex, with wool being the largest commodity. When luxury goods were also added, smuggling became a criminal pursuit, and groups - such as the Hawkhurst Gang who met in The Mermaid Inn in Rye - turned to murder and were subsequently hanged.
Since 1803 there have been lifeboats stationed at Rye[10] although the lifeboat station is now at Rye Harbour approx 2 miles (3.2 km) down-river from the town.[11] The worst disaster in its history occurred in 1928, when the Mary Stanford Lifeboat sank with all hands. The incident is recorded by a tablet at Winchelsea church, by the imposing memorial at Rye Harbour Church and by the folk-song The Mary Stanford of Rye.[12] A new RNLB Mary Stanford was commissioned by the RNLI two years later and stationed at Ballycotton on the coast of Ireland.
Between 1696 and 1948 there have been six ships of the Royal Navy to bear the name HMS Rye.
During the 1803-1805 Napoleonic invasion threat, Rye, Dover and Chatham were regarded as the three most likely Invasion Ports[13] and Rye became the western Command centre for the Royal Military Canal. The canal was planned from Pett Level to Hythe as a defence against a possible French invasion. How a 20-metre ditch was supposed to have stopped the finest army in Europe, which had already crossed all of Europe's great rivers at one time or another, was not clear. In the event, the canal was not completed until long after the need for it had passed.
From 1838-1889 Rye had their own Borough Police force.[14] The Borough Police force was a small force, often with just two officers. Rye police frequently had difficulties on Bonfire night (5 November) and special constables were recruited to help deal with the problems bonfire gangs caused. After amalgamation with the County Force in 1889 a new police station was provided in Church Square.[15] In 1892 the strength of the town police, now amalgamated, was one sergeant and three constables.[16]
In May 1940, during the darkest days of World War II, the Rye fishing fleet was invited to participate in Operation Dynamo, the seaborne rescue of the stranded British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, but refused to do so.[17]
Paul Monod's book The Murder of Mr Grebell: Madness and Civility in an English Town (2003) begins with the murder of a justice of the peace in Rye in 1743, considering its background as far back as the Reformation, then looks at events in the town over the next two hundred years.
Field Trip - Bramfield Park Woods - 23/06/19
A cracker of a night was had at Bramfield Park Woods on Sunday night, with 3 traps run 50m apart and a further one MV trap run in a different part of the wood.
The day was cloudy and warm, upto 24 degrees and the evening looked spot on for a good session.
As always something just had to put that doubt in my mind, as I finished setting up my traps, it started spitting! and the sky looked extremely angry and storm like... plastic bags over the electrics and rain covers on the traps ASAP, it was like some sort of military operation!
Thankfully, those spots of rain came to nothing, it was a little breezy in certain places around the wood, but 3 out of 4 of the traps were tucked away nicely out of the wind, and with complete cloud cover...what else could go wrong.
It didn't take long to get in a muddle with writing the moths down, as they arrived in quick succession, and the interesting and more unusual moths were potted up as a priority, quite hard to do when you are getting bombed by so many moths.
There must have easily been 300 moths per trap, plus all of the ones sitting in the grass and you are looking at upwards of 1500 moths.
I ran the traps from 9:30pm until 2:30am where I was absolutely frazzled from tiredness.
Driving home, the car temperature gauge confirmed why it was such a good night, 16 degrees is what it was at 3am!
In total 194 species were recorded over 5 hours.
Big numbers of certain species were 25x Grey Arches, 35x Great Oak Beauty and over 100 Aleimma loeflingiana.
Species of note were 2x Beautiful Carpet (New for me), Ancylis diminutana, Apotomis capreana, Argyresthia pygmaeella (New for me), Cosmiotes stabilella, Epinotia fraternana (New for me), Euspilapteryx auroguttella, Pseudosciaphila branderiana (New for me) and Scoparia subfusca.
Here is the total list
Macro Moths : 93 species
Micro Moths : 101 species
Total : 194 species
Catch Report - 23/06/19 - Bramfield Park Woods - Hertfordshire - 2x 125w MV Robinson Trap, 1x 250w MV Clear Robinson Trap & 1x 160w Mercury Blended Robinson Trap - 4 traps in total
Macro Moths
Barred Straw
Barred Yellow
Beautiful Carpet [NEW]
Beautiful Hook-tip
Bird's Wing
Blood-vein
Blotched Emerald
Bordered White
Bright-line Brown-eye
Brimstone Moth
Brindled White-spot
Brown Rustic
Brown Silver lines
Buff Ermine
Buff Footman
Buff-tip
Cinnabar
Clay Triple-lines
Clouded Border
Clouded Brindle
Clouded Silver
Common Carpet
Common Emerald
Common Swift
Common Wainscot
Common Wave
Common White Wave
Coronet
Dark Arches
Double Square-spot
Dun-bar
Dusky Brocade
Elephant Hawk-moth
Engrailed
Flame Shoulder
Gold Swift
Great Oak Beauty
Green Carpet
Green Pug
Green Silver-lines
Grey Arches
Heart & Club
Heart & Dart
Ingrailed Clay
Iron Prominent
July Highflyer
Large Nutmeg
Large Yellow Underwing
Leopard Moth
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Light Arches
Light Emerald
Lobster Moth
Marbled Brown
Marbled Minor
Marbled White Spot
Middle-barred Minor
Minor Shoulder-knot
Mottled Beauty
Mottled Pug
Orange Footman
Pale Oak Beauty
Pale Prominent
Peach Blossom
Peacock Moth
Peppered moth
Poplar Hawk-moth
Poplar Lutestring
Purple Clay
Riband Wave
Rosy Footman
Rufous Minor
Scarce Silver-lines
Scorched wing
Setaceous Hebrew Character
Silver-ground Carpet
Silver-Y
Slender Pug
Small Dotted Buff
Small Fan-foot
Small Fan-footed Wave
Small White Wave
Small Yellow Wave
Smoky Wainscot
Snout
Straw Dot
Tawny Marbled Minor
Tawny-barred Angle
Treble Brown Spot
Uncertain
Vine's Rustic
White Ermine
White-point
Micro Moths
Acleris notana/ferrugana
Acleris schalleriana
Acrobasis repandana
Agapeta hamana
Agonopterix arenella
Aleimma loefligiana
Anania hortulata
Anania lancealis
Ancylis diminutana
Aphelia paleana
Aphomia sociella
Apotomis capreana
Apotomis turbidana
Archips craetagana
Archips podana
Archips xylosteana
Argyresthia brockeella
Argyresthia goedartella
Argyresthia pruniella
Argyresthia pygmaeella [NEW]
Argyresthia retinella
Assara terebrella
Bactra sp
Batia lunaris
Blastobasis lacticolella
Blastodacna hellerella
Caloptilia alchimiella robustella
Carcina quercana
Carpatolechia fugitivella
Celypha cespitana
Celypha lacunana
Chrysoteuchia culmella
Clepsis consimiliana
Cochylis atricapitana
Cochylis nana
Coleophora sp
Cosmiotes stabilella
Crambus lathoniellus
Crambus pascuella
Crassa unitella
Cydia fagiglandana
Cydia pomonella
Ditula angustiorana
Ectoedemia sp
Elophila nymphaeata
Emmetia marginea
Epagoge grotiana
Epermenia falciformis
Ephestia sp
Epinotia bilunana
Epinotia demarniana
Epinotia fraternana [NEW]
Epinotia immundana
Epinotia signatana
Epinotia tedella
Eucosma cana
Eucosma hohenwartiana
Eudonia lacustrata
Euspilapteryx auroguttella
Euzophera pinguis
Exoteleia dodecella
Gypsonoma dealbana
Gypsonoma sociana
Hedya nubiferana
Hedya pruniana
Hedya salicella
Hypsopygia costalis
Lathronympha strigana
Metzneriana metzeriana
Mompha ochraceella
Morophaga choragella
Nemophora deegerella
Notocelia cynosbatella
Notocelia roborana
Notocelia trimaculana
Notocelia uddmanniana
Ostrinia nubilalis
Pammene argyrana
Pandemis cerasana
Pandemis heparana
Parachronistis albiceps
Parornix sp
Phtheochroa inopiana
Phycita roborella
Phyllonorycter coryli
Plutella xylostella
Prays fraxinella
Pseudargyrotoza conwagana
Pseudosciaphila branderiana [NEW]
Ptherochroa inopiana
Rhodophaea formosa
Scoparia ambigualis
Scoparia pyralella
Scoparia subfusca
Spilonota ocellana
Stephensia brunnichella
Syncopacma sp
Teleoides luculella
Teleoides vulgella
Tortrix viridana
Udea olivalis
A quick trip upto north Cornwall to see this quarry on the cliffs near Trebarwith Strand.
My website - & - Facebook page
After our blustery stop at Camber, it was a short drive to Rye.
Rye was just waking up, after their biggest night of the year; the Rye Bonfire night. Indeed, down by the roundabout, the remains of the bonfire was still smoldering, and people were arriving to dampen it down.
Up the steep path upto the Citadel, to one of the town gates, still standing.
We walked up towards the High Street, hoping to find a place open where we could get a coffee. It was 5 to ten, and so we had a few minutes wait until one of the tea rooms opened.
Once we had a coffee, we wandered round the town, and each minute the town was filling up, as people who overnighted made ready to go home.
-------------------------------------------------
Rye is a small town in the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, England, which stands approximately two miles from the open sea and is at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede. In medieval times, however, as an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel and almost entirely surrounded by the sea.
Rye is officially a civil parish but with its historic roots has the status of a town; at the 2011 census it had a population of 4773.[2] During its history its association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the King in time of war, and being involved with smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang who used its inns such as The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, connected by secret passageway.
Those historic roots and its charm[3] make it a tourist destination, and much of its economy is based on that: there are a number of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms and restaurants,[4] as well as other attractions, catering for the visitor. There is a small fishing fleet, and Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels.
The name of Rye is believed to come from rie meaning a bank[dubious – discuss].[5] Medieval maps show that Rye was originally located on a huge embayment of the English Channel called the Rye Camber, which provided a safe anchorage and harbour. Probably as early as Roman times, Rye was important as a place of shipment and storage of iron from the Wealden Iron Industry. The Mermaid Inn originally dates to 1156.
Rye, as part of the Saxon Manor of Rameslie, was given to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy by King Æthelred; it was to remain in Norman hands until 1247.
As one of the two "Antient Townes" (Winchelsea being the other), Rye was to become a limb of the Cinque Ports Confederation by 1189, and subsequently a full member. The protection of the town as one of the Cinque Ports was very important, due to the commerce that trading brought. One of the oldest buildings in Rye is Ypres Tower, which was built in 1249 as "Baddings Tower", to defend the town from the French, and was later named after its owner John de Ypres. It is now part of the Rye Museum.[6] Rye received its charter from King Edward I in 1289, and acquired privileges and tax exemptions in return for ship-service for the crown. The "Landgate" (the only surviving one of four original fortified entrances to Rye) dates from 1329 in the early years of the reign of King Edward III. It is still the only vehicular route into the medieval centre of Rye and is suitable only for light vehicles. In 2015, some 25 tonnes of pigeon excrement that had built up had to be removed from Landgate Arch for fear of damaging the ancient structure.[7]
The River Rother originally took an easterly course to flow into the sea near what is now New Romney. However, the violent storms in the 13th century (particularly in 1250 and 1287) cut the town off from the sea, destroyed Old Winchelsea and changed the course of the Rother. Then the sea and the river combined in about 1375 to destroy the eastern part of the town and ships began use the current area (the Strand) to unload their cargoes. Two years later the town was sacked and burnt by the French, and it was ordered that the town walls be completed,[8] as a defence against foreign raiders.
Rye was considered one of the finest of the Cinque Ports even though constant work had to be done to stop the gradual silting-up of the river and the harbour. There was also a conflict of interest between the maritime interests and the landowners, who gradually "inned" or reclaimed land from the sea on Romney and Walland Marsh and thus reduced the tidal-flows that were supposed to keep the harbour free of silt.[9] Acts of Parliament had to be passed to enable the Rother to be kept navigable at all.
With the coming of bigger ships and larger deepwater ports, Rye's economy began to decline, and fishing and particularly smuggling (including owling, the smuggling of wool) became more important. Imposition of taxes on goods had encouraged smuggling since 1301, but by the end of the 17th century it became widespread throughout Kent and Sussex, with wool being the largest commodity. When luxury goods were also added, smuggling became a criminal pursuit, and groups - such as the Hawkhurst Gang who met in The Mermaid Inn in Rye - turned to murder and were subsequently hanged.
Since 1803 there have been lifeboats stationed at Rye[10] although the lifeboat station is now at Rye Harbour approx 2 miles (3.2 km) down-river from the town.[11] The worst disaster in its history occurred in 1928, when the Mary Stanford Lifeboat sank with all hands. The incident is recorded by a tablet at Winchelsea church, by the imposing memorial at Rye Harbour Church and by the folk-song The Mary Stanford of Rye.[12] A new RNLB Mary Stanford was commissioned by the RNLI two years later and stationed at Ballycotton on the coast of Ireland.
Between 1696 and 1948 there have been six ships of the Royal Navy to bear the name HMS Rye.
During the 1803-1805 Napoleonic invasion threat, Rye, Dover and Chatham were regarded as the three most likely Invasion Ports[13] and Rye became the western Command centre for the Royal Military Canal. The canal was planned from Pett Level to Hythe as a defence against a possible French invasion. How a 20-metre ditch was supposed to have stopped the finest army in Europe, which had already crossed all of Europe's great rivers at one time or another, was not clear. In the event, the canal was not completed until long after the need for it had passed.
From 1838-1889 Rye had their own Borough Police force.[14] The Borough Police force was a small force, often with just two officers. Rye police frequently had difficulties on Bonfire night (5 November) and special constables were recruited to help deal with the problems bonfire gangs caused. After amalgamation with the County Force in 1889 a new police station was provided in Church Square.[15] In 1892 the strength of the town police, now amalgamated, was one sergeant and three constables.[16]
In May 1940, during the darkest days of World War II, the Rye fishing fleet was invited to participate in Operation Dynamo, the seaborne rescue of the stranded British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, but refused to do so.[17]
Paul Monod's book The Murder of Mr Grebell: Madness and Civility in an English Town (2003) begins with the murder of a justice of the peace in Rye in 1743, considering its background as far back as the Reformation, then looks at events in the town over the next two hundred years.
top: new style SEPA AS fits upto 150lbs, USA wrestling brand new AS fits up to 150lbs, Area 11 qualifier AXS fits upto 130-140lbs
Bottem: old style SEPA YM fits upto 95-100lbs, Marines YM fits upto 100ish lbs, Bucks county wrestling club YL fits upto 100-110lbs, 1970 old style Strayer singlet
With having now visited more than 230 Kent churches, mostly in East Kent, it is difficult to find new ones to add to the list.
On a dull Saturday at the beginning of the month, and with Jools away watching Holiday on Ice or something in Brighton, I had the car and the car to myself.
So, I go to visit a church in Folkestone, only to find it locked, as most urban churches are.
But then I remembered Mersham.
Mesham is situated on the edge of Ashford, and I can see the spire of St John from the train every time I go upto London. That looks like a fine place, I think each time, I'll go there one day.
So this was to be the day.
Mesrsham is a fine village, built on the side of the downs, with the village spread out on either side of the main street.
Up a narrow dead end street is the gate to St John, with its square tower and Kentish spire beyond. You are never sure if a church is open, but I could hear voices coming from the modern vestry attached, so I had my hopes up.
Push hard said the sign on the door; so I pushed.
Hard.
And the door opened. The faces of the three wardens turned to look at me. They were clearing away the last of the festive decorations, but didn't mind me being there. In fact they pointed out many of the details of their fine church.
Most startling was the terracotta they had chosen to paint the walls of the chancel; not to everyone's taste maybe, but striking and I rather like it.
------------------------------------------
A pretty, many-gabled church with a fine short shingled spire. The church is a fourteenth-century rebuild of a Norman original that had been enlarged in the late 1200s. O slightly later date, and to be found on a tie-beam in the chancel is a carved head of Joan, Countess of Kent, who was married to the Black Prince, son of Edward III at Windsor in 1361. There is a fair amount of medieval glass, in the chancel and nave west windows whilst the screens which separate the south chapel from the chancel and south aisle are wonderful examples of seventeenth-century craftsmanship. The base comprises solid panels, the upper levels are of very closely set barley-twist balusters, and the top is of tall iron spikes. The south chapel contains many memorials to the local Knatchbull family whose ancestral home, Mersham-le-Hatch stands to the north of the village. Above the screen is a corbel of possibly thirteenth-century date which depicts a bishop, and which could be part of an earlier door or window. There is a fine Royal Arms of 1751 and a good holy water stoup by the south door with superb carving of Tudor roses.
www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Mersham
“a hide of land for a Church at Mersham” was bequeathed by ‘John Siweard and his wife Edith’ in their will dated c. 1040 AD . A church has existed on this site by 1086 AD, as recorded in the Domesday Book.
The Church was rebuilt by the Normans c.1100 AD and further rebuilding was accomplished in the second half of the fourteenth century (1350-1400 AD). The Church is substantially the same today, although over the years it has been altered and changed internally over the years to reflect the current fashions of the day.
The present church contains significant monuments to the local members of the Brabourne and Knatchbull families
www.a20churches.org.uk/mersham.htm
his is a beautiful Church although I have to admit that from the North side it did rather remind me of a Mennonite farmhouse. (For those of you who have not lived in Southern Ontario as I have, Mennonites do tend to expand their farmhouses as the family grows, usually resulting in lots of additional "bits" added onto the original building. St. John the Baptist Church at Mersham gives the same appearance). Although not actually architecturally visible, the oldest part of this Church is Norman. The South wall at the East end of the building has a thicker wall than the Western end as this once formed part of that original small Norman Church which measured only 36 feet by 25 feet. There was a Saxon Church here and the earliest documentation to confirm this was written in 1040 A.D. The Church was rebuilt in the latter half of the fourteenth century and much of the building we see today dates from that time. Even the main roof trusses and king posts in the Nave (picture top left) date from the fouteenth century.
The Church is well known for the various monuments and memorials to the Knatchbull family. The Chapel in the South East corner of the Church is know knonw as the Knatchbull Chapel although it was original The Lady Chapel. Under the floor at the East end of the Chapel is the Knatchbull family vault and there is also an area on the South side of the churchyard where there also additional Knatchbull family graves. More than one member of the family presided as a magistrate at the local Quarter Sessions and are already mentioned briefly on my smuggling pages. Certain of these memorials to this family are rather interesting for genealogists and you will find additional detail on the next page (see below).
In the Chancel there is some fine oak paneling said to date in one reference from the 14th Century but carrying a date carved into one section in the early 17th Century and some unusual altar rails which do date from the 17th Century. The Church also has some unusual and attractive ancient glass and the tracery in the West window is most unusual containing parts from two different styles of architecture.
When I was in the Church, there were works of art by local children proudly adorning the screen to the Knatchbull Chapel which at least shows that this delightful building is still playing a regular part in the daily lives of this country community. It was also nice to think that two centuries ago, members of my own direct family were being baptised in this Church.
www.kentresources.co.uk/mersham-sjb1.htm
MERSHAM is within the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese of Canterbury, and deanry of Limne.
¶The church, which is dedicated to St. John Baptist, consists of two isles and two chancels, having a handsome square tower at the west end, in which are five bells. In the north window of the high chancel is the figure of a bishop, with his mitre and crosier, praying, and the figure of a saint, with the dragon under his feet. On the rector's pew is carved in wood, a coat of arms, being A fess, in chief, three balls. In this chancel is a memorial for Elizabeth, widow of William Legg, of New Sarum, and mother of dame Grace, wife of Sir Edward Knatchbull, bart. obt. 1771; and several monuments and memorials for the Knatchbull family. The south chancel belongs to them, in which are several monuments and memorials of them, particularly a most superb one for Sir Norton Knatchbull, who died in 1636, having his figure in full proportion lying on it, and above that of his lady kneeling in a praying posture, under a canopy supported by two figures; above are the arms of Knatchbull impaling Ashley; underneath this chancel is a large vault, in which this family lie buried. A monument for Margaret Collyns, daughter of Thomas Tourney, gent. and wife of William Collyns, gent. obt. 1595; arms, Vert, a griffin, or, gerged with a ducal coronet, argent, impaling Tourney. In the north isle are several memorials for the Boys's, of this parish; for Richard Knatchbull, esq. and for Mary Franklyn, obt. 1763. In the west window, which is very large, nearly the whole breadth of the isle, and consists of many compartments, are eight figures of men, pretty entire, and much remains of other painted glass in the other parts of it. The arms of Septvans and Fogge were formerly in one of the windows of the high chancel.
The church of Mersham was formerly appendant to the manor, and belonged with it to the convent of Christ-church; but when the survey of Domesday was taken in the year 1080, it appears to have been in the possession of the archbishop, with whom the manor did not continue long before it was again vested in the convent; but the advowson of the rectory remained with the archbishop, and has continued parcel of the possessions of the see of Canterbury to this time, his grace the archbishop being the present patron of it.
This rectory is valued in the king's books at 26l. 16s. 10½d. and the yearly tenths, which are now payable to the crown-receiver, at 2l. 13s. 8¼d.
In 1578 here were communicants two hundred and forty-seven. In 1640, one hundred and eighty, and it was valued at eighty pounds.
Kumaraguruparar ( 17th Century), born in Sri Vaikuntam, upto the age of 5 was dumb. When he visited Thiruchendur with his parents, he was blessed with speech.He sang Kandar Kali Venba in praise of Murugan. At a very young age, he left his house in search of a guru who could kindle his spirit in pursuit of God.
In his spiritual journey, he visited various places and reached Dharumapuram, where the Aadheenam was headed by Masilamani Desikar.
Desikar had realised the state in which Hinduism was getting crushed under the Mughal Empire with its barbaric intolerance towards Hinduism. He realised the need for the spiritually high, well skilled and devoted caliber like Kumaraguruparar to strengthen the shaivite wisdom in the troubled lands. So he agreed to be the guru of Kumaraguruparar on the condition that he goes on pilgrimage to Kasi(Varanasi) and returns, subsequently he would initiate Kumaraguruparar into sanyasa.
Kumaraguruparar asked for waiver of going to Kashi as it would take long time. Desikar waived Kashi and instead asked him to stay in Thillai for a mandalam (45 days). On his return Desikar initiated him and stressed him the importance of revitalising saivism in the northern part of the country where it was suffering from the oppression by the Muslim rulers. Now Kumaraguruparar agreed to go to Kasi.
It was about the year 1658 CE. Dara Shukoh(eldest son of Shah Jahan, who was killed by Aurangazeb) was the ruler of the Varanasi province of the Mughul Empire. Aurangazeb the most intolerant of the Moghul lineage was ruling at Inpdraprastham(delhi). Dara was an exceptional one in the Mughuls. He was tolerant enough to seek what the other religions had to say and encouraged discussions among the religions. He dealt with respect the scholars of Hindu religion. He is said to have translated some of the Upanishads into Persian language. For a long time before, successive Muslim invaders ruined the holy city of Kasi and demolished the abode of Lord Vishwanath. At this point of time there was a critical urge to keep alive the spirituality of the suppressed Hindus.
On reaching Kasi, Kumaraguruparar sung Sakala Kalavalli Malai in praise of Goddess Saraswathi, praying to her to bestow the skill of words. The blessings of Vani came as the boon when he had to convince the opponents about the glory of Shaivism. He got to know Hindustani language by Vani's grace. Kumaraguruparar wanted to meet with the Badusha, in order to establish a mutt in Kasi. Though Dara was fair with other religions, Kumaraguruparar had to cross many obstacles before he met Dara. The blessed saint, who had the valiance of spirituality, rode on a lion and went majestically into the court of Dara which frightened all the obstacle creators. Dara realised the spiritual power of saint kumaraguruparar. He treated the saint with respect. Dara organised an inter-religious conference. He requested saint Kumaraguruparar to address the same. Kumaragurupararaccepted the invitation and he spoke fluently in Hindustani language explaining the greatness of the philosophy of Saiva Siddhanta. The audience was thrilled to know the glory of Shaivism. Dara bowed before the saint.
Establishing Kasi Mutt and Services
Dara asked him what he could do for him. What materials would the saint want, for whom only God matters. He asked the king to provide him with the land in Kasi where he would build a mutt and serve Saivism. The saint was given the option to choose a place of his choice for the purpose by Dara. The saint wanted to renovate the Kedhar Eashwaraswamy Temple at the Kedharghat. The saint said that a kite(Garudan)would fly in the sky and the area it circles is the area that would be required to build the mutt. As prophesied a kite appeared in the sky and marked the area that included the Kedhar Eashwaraswamy Temple and the land nearby for building a mutt. Dara gladly gave that land for that purpose.
Kumaraguruparar renovated the abode of Kedhar Eashwara which was earlier ruined by the religious intolerants. In the Kumaraswamy Mutt that he built, he guided the people in the glory of Shaivite philosophy. His inspiring teachings the paved way for the restoration of the highly adored Lord Vishwanath and Lord Panduranga temples subsequently. The devotees offered lots of valuables to the saint. He took them to his guru at Dharumapuram. But Desigar refused to accept them and directed him to spend those for the spiritual development of the people of Kasi. As per that Kumaraguruparar spent the materials in spreading the message of Shaivism. He visited Dharumapuram four times to pay respect to his guru. It is said that Kumaraguruparar also gave discourses on Kamba Ramayanam and among those who got inspired by that were the famous Hindi poet Tulasidas, who wrote Ramcharitamanas. Kumaragurupararstayed in Kasi for thirty years from 1658 to 1688 spreading the glory of Shaivism giving the vital support to the Hinduism during those troubled times. He attained Samadhi at Kasi on the third day after full moon day in May 1688. His vital services for the sustenance of the Hinduism will be remembered along with his beautiful compositions by future generations.
Extracts from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumaragurupara_Desikar
Visited the Siva Temple established by Kumaraguruparar at Kedar Ghat. Wondered how Kumaraguruparar would have undertaken numerous trips from Kasi to Dharumapuram when travel facilities did not exist.
[18:08] Lithia Nightfire walks upto the door keying in the code "Do not go beyond your requested actions Mr Rolf... if you wish to continue to keep your job, you will not act the hero, nor speak of what you see, is that understood?" She slides the door open walking inside looking at the locked up cells, wondering how they were fairing after last night
[18:09] Adagio: would frown a little bit looking at the two. “alright now please try and remain civil with each other, and both of you, no hostilities of any kind towards anyone. Verbal abuse WILL be tolerated though.” Her voice would be icy and her features lacking emotion as her hand would curl around her sword.
[18:09] Fluffy Snoodle lays on the floor in her own vomit still, makeup smearded over ehr face. She probably looked dead aside from her shallow breathing. Out cold.
[18:10] Adagio: would frown a little it. “Draven stand over in the corner if you would while Lithia opens the cage.”
[18:11] Lily Lowtide looks up to the people who had entered, her vision a bit blurred. She had honestly thought she was going to get tested on again, so she pushes herself into the corner of her cage.
[18:11] Cells whispers: Selection Timeout. To make a new selection, please bring up another menu.
[18:12] Draven Rolf stepped up to the cage that contained Lily only briefly looking to Fluff "Right..." he stod back next to the maching taking large heavy breaths ready to spring into action for better or worse "Lets make this quick..."
[18:12] Aylin Daviau arched a brow...."Please all stand back so Dr Nightfire may do her job" she says, wondering why everyone was heaped around the cages in the first place.
[18:13] Adagio: would move into postion between teh cage and Draven her ahnd still on her blade.
[18:14] Lily Lowtide heard Draven's voice and let out a relieved sigh. She puts her hand through Fluff's cage and nudges her. "Hey, Fluff. We're getting out of here." She didn't know yet that Fluffy wouldn't be able to come.
[18:15] Fluffy Snoodle lays there limp, everything inside of her on fire still. She didn't hear any voices or feel the nudge. Like I said, out cold.
[18:15] Lithia Nightfire shakes her head at Lily's comment "Ms Fluffy is not going anywhere Ms Lily... only you are to be released...."
[18:16] Aylin Daviau only sighed..her attention shifted rather quickly to Lithia, watching her momentarily she hardly moved "Who autherised the release of the detainee exactly?" she asked, her voice hardening notacably she faced all those present then, almost feeling her body tense "Such autherisation was never given, is that understood?"
[18:17] Lily Lowtide blinks up at Lith, letting out a growl. She now reaches for Fluffy's hand, and pushes herself even farther back into the cage. "I'm not going anywhere without my friends." No time to be the hero, Lily!
[18:17] Adagio: would frown a little bit. "Doctor Parkin authorized the relase." she'd frown a little bit and draw her sword using her distinctive underhanded grip.
[18:20] Lithia Nightfire turns to Aylin "Dr Parkin ordered me to release Ms Lily after Mr Rolf attacked me in the lab... He did not even approach me to speak, instead violently acting on his animal nature... I am sorry Ms Daviau... I would not have done such if I were not forced to...." She frowns a bit, brining back bad memories of her past
[18:20] Draven Rolf glared at Aylin,she hadn't heard him of what he stated before so he didn't raise his voice "Tempest...The girl in that cell there belongs to me...She has emotional value." that sounded pretty messed up, but it was true to an extent "I told Lithia that she was offlimits...as well as Temp and Lek." he kept taking those slow breaths "I want her back."
[18:22] Lily Lowtide keeps a hold on Fluffy's hand, growling in both pain and annoyance as she looked at the people around her. Of course she wanted to get out of here, but she didn't want to leave Fluffy and Amara behind.
[18:22] Fluffy Snoodle dry heaves and grips at Lilys hand though she wasnt sure at the time who exactly it was, and frankly. She didn't care. She had nothing left in her, no tears, nothing to puke up...nothing. She'd just lay there in that pile of vomit and blood.
[18:24] Aylin Daviau actually felt her fists clench..furling and unfurling as they rest by her sides "She does NOT have such authority......tell me, when is it I informed anyone of her being able to do such?" she asked and yes she was pissed because if her partner was autherising to release detainees behind her back then what else had she been doing, she wasnt however angry at those in the room, it was simply an outlet for such...she forced herself to calm down "No such orders are to be made without my go ahead, do I make myself perfectly clear?" she asked....hearing Draven then she arched a brow for shed not known this information and he was an employee of hers too ...she paused yet again, closing her eyes as if to think "Belongs to you, in what way Mr Rolf?"
[18:26] Lithia Nightfire limps a few steps back, limping heavy on her left leg that still flowed her synthetic blood "I appologize Ms Daviau... " She stays back, waiting for her to be addressed later after the conflict was over
[18:28] Cells whispers: This door is private. Access has been denied.
[18:28] Lab whispers: This door is private. Access has been denied.
[18:31] Draven Rolf moved his hands from his pockets to cross his arms "She is my partner, my mate, girlfriend whatever you want to call it." he licked his lips and moved his gaze to the cells "Lithia knows this already so why she attacked someone close to me is beyond me." he stared at Lithia but made no imposing moves "All I want is her safty...if it is so much for one detainee to be gone...I'll..." he took a deep breath "I'll take her place her safty is all that concerns me."
[18:31] Adagio: would raise an eyebrow at Aylin and she’d state quite coldly as she sends a message. “The reason would be, because Doctor Parkin didn’t wish to inform you Doctor, and the only reason I haven’t executed my orders is because I’ve notified Doctor Parkin of your interference.” She’d frown a little bit placing the phone back in her pocket the blade still out.
[18:32] Chaos Borkotron a strange voice comes from all around you "please open the doormy spirit appears to be trapped in this room
[18:33] Lily Lowtide just lays there, squeezing Fluffy's hand while she listens to everyone. She didn't even hear Draven say that he'd take her place... and good thing. Because this is my cage. MINE!
[18:34] Fluffy Snoodle stays curled up in that seemingly lifeless ball, I'm sure she smelled amazing with what she was laying in though she'd keep ahold of Lilys hand, her grip as tight as she could make it. Which wasnt much.
[18:34] Aylin Daviau: "Then you may take her Mr Rolf" she said, her attention shifting to Adagio she raised her brow.....though she appeared calm she was anything but really "MY interferace?!" she basically screamed, moving even closer she wouldnt remove her eyes from the girl for a moment "This is my fucking company, you would do well to remember such if you wish to keep you employment within it...." she then paused and actually smiled, her eyes shifting to Lithia "From this day, if I am not present, all decicions will be handed to you, I trust that you will deal with them with a level head" she said, and she did, Lithia was one of the few she really did trust.
[18:38] Lithia Nightfire nods to Aylin "If you wish Ms Daviau... " She watched the rest of the scene, looking at the captees
[18:40] Draven Rolf stepped to the cage now almost inside it "Lily...come on...I am here to take you home." his voice was shaken, didn't he tell her just yesterday to always be on her guard and armed...JUST YESTERDAY.
[18:41] Adagio: would just keep her demeanor glacial, no hint of any emotion would show on her face making Aylin look far too emotional for her own good, then she’d coolly sheathe her blade and move to head outside. “Noted Doctor.” As she’d walk out she would be replying to her messages and could be seen frowning deeply.
[18:42] Lily Lowtide shakes her head and keeps a hold of Fluffy's hand. Home sounded nice, really nice. But she knew that they would still being doing crap to her friends, and she hated that idea. "I don't want to leave without Fluff and Amara." her voice was almost a whisper, and a bit raspy from basically puking her insides out all night.
[18:44] Adagio: would notice teh security feed and let teh man into the lobby....if he needed in that badly.
[18:45] Fluffy Snoodle opens her eyes slowly before freaking out again, gripping even tight at Lilys hand as she looked around literally like a scared, cornered cat. Too many people, Too many people! Fluffy whimpered and her gaze locked on Lilys open cage, she didnt know what was going so this is what happened, "NO! DONT TAKE HER AGAIN!" She shouted out before she'd end up in a coughing fit, "please, take me again." She didn't want Lily to get hurt even more.
[18:46] Aylin Daviau didnt actually care how she looked...she only offered a smile then disregarded her, her attention moving to Lithia again "Do you require treatment Dr Nightfire?" she asked, knowing the poor doctor appeared to get on the wrong end of things too often.
[18:48] Lithia Nightfire: /nods witha heavy sigh "It would appear so... I still have not even been able to treat my wounds from last nights encounter with the females..." Inside she was worried that how well all this was going to pan out. She watched as fluffy screamed for her friends. She knew that she must be beginning to feel better, which meant it was time to play with her insides again
[18:51] Draven Rolf stepped into the cgage and put hism hands on Lily's sides although he would speak to Fluff "Fluffy...It is me Draven from the Pack." he sighed and tried to pull the feline "I have come to save Lily...They won't let me take you though...I am sorry." he truely was, and it hurt him that he could not save his other pack mate "I will be back for you though...promise." this was a lie perhaps as they more then likely wouldn't let him come for her, but good to give her hope "Lets go home Lil'cat."
[18:53] Lily Lowtide keeps a hold on Fluffy's hand and grips tighter as Draven pulls her up. "No! Let go of me!" She tries to kick around, but she was too weak at this point. She could feel her hold on Fluffy's hand starting to get a bit weaker as she struggled. Damn, this sucks.
[18:56] Fluffy Snoodle grips tighter onto lils hand, Fluff was so out of it she only recognized Amara and Lily, Fluff threw herself against the bars, "Get your hands off of her!" Fluffy screamed and yowled into the cage next to her, trying to scare the man off, "Get your hands off of her!" Fluffy now basically had a death grip on Lilys hand. "I said take me! Don't do anything else to her!"
[18:56] Aylin Daviau: "We will not harm your friend, when testing is complete she will be released to you" she said and it was true basically she never kept them forever, just until they were no longer needed..her attention moved to Draven again and she sighed "I do apologise for this misunderstanding" she said, she never attacked or took partners of employees however shed been unaware the girl was such.
[18:59] Lithia Nightfire walks over to Aylin, keeping her balance as not to fall. "Would you like me to continue the research Ms Daviau? I believe I can deal with the injuries for now.." this wasnt an entire lie, but she knew she was going to need some severe treatement soon. It was taking a serious toll on her body, almost to the point of collapsing
[19:02] Draven Rolf tried to pull her away from Fluff pretty much dying inside as they spoke "I'm taking her home Fluff...she'll be safe." he voice was strained and sad as he pulled on her again putting some power behind his pull "Please just come with me Lily...I do not want them hurting you anymore."
[19:04] Lily Lowtide continues to scream as Draven lifts her up. And despite both Fluffy and Lily's efforts, Lily's hand finally slips and let's go of Fluffy's when Draven pulls on her again. She starts to sob now, because she didn't know what else to do. In a final attempt to get Fluffy she starts to thrash around with all of the strength she had left, reaching for Fluffy. "Get the fuck off of me! Let me go!"
[19:06] Fluffy Snoodle seems that she did have some tears left in her. Tears streamed down her face as she held tight onto Lilys grip until she slipped away. Fluffy did her best to try and shove her way through the bars to get to Lily before stumbling to the back and trying again. Her crying turned to Sobbing.
[19:07] Aylin Daviau sighed and gave a small nod "Ja continue the research" she said, knowing this would just make the situation so much better she then moved...all the issues this morning were doing nothing but giving her a headache...she gave a small nod in greeting to Delta however, at least happy to see him it seemed.
[19:11] Lithia Nightfire nods in responce. She moves to Fluffy;s cage, opening it up stepping close to her. She was already in a bad moood, and had no intention of letting the kitten act on anything. She reaches down attempting to grab her by the throat, and if she did would pick her up carrying her into the next room/ She had no time to offer sentiments to the emotional mess they were offering.
[19:13] Draven Rolf pulled the feline close to his body and tried to back out of the small cage "Lil'cat...please...stop." he nuzzled again her cheek as he backed up trying to calm her at least alittle. He watched Lith got to Fluff and sighed "Stay strong Fluffy cat."
[19:16] Fluffy Snoodle is thrown down onto the table and strapped in screaming wildly, "LET ME GO!" Fluffy cried out, tears streaming down her face. Please not another injection. PLease.
[19:17] Lily Lowtide screams at the top of her lungs when Lith takes Fluffy. "NO NO NO! They can't take her again!" She tries to thrash around more, but it was pretty much pointless now. "Fluffy!" She looks around to everyone as she hears Fluffy scream, now sobbing. "Please, let her go!" She goes limp then, almost like she was dead and just starts sobbing uncontrolably, knowing that there was nothing she could do.
[19:18] Aylin Daviau offers whoevers in the room a wave and leaves because shes had enough really and her migraine had only become worse by the minute...shed be firing half the company at this rate.
[19:21] Draven Rolf moved to where Lith went Lily still in his arms, he still needed to have that collar removed and would rather not have to saw it off "Lithia!" he growled not even wanted to look at her right now "I need the key to this...thing." he didn't open the door, he didn't want to see what was happening to fluff nor did he want Lily to see.
[19:25] Lithia Nightfire ignores Fluffy's screams, walking back t the cabinet, picking out some tools she was going to need for this. She hears Draven scream at her, she sighs., picking up her PDA she entered the deactivation code for Lily;s collar. "You may remove it without penalty Mr Rolf....." She;d let him break it, bite it off, whatever the hell he wanted to do with it.. She was busy
[19:27] Fluffy Snoodle continues to screaming and sobbing at the same time, "Please no!" Fluffy began thrashing around on the table again. Clanks and thuds beind heard through the door, more than likely as she cried, "Not again, Please..plaese."
[19:31] Draven Rolf pulled the coller off her neck and growled to drown out the sound of Fluffys pain "We need to get home and have you looked at sweetheart." he took a heavy step to the door that exited the lab with a heavy sigh "I'll be back for her Lil'cat."
[19:35] Lithia Nightfire picks up the loaded tray filled with surgical tools. She places it near Fluffy's head along the table "I will assume you do not care again, so I will begin without explaining...." She picks up a bottle of clear liquid, inserting a syringe in it, drawing fluid into it.
[19:37] Lily Lowtide couldn't just let Fluff get hurt again. In one final attempt to get Draven to let go of her, she gathers up all her strength and lifts her hand up to punch Draven on the cheek... she'll be sorry about that later. I mean, he was trying to help her... but she was trying to help Fluffy.. and she was pissed. She was still sobbing so her aim was probably off a bit, but she just wanted to get out of Draven's grasp and in there to help Fluff. Even though she wasn't sure how she was going to do that.
[19:37] Fluffy Snoodle looks to the syringe and starts to scream again, "NOT AGAIN!" Fluffys screams were raspy and they sounded as painful as they felt. She began to thrash around again, trying her hardest to get away from the syringe and all the tools. Fluffys screams were probably like the ones you'd hear in horror movies, ear piercing and annoying as fuck.
[19:40] Draven Rolf took the hit, seeing it coming although he figured it was best for her to vent on something. "Ack..." he didn't expect the power to be behind it and he dropped her in suprise "Lily! There is NOTHING we can do for her!" he yelled and reached to try and grab her again "I am trying to fucking save you now come back here and lets go before they take you again!"
[19:42] Lithia Nightfire ignores the screaming from both rooms. She calmy continues as if nothing were wrong, peircing her hybrids neck with the needle, injecting her with a paralytic compound. This would refrain her from moving or talking, but still very awake for the rest. Perhaps giving her own ears a rest from this damn animal. Pulling the needle back out, she begins prepping the tools while giving the medication time to take effect
[19:43] Amara slowly stirred as she woke up. All the commotion was enough to wake her. Her immediate senses locking on Fluffy's yelling and a familiar scent. "Draven...?" She opened her eyes fully to see Lily, outside of her cell and collarless, striking the wolf to the ground.
[19:44] Lily Lowtide lets out a loud hiss as she hits the ground, but ignores it for now. She quickly tries to crawl over to the door and start punching it until Draven grabbed her again. Shit, she was doing more harm to herself now then needed to. She tries to reach for the door again as Draven lifts her up, but starts to dry heave again as the sickness from the injection started to come back. Good thing she didn't have anything to eat, or she'd barf all over Draven. She looks over to Amara and starts to sob again. She wanted so badly to save both of her friends, but knew it was hopeless.
[19:45] Fluffy Snoodle cries as the needle is thrusted into her neck, her screaming slowing to an odd halt and all sounds from this room would cease. Probably making it seem like she was dead. Fluffy tried to move...tried to scream, but she couldnt. Dead silent. Though tears still dripped from her cheeks. Thinking to herself, 'Im going to die now.'
[19:50] Lithia Nightfire smiled seeing as she was finally through with her temper tantrum. She reaches over, ripping open Fluffy's shirt, exposing her abdomen. Reaching over, she begins to wipe down the whole area with iodine solution. "I am going to investigate your internal organs Ms Fluffy, you dont mind do you?" She nodded to the lack of responce, while picking up a scalpel
[19:51] Amara grabbed the cell bars. "Oi, what's going on? Lily, are you okay?" Her mind was still fixed with the image of her and Fluffy's bodies from yesterday. She instinctively looked over to her neighboring cell and realized Fluffy was not in the room at all. "W-Where is she?" she whispered quietly. Her ears flickered in every direction trying to pick up the sounds she'd heard beforehand, but things seemed silent now.
[19:53] Fluffy Snoodle tries to scream at that but she couldnt, she felt everything still, but she couldnt talk...she couldn't move. All she could do was cry and sob, hoping that someone would come in and save her soon before she'd really die.
[19:54] Draven Rolf cradled his feline and looked to Amara before he stepped out "Yes it's me...Lily will be okay...I am taking her home." he sighed again and looked to the door without saying anything and stepping out, he couldn't handle much more "Monsters..."
[19:55] Lily Lowtide just sobs and cries and soooobbsssss as Draven takes her away from her two bestest friends. I love you guys.
The Fort Aguada is one of the largest and impressive forts preserved as one of the best known landmarks in Goan history. Its prominence has grown from the fact that its headland on which it is built offers a wonderful site for military architects due to its shielding of the vital sea access from the heart of the Portuguese territory thereby making it an ideal site for seaward as well as landward defense.
The elimination of the Maratha threat and the acquisition of the New Conquest added more glory to its importance right upto the end of the 18th century when Goa's future borders were established. The most vital part of it was its impregnability to survive attacks by enemies through land or sea or simultaneously from both sides which often happened.
The most feared threat for the Portuguese came from the Europeans in the east, which came true when a Dutch squadron approached the Mandovi in 1604. The Reis Magos Fort, Gaspar Dias Fort and the Cabo Fort proved to be futile in keeping them at bay and though eventually warded off, the Dutch succeeded in burning quite a number of Portuguese ships. In 1606, they returned back and settled at the entrance of the river, blocking the harbour and preventing the entry or departure of all the ships.
The Portuguese naval strength was now actually not enough to face the Dutch for an open sea battle whereby they had to resort to defensive methods against the Dutch to keep them at a safe distance meanwhile work on building a fort was started on the headland which was completely finished in 1612. During the reign of the Catholic King Dom Filippe of Portugal, the construction of the fortress began with orders from the municipality levying 1 percent duty towards protection and defence of ships approaching the fort. The Fortress was finally completed in 1612 by the members of the Municipality under the administration of Viceroy Ruy Tavara.
The water link with the sea on the north side was extended with the use of the Nerul river which dissolves into creeks beyond the peninsula and the whole of the headland was utilized as well making it a thoroughly defensible island. The fort was built as per the design laid down by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese government in Lisbon. On the highest point of the headland, there is a citadel which is linked by a defended passage to the riverside. The entire area at sea level is surrounded by fat walls with occasionally occurring bastions along the riverside. The outer wall part has now disappeared though there are still fragments which can be seen, distinctively along the river.
A delight for a military architect was the position of the fort citadel situated at the heart of the fort on the western tip of the headland commanding any seaward approach. It is now used as a jail outside the area of the fort and can still be visited. Similar to all forts built by the Portuguese where the fort configuration usually conforms towards the ground, this one is in form of a square with bastions for artillery placed at each of its three corners, while the fourth corner is occupied by a main gate. Each of the three corners are strongly defended by a dry moat and extremely thick walls while the fourth faces out on the steep slope towards the river. The embrasures are far and wide enough to allow a broad field of fire for the cannons. At one time, 200 cannons were a part of this fort, quite a massive artillery! The bastions are arrow shaped with rounded corners.
The solidity of the Aguada fort can be seen from the fact that neither this one has any delicate turrets nor the battlement lines are bisected by any towers. The citadel gateway being narrow is also blocked by heavy and iron studded doors thereby preventing easy access. The narrow bridge over the ditch makes it all the more difficult while the ramp into the fort inside the gateway curves off at a sharp angle and the steep steps upto the battlements do not make access any easier either. The 1st lighthouse was built here two and half centuries later. The main gate has a magazine adjacent to it, which has a unique half round design in order to deflect any enemy shots.
One of the distinctive features of the Aguada headlands are the Lighthouses built as early as 1864 thereby marking them as one of the oldest and first lighthouses to be built in Asia. Earlier to this, ships were normally guided by bonfire beacons lit on the Hill of the Pilots above the Immaculate Conception Church at Panjim. The 1st lighthouse initially built served purpose right upto 1976 when it was replaced by a square, modern lighthouse located nearby the walls of the citadel. This one is open to visitors and it makes all the watching more enjoyable due to the scenic views one gets to see when he/she climbs up the spiral staircase with a metal ladder within the lighthouse.
The old model is a splendid structure, and form a distance dominates the skyline. The Viceroy, together with the architect and engineer, is suitably, commemorated on a copper plaque in the ‘turret’ of the tower. Somewhat squat and with a solid appearance relieved by a balustrade around the platform and a curving staircase up to the lamp housing, it is most satisfying building. This is where the great bell from the Augustinian church in Old Goa was brought before being transferred to Panjim Church. Wherever it was hung it must have deafened the light house the lighthouse keeper. There is a third and smaller lighthouse, the Aguada Beacon, at the foot of the slopes near the buildings on the river bank. Built in 1890, it marks the entrance to the river.
The splendid structure of the lighthouse has a turret in which on a copper plaque are built and commemorated statues of the Viceroy, together with the architect and the engineer. The building has a solid appearance with the presence of a balustrade around the platform with a curving staircase to the lamp housing. The great bell from the Augustinian church was initially brought here before getting transferred to the Panjim church. Its peals must have deafened the lighthouse surroundings not to mention, the lighthouse keeper too. A smaller lighthouse, ‘The Aguada Beacon’, built in 1890 near the foot of the slopes besides the buildings on the river bank, marks the entrance to the river.
The lighthouse is surrounded by magnificent places where Panjim lies to the east along the river, with its Miramar and Caranzalem beaches leading to the Cabo with the Governor’s house on its point. Beyond the lighthouse lies the estuary of the Zuari river and the Mormugao port with the islands of St. George and Cambariem offshore. On the western side lie the famous northern beaches of Baga and Calangute. While the Candolim church is located inland to these beaches.
A huge underground cistern beneath the steps leading down from the centre of the citadel courtyard provides the water supply with its arched caverns having a capacity of more than 10 million litres or two and quarter million gallons to be precise. This was enhanced by the presence of several springs of clear sweet water which were instrumental in the naming of the fort Aguada which literally means ‘a place for watering’.
Another significant aspect of the Fort Aguada was the small chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Good Voyage’, this being named due to ships anchoring at this place after a long journey and restocking before embarking on another journey. A jetty extends out towards the sea on the northern side where the Taj Group hotel is located just within the outer walls of the fort. The canon provides the necessary fire cover at the foot of the steep slopes, hidden from the guns of the citadel above. The cistern was excavated which in turn arranged for the stone from which the fortress walls were built. The fortress has many passages and rooms and narrow steps leading into more deeper and darker passageways to lost magazines and storerooms.
Parallel walls form a defensible passageway which connect the citadel with the anchorage below, where at river level, there are located old buildings not to forget the first chapel already mentioned above. The largest of all springs, the Mother of Water or Mae de Agua is also found here. This part of the fort is closed for visitors as it is utilized as a prison. At the new gates to the prison area, there is a statue of a man and a woman, the man holding the body of a child in his arms while the woman has her arms raised to show the breaking of chain bondage in front of the national emblem of India, the Ashoka Pillar which has an inscription which is dedicated to the memory of people, dead and alive, known and unknown and who have laid down their life for the cause of freedom from foreign powers.
The ceremony for commemoration of the beginning of the struggle is held on 18th June each year. The prison was in extensive use as it housed the revolutionaries of the 19th century when in 1946, the first peaceful non violence movement was initiated. All through the fight for freedom, nationalist supporters found themselves imprisoned here. The barrack built by British forces at the beginning of the 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars is no longer visible now.
With having now visited more than 230 Kent churches, mostly in East Kent, it is difficult to find new ones to add to the list.
On a dull Saturday at the beginning of the month, and with Jools away watching Holiday on Ice or something in Brighton, I had the car and the car to myself.
So, I go to visit a church in Folkestone, only to find it locked, as most urban churches are.
But then I remembered Mersham.
Mesham is situated on the edge of Ashford, and I can see the spire of St John from the train every time I go upto London. That looks like a fine place, I think each time, I'll go there one day.
So this was to be the day.
Mesrsham is a fine village, built on the side of the downs, with the village spread out on either side of the main street.
Up a narrow dead end street is the gate to St John, with its square tower and Kentish spire beyond. You are never sure if a church is open, but I could hear voices coming from the modern vestry attached, so I had my hopes up.
Push hard said the sign on the door; so I pushed.
Hard.
And the door opened. The faces of the three wardens turned to look at me. They were clearing away the last of the festive decorations, but didn't mind me being there. In fact they pointed out many of the details of their fine church.
Most startling was the terracotta they had chosen to paint the walls of the chancel; not to everyone's taste maybe, but striking and I rather like it.
------------------------------------------
A pretty, many-gabled church with a fine short shingled spire. The church is a fourteenth-century rebuild of a Norman original that had been enlarged in the late 1200s. O slightly later date, and to be found on a tie-beam in the chancel is a carved head of Joan, Countess of Kent, who was married to the Black Prince, son of Edward III at Windsor in 1361. There is a fair amount of medieval glass, in the chancel and nave west windows whilst the screens which separate the south chapel from the chancel and south aisle are wonderful examples of seventeenth-century craftsmanship. The base comprises solid panels, the upper levels are of very closely set barley-twist balusters, and the top is of tall iron spikes. The south chapel contains many memorials to the local Knatchbull family whose ancestral home, Mersham-le-Hatch stands to the north of the village. Above the screen is a corbel of possibly thirteenth-century date which depicts a bishop, and which could be part of an earlier door or window. There is a fine Royal Arms of 1751 and a good holy water stoup by the south door with superb carving of Tudor roses.
www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Mersham
“a hide of land for a Church at Mersham” was bequeathed by ‘John Siweard and his wife Edith’ in their will dated c. 1040 AD . A church has existed on this site by 1086 AD, as recorded in the Domesday Book.
The Church was rebuilt by the Normans c.1100 AD and further rebuilding was accomplished in the second half of the fourteenth century (1350-1400 AD). The Church is substantially the same today, although over the years it has been altered and changed internally over the years to reflect the current fashions of the day.
The present church contains significant monuments to the local members of the Brabourne and Knatchbull families
www.a20churches.org.uk/mersham.htm
his is a beautiful Church although I have to admit that from the North side it did rather remind me of a Mennonite farmhouse. (For those of you who have not lived in Southern Ontario as I have, Mennonites do tend to expand their farmhouses as the family grows, usually resulting in lots of additional "bits" added onto the original building. St. John the Baptist Church at Mersham gives the same appearance). Although not actually architecturally visible, the oldest part of this Church is Norman. The South wall at the East end of the building has a thicker wall than the Western end as this once formed part of that original small Norman Church which measured only 36 feet by 25 feet. There was a Saxon Church here and the earliest documentation to confirm this was written in 1040 A.D. The Church was rebuilt in the latter half of the fourteenth century and much of the building we see today dates from that time. Even the main roof trusses and king posts in the Nave (picture top left) date from the fouteenth century.
The Church is well known for the various monuments and memorials to the Knatchbull family. The Chapel in the South East corner of the Church is know knonw as the Knatchbull Chapel although it was original The Lady Chapel. Under the floor at the East end of the Chapel is the Knatchbull family vault and there is also an area on the South side of the churchyard where there also additional Knatchbull family graves. More than one member of the family presided as a magistrate at the local Quarter Sessions and are already mentioned briefly on my smuggling pages. Certain of these memorials to this family are rather interesting for genealogists and you will find additional detail on the next page (see below).
In the Chancel there is some fine oak paneling said to date in one reference from the 14th Century but carrying a date carved into one section in the early 17th Century and some unusual altar rails which do date from the 17th Century. The Church also has some unusual and attractive ancient glass and the tracery in the West window is most unusual containing parts from two different styles of architecture.
When I was in the Church, there were works of art by local children proudly adorning the screen to the Knatchbull Chapel which at least shows that this delightful building is still playing a regular part in the daily lives of this country community. It was also nice to think that two centuries ago, members of my own direct family were being baptised in this Church.
www.kentresources.co.uk/mersham-sjb1.htm
MERSHAM is within the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese of Canterbury, and deanry of Limne.
¶The church, which is dedicated to St. John Baptist, consists of two isles and two chancels, having a handsome square tower at the west end, in which are five bells. In the north window of the high chancel is the figure of a bishop, with his mitre and crosier, praying, and the figure of a saint, with the dragon under his feet. On the rector's pew is carved in wood, a coat of arms, being A fess, in chief, three balls. In this chancel is a memorial for Elizabeth, widow of William Legg, of New Sarum, and mother of dame Grace, wife of Sir Edward Knatchbull, bart. obt. 1771; and several monuments and memorials for the Knatchbull family. The south chancel belongs to them, in which are several monuments and memorials of them, particularly a most superb one for Sir Norton Knatchbull, who died in 1636, having his figure in full proportion lying on it, and above that of his lady kneeling in a praying posture, under a canopy supported by two figures; above are the arms of Knatchbull impaling Ashley; underneath this chancel is a large vault, in which this family lie buried. A monument for Margaret Collyns, daughter of Thomas Tourney, gent. and wife of William Collyns, gent. obt. 1595; arms, Vert, a griffin, or, gerged with a ducal coronet, argent, impaling Tourney. In the north isle are several memorials for the Boys's, of this parish; for Richard Knatchbull, esq. and for Mary Franklyn, obt. 1763. In the west window, which is very large, nearly the whole breadth of the isle, and consists of many compartments, are eight figures of men, pretty entire, and much remains of other painted glass in the other parts of it. The arms of Septvans and Fogge were formerly in one of the windows of the high chancel.
The church of Mersham was formerly appendant to the manor, and belonged with it to the convent of Christ-church; but when the survey of Domesday was taken in the year 1080, it appears to have been in the possession of the archbishop, with whom the manor did not continue long before it was again vested in the convent; but the advowson of the rectory remained with the archbishop, and has continued parcel of the possessions of the see of Canterbury to this time, his grace the archbishop being the present patron of it.
This rectory is valued in the king's books at 26l. 16s. 10½d. and the yearly tenths, which are now payable to the crown-receiver, at 2l. 13s. 8¼d.
In 1578 here were communicants two hundred and forty-seven. In 1640, one hundred and eighty, and it was valued at eighty pounds.
After our blustery stop at Camber, it was a short drive to Rye.
Rye was just waking up, after their biggest night of the year; the Rye Bonfire night. Indeed, down by the roundabout, the remains of the bonfire was still smoldering, and people were arriving to dampen it down.
Up the steep path upto the Citadel, to one of the town gates, still standing.
We walked up towards the High Street, hoping to find a place open where we could get a coffee. It was 5 to ten, and so we had a few minutes wait until one of the tea rooms opened.
Once we had a coffee, we wandered round the town, and each minute the town was filling up, as people who overnighted made ready to go home.
-------------------------------------------------
Rye is a small town in the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, England, which stands approximately two miles from the open sea and is at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede. In medieval times, however, as an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel and almost entirely surrounded by the sea.
Rye is officially a civil parish but with its historic roots has the status of a town; at the 2011 census it had a population of 4773.[2] During its history its association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the King in time of war, and being involved with smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang who used its inns such as The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, connected by secret passageway.
Those historic roots and its charm[3] make it a tourist destination, and much of its economy is based on that: there are a number of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms and restaurants,[4] as well as other attractions, catering for the visitor. There is a small fishing fleet, and Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels.
The name of Rye is believed to come from rie meaning a bank[dubious – discuss].[5] Medieval maps show that Rye was originally located on a huge embayment of the English Channel called the Rye Camber, which provided a safe anchorage and harbour. Probably as early as Roman times, Rye was important as a place of shipment and storage of iron from the Wealden Iron Industry. The Mermaid Inn originally dates to 1156.
Rye, as part of the Saxon Manor of Rameslie, was given to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy by King Æthelred; it was to remain in Norman hands until 1247.
As one of the two "Antient Townes" (Winchelsea being the other), Rye was to become a limb of the Cinque Ports Confederation by 1189, and subsequently a full member. The protection of the town as one of the Cinque Ports was very important, due to the commerce that trading brought. One of the oldest buildings in Rye is Ypres Tower, which was built in 1249 as "Baddings Tower", to defend the town from the French, and was later named after its owner John de Ypres. It is now part of the Rye Museum.[6] Rye received its charter from King Edward I in 1289, and acquired privileges and tax exemptions in return for ship-service for the crown. The "Landgate" (the only surviving one of four original fortified entrances to Rye) dates from 1329 in the early years of the reign of King Edward III. It is still the only vehicular route into the medieval centre of Rye and is suitable only for light vehicles. In 2015, some 25 tonnes of pigeon excrement that had built up had to be removed from Landgate Arch for fear of damaging the ancient structure.[7]
The River Rother originally took an easterly course to flow into the sea near what is now New Romney. However, the violent storms in the 13th century (particularly in 1250 and 1287) cut the town off from the sea, destroyed Old Winchelsea and changed the course of the Rother. Then the sea and the river combined in about 1375 to destroy the eastern part of the town and ships began use the current area (the Strand) to unload their cargoes. Two years later the town was sacked and burnt by the French, and it was ordered that the town walls be completed,[8] as a defence against foreign raiders.
Rye was considered one of the finest of the Cinque Ports even though constant work had to be done to stop the gradual silting-up of the river and the harbour. There was also a conflict of interest between the maritime interests and the landowners, who gradually "inned" or reclaimed land from the sea on Romney and Walland Marsh and thus reduced the tidal-flows that were supposed to keep the harbour free of silt.[9] Acts of Parliament had to be passed to enable the Rother to be kept navigable at all.
With the coming of bigger ships and larger deepwater ports, Rye's economy began to decline, and fishing and particularly smuggling (including owling, the smuggling of wool) became more important. Imposition of taxes on goods had encouraged smuggling since 1301, but by the end of the 17th century it became widespread throughout Kent and Sussex, with wool being the largest commodity. When luxury goods were also added, smuggling became a criminal pursuit, and groups - such as the Hawkhurst Gang who met in The Mermaid Inn in Rye - turned to murder and were subsequently hanged.
Since 1803 there have been lifeboats stationed at Rye[10] although the lifeboat station is now at Rye Harbour approx 2 miles (3.2 km) down-river from the town.[11] The worst disaster in its history occurred in 1928, when the Mary Stanford Lifeboat sank with all hands. The incident is recorded by a tablet at Winchelsea church, by the imposing memorial at Rye Harbour Church and by the folk-song The Mary Stanford of Rye.[12] A new RNLB Mary Stanford was commissioned by the RNLI two years later and stationed at Ballycotton on the coast of Ireland.
Between 1696 and 1948 there have been six ships of the Royal Navy to bear the name HMS Rye.
During the 1803-1805 Napoleonic invasion threat, Rye, Dover and Chatham were regarded as the three most likely Invasion Ports[13] and Rye became the western Command centre for the Royal Military Canal. The canal was planned from Pett Level to Hythe as a defence against a possible French invasion. How a 20-metre ditch was supposed to have stopped the finest army in Europe, which had already crossed all of Europe's great rivers at one time or another, was not clear. In the event, the canal was not completed until long after the need for it had passed.
From 1838-1889 Rye had their own Borough Police force.[14] The Borough Police force was a small force, often with just two officers. Rye police frequently had difficulties on Bonfire night (5 November) and special constables were recruited to help deal with the problems bonfire gangs caused. After amalgamation with the County Force in 1889 a new police station was provided in Church Square.[15] In 1892 the strength of the town police, now amalgamated, was one sergeant and three constables.[16]
In May 1940, during the darkest days of World War II, the Rye fishing fleet was invited to participate in Operation Dynamo, the seaborne rescue of the stranded British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, but refused to do so.[17]
Paul Monod's book The Murder of Mr Grebell: Madness and Civility in an English Town (2003) begins with the murder of a justice of the peace in Rye in 1743, considering its background as far back as the Reformation, then looks at events in the town over the next two hundred years.
After our blustery stop at Camber, it was a short drive to Rye.
Rye was just waking up, after their biggest night of the year; the Rye Bonfire night. Indeed, down by the roundabout, the remains of the bonfire was still smoldering, and people were arriving to dampen it down.
Up the steep path upto the Citadel, to one of the town gates, still standing.
We walked up towards the High Street, hoping to find a place open where we could get a coffee. It was 5 to ten, and so we had a few minutes wait until one of the tea rooms opened.
Once we had a coffee, we wandered round the town, and each minute the town was filling up, as people who overnighted made ready to go home.
-------------------------------------------------
Rye is a small town in the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, England, which stands approximately two miles from the open sea and is at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede. In medieval times, however, as an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel and almost entirely surrounded by the sea.
Rye is officially a civil parish but with its historic roots has the status of a town; at the 2011 census it had a population of 4773.[2] During its history its association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the King in time of war, and being involved with smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang who used its inns such as The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, connected by secret passageway.
Those historic roots and its charm[3] make it a tourist destination, and much of its economy is based on that: there are a number of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms and restaurants,[4] as well as other attractions, catering for the visitor. There is a small fishing fleet, and Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels.
The name of Rye is believed to come from rie meaning a bank[dubious – discuss].[5] Medieval maps show that Rye was originally located on a huge embayment of the English Channel called the Rye Camber, which provided a safe anchorage and harbour. Probably as early as Roman times, Rye was important as a place of shipment and storage of iron from the Wealden Iron Industry. The Mermaid Inn originally dates to 1156.
Rye, as part of the Saxon Manor of Rameslie, was given to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy by King Æthelred; it was to remain in Norman hands until 1247.
As one of the two "Antient Townes" (Winchelsea being the other), Rye was to become a limb of the Cinque Ports Confederation by 1189, and subsequently a full member. The protection of the town as one of the Cinque Ports was very important, due to the commerce that trading brought. One of the oldest buildings in Rye is Ypres Tower, which was built in 1249 as "Baddings Tower", to defend the town from the French, and was later named after its owner John de Ypres. It is now part of the Rye Museum.[6] Rye received its charter from King Edward I in 1289, and acquired privileges and tax exemptions in return for ship-service for the crown. The "Landgate" (the only surviving one of four original fortified entrances to Rye) dates from 1329 in the early years of the reign of King Edward III. It is still the only vehicular route into the medieval centre of Rye and is suitable only for light vehicles. In 2015, some 25 tonnes of pigeon excrement that had built up had to be removed from Landgate Arch for fear of damaging the ancient structure.[7]
The River Rother originally took an easterly course to flow into the sea near what is now New Romney. However, the violent storms in the 13th century (particularly in 1250 and 1287) cut the town off from the sea, destroyed Old Winchelsea and changed the course of the Rother. Then the sea and the river combined in about 1375 to destroy the eastern part of the town and ships began use the current area (the Strand) to unload their cargoes. Two years later the town was sacked and burnt by the French, and it was ordered that the town walls be completed,[8] as a defence against foreign raiders.
Rye was considered one of the finest of the Cinque Ports even though constant work had to be done to stop the gradual silting-up of the river and the harbour. There was also a conflict of interest between the maritime interests and the landowners, who gradually "inned" or reclaimed land from the sea on Romney and Walland Marsh and thus reduced the tidal-flows that were supposed to keep the harbour free of silt.[9] Acts of Parliament had to be passed to enable the Rother to be kept navigable at all.
With the coming of bigger ships and larger deepwater ports, Rye's economy began to decline, and fishing and particularly smuggling (including owling, the smuggling of wool) became more important. Imposition of taxes on goods had encouraged smuggling since 1301, but by the end of the 17th century it became widespread throughout Kent and Sussex, with wool being the largest commodity. When luxury goods were also added, smuggling became a criminal pursuit, and groups - such as the Hawkhurst Gang who met in The Mermaid Inn in Rye - turned to murder and were subsequently hanged.
Since 1803 there have been lifeboats stationed at Rye[10] although the lifeboat station is now at Rye Harbour approx 2 miles (3.2 km) down-river from the town.[11] The worst disaster in its history occurred in 1928, when the Mary Stanford Lifeboat sank with all hands. The incident is recorded by a tablet at Winchelsea church, by the imposing memorial at Rye Harbour Church and by the folk-song The Mary Stanford of Rye.[12] A new RNLB Mary Stanford was commissioned by the RNLI two years later and stationed at Ballycotton on the coast of Ireland.
Between 1696 and 1948 there have been six ships of the Royal Navy to bear the name HMS Rye.
During the 1803-1805 Napoleonic invasion threat, Rye, Dover and Chatham were regarded as the three most likely Invasion Ports[13] and Rye became the western Command centre for the Royal Military Canal. The canal was planned from Pett Level to Hythe as a defence against a possible French invasion. How a 20-metre ditch was supposed to have stopped the finest army in Europe, which had already crossed all of Europe's great rivers at one time or another, was not clear. In the event, the canal was not completed until long after the need for it had passed.
From 1838-1889 Rye had their own Borough Police force.[14] The Borough Police force was a small force, often with just two officers. Rye police frequently had difficulties on Bonfire night (5 November) and special constables were recruited to help deal with the problems bonfire gangs caused. After amalgamation with the County Force in 1889 a new police station was provided in Church Square.[15] In 1892 the strength of the town police, now amalgamated, was one sergeant and three constables.[16]
In May 1940, during the darkest days of World War II, the Rye fishing fleet was invited to participate in Operation Dynamo, the seaborne rescue of the stranded British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, but refused to do so.[17]
Paul Monod's book The Murder of Mr Grebell: Madness and Civility in an English Town (2003) begins with the murder of a justice of the peace in Rye in 1743, considering its background as far back as the Reformation, then looks at events in the town over the next two hundred years.
Woke upto one of the most beautiful days this year so far I think!
Brilliant vivid blue skies and white clouds.
Great visibility and a lovely breeze to top it all.
This is my home, I love this place regardless of how tiny or packed it is.
Taken at 3RP.
Canon 60D <3
Processed with lightroom 2.0.
From the 14th century upto the French Revolution Valréas and some neighbouring regions were in the ownership of the Holy See. The region is still called "enclave des papes".
Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth was erected on preceding foundations. Within the 11th century a single nave church in Latin Cross design existed. Two aisles were already added in the 12th century. Numerous enlargements and alterations were done and eight side chapels were added over the centuries.
The apse the oldest existing part, dating to the 11th century. The nave got enlarged by two aisles a century later, but the architecture I see here is rather 13th/14th century. . Under the vaulting of the nave is a strange collection of little figures (see previous upload). Here is a more detailled view. The two men, one is cutting wheat, one is treshing) seem to be have once part of a "Labours of the Months" group standing for July and August.
The Fort Aguada is one of the largest and impressive forts preserved as one of the best known landmarks in Goan history. Its prominence has grown from the fact that its headland on which it is built offers a wonderful site for military architects due to its shielding of the vital sea access from the heart of the Portuguese territory thereby making it an ideal site for seaward as well as landward defense.
The elimination of the Maratha threat and the acquisition of the New Conquest added more glory to its importance right upto the end of the 18th century when Goa's future borders were established. The most vital part of it was its impregnability to survive attacks by enemies through land or sea or simultaneously from both sides which often happened.
The most feared threat for the Portuguese came from the Europeans in the east, which came true when a Dutch squadron approached the Mandovi in 1604. The Reis Magos Fort, Gaspar Dias Fort and the Cabo Fort proved to be futile in keeping them at bay and though eventually warded off, the Dutch succeeded in burning quite a number of Portuguese ships. In 1606, they returned back and settled at the entrance of the river, blocking the harbour and preventing the entry or departure of all the ships.
The Portuguese naval strength was now actually not enough to face the Dutch for an open sea battle whereby they had to resort to defensive methods against the Dutch to keep them at a safe distance meanwhile work on building a fort was started on the headland which was completely finished in 1612. During the reign of the Catholic King Dom Filippe of Portugal, the construction of the fortress began with orders from the municipality levying 1 percent duty towards protection and defence of ships approaching the fort. The Fortress was finally completed in 1612 by the members of the Municipality under the administration of Viceroy Ruy Tavara.
The water link with the sea on the north side was extended with the use of the Nerul river which dissolves into creeks beyond the peninsula and the whole of the headland was utilized as well making it a thoroughly defensible island. The fort was built as per the design laid down by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese government in Lisbon. On the highest point of the headland, there is a citadel which is linked by a defended passage to the riverside. The entire area at sea level is surrounded by fat walls with occasionally occurring bastions along the riverside. The outer wall part has now disappeared though there are still fragments which can be seen, distinctively along the river.
A delight for a military architect was the position of the fort citadel situated at the heart of the fort on the western tip of the headland commanding any seaward approach. It is now used as a jail outside the area of the fort and can still be visited. Similar to all forts built by the Portuguese where the fort configuration usually conforms towards the ground, this one is in form of a square with bastions for artillery placed at each of its three corners, while the fourth corner is occupied by a main gate. Each of the three corners are strongly defended by a dry moat and extremely thick walls while the fourth faces out on the steep slope towards the river. The embrasures are far and wide enough to allow a broad field of fire for the cannons. At one time, 200 cannons were a part of this fort, quite a massive artillery! The bastions are arrow shaped with rounded corners.
The solidity of the Aguada fort can be seen from the fact that neither this one has any delicate turrets nor the battlement lines are bisected by any towers. The citadel gateway being narrow is also blocked by heavy and iron studded doors thereby preventing easy access. The narrow bridge over the ditch makes it all the more difficult while the ramp into the fort inside the gateway curves off at a sharp angle and the steep steps upto the battlements do not make access any easier either. The 1st lighthouse was built here two and half centuries later. The main gate has a magazine adjacent to it, which has a unique half round design in order to deflect any enemy shots.
One of the distinctive features of the Aguada headlands are the Lighthouses built as early as 1864 thereby marking them as one of the oldest and first lighthouses to be built in Asia. Earlier to this, ships were normally guided by bonfire beacons lit on the Hill of the Pilots above the Immaculate Conception Church at Panjim. The 1st lighthouse initially built served purpose right upto 1976 when it was replaced by a square, modern lighthouse located nearby the walls of the citadel. This one is open to visitors and it makes all the watching more enjoyable due to the scenic views one gets to see when he/she climbs up the spiral staircase with a metal ladder within the lighthouse.
The old model is a splendid structure, and form a distance dominates the skyline. The Viceroy, together with the architect and engineer, is suitably, commemorated on a copper plaque in the ‘turret’ of the tower. Somewhat squat and with a solid appearance relieved by a balustrade around the platform and a curving staircase up to the lamp housing, it is most satisfying building. This is where the great bell from the Augustinian church in Old Goa was brought before being transferred to Panjim Church. Wherever it was hung it must have deafened the light house the lighthouse keeper. There is a third and smaller lighthouse, the Aguada Beacon, at the foot of the slopes near the buildings on the river bank. Built in 1890, it marks the entrance to the river.
The splendid structure of the lighthouse has a turret in which on a copper plaque are built and commemorated statues of the Viceroy, together with the architect and the engineer. The building has a solid appearance with the presence of a balustrade around the platform with a curving staircase to the lamp housing. The great bell from the Augustinian church was initially brought here before getting transferred to the Panjim church. Its peals must have deafened the lighthouse surroundings not to mention, the lighthouse keeper too. A smaller lighthouse, ‘The Aguada Beacon’, built in 1890 near the foot of the slopes besides the buildings on the river bank, marks the entrance to the river.
The lighthouse is surrounded by magnificent places where Panjim lies to the east along the river, with its Miramar and Caranzalem beaches leading to the Cabo with the Governor’s house on its point. Beyond the lighthouse lies the estuary of the Zuari river and the Mormugao port with the islands of St. George and Cambariem offshore. On the western side lie the famous northern beaches of Baga and Calangute. While the Candolim church is located inland to these beaches.
A huge underground cistern beneath the steps leading down from the centre of the citadel courtyard provides the water supply with its arched caverns having a capacity of more than 10 million litres or two and quarter million gallons to be precise. This was enhanced by the presence of several springs of clear sweet water which were instrumental in the naming of the fort Aguada which literally means ‘a place for watering’.
Another significant aspect of the Fort Aguada was the small chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Good Voyage’, this being named due to ships anchoring at this place after a long journey and restocking before embarking on another journey. A jetty extends out towards the sea on the northern side where the Taj Group hotel is located just within the outer walls of the fort. The canon provides the necessary fire cover at the foot of the steep slopes, hidden from the guns of the citadel above. The cistern was excavated which in turn arranged for the stone from which the fortress walls were built. The fortress has many passages and rooms and narrow steps leading into more deeper and darker passageways to lost magazines and storerooms.
Parallel walls form a defensible passageway which connect the citadel with the anchorage below, where at river level, there are located old buildings not to forget the first chapel already mentioned above. The largest of all springs, the Mother of Water or Mae de Agua is also found here. This part of the fort is closed for visitors as it is utilized as a prison. At the new gates to the prison area, there is a statue of a man and a woman, the man holding the body of a child in his arms while the woman has her arms raised to show the breaking of chain bondage in front of the national emblem of India, the Ashoka Pillar which has an inscription which is dedicated to the memory of people, dead and alive, known and unknown and who have laid down their life for the cause of freedom from foreign powers.
The ceremony for commemoration of the beginning of the struggle is held on 18th June each year. The prison was in extensive use as it housed the revolutionaries of the 19th century when in 1946, the first peaceful non violence movement was initiated. All through the fight for freedom, nationalist supporters found themselves imprisoned here. The barrack built by British forces at the beginning of the 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars is no longer visible now.