Today we went to see Croyland (sic) Abbey, in the village of Crowland, just up the road from us. We've driven past it many times, but never stopped to explore.
You can just imagine how atmospheric it is at night, when it's all lit up, or on a foggy Fenland day.
Croyland Abbey was originally on an island when it was first established, allegedly in 714. I should point out that any information I give here may be inaccurate, as I accidentally picked up the French language guidebook, and haven't given French a second thought since leaving school.
If my interpretation is correct, then the abbey was founded by King Aethelbald of Mercia and refounded c.950 after Viking destruction. In 1066 it was the only abbey in Lincolnshire and was mentioned in the Domesday Book as owning wide estates. During the Middle Ages it was one of the largest and most important abbeys in Lincolnshire with an immense cathedral-sized church, and housed up to 40 Benedictine Monks.
Part of Croyland Abbey ruins remains open as a Parish Church.
There is a lovely Green Man in the ceiling. Unfortunately the camera I had on me has no zoom facility. It is important as Green Men are seldom, if ever, found in the Sanctuary, but in this case the ceiling was there before the altar.
Trinity Bridge in Crowland is possibly unique, and certainly an amazing curiosity. It is thought to have replaced a wooden bridge referred to in earlier times by the Charter of King Aethelbald (AD716) and by King Edred's Charter (AD943) as "the triangular bridge of Croyland". Built between 1360 and 1390, it has three arches but one over-arching structure, i.e. a three-in-one bridge, hence the Trinity.
Prior to the draining of the Fens, the main streets of Crowland were waterways, and this bridge marks the point that the River Welland divided into two streams.
Paul and Bex (Paul's daughter) gingerly make their way down - the bridge is very steep and cobbled and Bex had high heels on!
Richard Gough, an Antiquarian, is said to have stated that Trinity Bridge was "the greatest curiousity in Britain, if not in Europe".
The charming village of Crowland also has an old pub (recently closed down, alas) called the George & Angel - the only pub in England with that name.
joebangles
Interesting post Sal, I also visit old churches and graveyards as often as I can and sometimes spend hours just reading the tombstones. It gives you that bit extra when you can discover so much information.