Sunday, January 02, 2011

At Ilam

It was so good to get out and about today after almost a week indoors suffering from a nasty cough and cold.  I still don't feel that great but a bit of fresh air and exercise helped me to feel more myself so I'm hoping it is onwards and upwards from here.


I know I've written posts on Ilam before but I never tire of the place so I hope you don't either!
 
We had a walk along the river and back through the fields before heading down to the church.

Stopping to admire Ilam Hall on the way; it must be one of the most beautiful Youth Hostels in the country!
I love the way the church nestles in the landscape.  This is the church of the Holy Cross and there was a Saxon church on the site before this one.  You can see outlines of an old Saxon door in the wall near the entrance and some of the lower masonry is of Saxon origin.

Above is one of the two Saxon crosses that can be found in the churchyard; below is the outside of the mausoleum chapel added in 1831.

 
As the door was open we decided to have a quick look inside the church;  the lights were off so the lighting levels were quite low for taking photographs. I did manage to take a few.

Above is the tomb of St Bertram who was, according to legend, a Mercian prince whose wife and baby were killed by wolves.  He lived as a hermit near Stafford and then at Ilam.  His remains were eventually  moved to Stafford but the alter  tomb, which dates from the 13th century, is still a place of pilgrimage and prayers are left here - you can see them on top of the tomb in the photo.

Close by St Bertram's tomb is the 17th century Alabaster tomb of Robert and Elizabeth Meverell of  nearby Throwley Hall, now an imposing ruin which I'd love to visit one day soon.


Above is a view of the chancel;  I didn't realise until I got home and looked at the photos that the east wall was painted a bright blue.

In the photo above taken across the nave you can just see the font of 1120; the figures around it are thought to depict the life of St Bertram.

14 comments:

  1. Such a lovely walk. And I'm so sorry to hear you have been struck down by a cold. Particularly nasty during a holiday week! Happy you are feeling a bit better and I wish you a wonderful New Year!!

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  2. Oh I love Ilam ... it's like stepping back in time. We've stayed there a few times on the caravan club site next to the Youth Hostel. The river walk is pretty special. I've never been inside the church though, so thanks for giving me a peek!
    Hope you feel much better soon!
    xxx

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  3. Sorry to hear you have been ill and hope you continue to improve.That looks a fascinating place to visit.I must look it up.

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  4. Lovely photos Rosie, especially the church 'nestled' in the landscape. I hope you feel better soon. x

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  5. Lovely photos and such beautiful countryside and buildings. I've never been there but it looks idyllic.

    Hope you feel better soon.

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  6. Lovely photos - looks a good walk! I thought your post was about 11am! Hope you feel better soon, Abby x

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  7. We visited Ilam the last time you featured it and loved it. I really fancy a stay in that Youth Hostel. Hope you are feeling better. Ive had the nasty cold and its been a real struggle to walk anywhere, but I was determined not to let it ruin my precious days off work. xxxxx

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  8. What a rotton time to catch a cold! I'm glad the fresh air has helped a little. Ilam is a beautiful place!

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  9. hope your cold clears soon

    i love your pics, particularly the Holy Cross church

    a happy new year to you xxx

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  10. Glad you got out and about and what a lovely visit too.
    love
    Lyn
    xxx

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  11. I'm sorry to hear that you've been poorly, hope you are soon back to full fitness again. I'm going to make a list of places to visit this year and Ilam will be near the top. The church looks interesting and the scenery is lovely. Can't think why I've never been there as it isn't exactly a million miles away:)

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  12. Happy New Year Rosie, good health and happiness to you and yours x

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  13. Hi Rosie thanks for your comment. I have read your blog many times its great. Will call again soon.

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