Lavenham

It was a horrid day.... grey and cold. However dad wanted a few things so we did some shopping and went for a ride in the country...

I went for a very quick stroll around Lavenham

I think someone at the National Trust is being optimistic

Lavenham Guildhall is always reliable!

Flatford

It has been a frustrating weekend but I did manage a few hours at Flatford this morning!

Lets hope next weekend is better!

The Churches of Stansted Mountfitchet

It is wet, it is dull so I stayed relatively close to home

Stansted Mountfitchet is a large village in North West Essex and has two churches.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin lies a mile from the village (there was a Hall here) and was built in the first half of the 12th century. It has been extensively altered over the years especially by the Victorians. Today it is redundant and in the care of the Excellent Churches Conservation Trust. Redundant it may be but unloved it is not as there was a chap putting up Christmas lights.

Brick towers are not unusual in Essex. This was added in 1692.

putting up the lights

A big clue to the Norman origins!

In 1889 a chapel of ease was built much nearer to the village and today it is the church of St John the Evangelist.

I do like the two "perspex" soldiers guarding the monument.

Another view!