Saturday 1 February 2014

Three Men in a Boat


I'm republishing this blog again for Inspired Sunday
Now this is not a book I have read though I know most of the places mentioned in it along the Thames near where I live. Jerome K Jerome was a name most of you know but I only found out a short time ago he was buried in a small village called Ewelme so I thought it was worth a visit to his grave. Before I carry on be warned I have used a lot of photo's on this blog so you might want a cup of coffee.

I'll start outside the church at this school which was built by William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk from the profits of the East Anglian wool trade in 1437, next door are some cloistered almshouses I have yet to photograph.






The church  is ajoind to the almsehouses by




this covered walkway.

It is well worth visiting the church which is rather stunning inside as you can see here looking at the chancel and rood screen.
 



Archways like this are on both sides of the church
but you really need to look and view the chancel window which is quite something to see.





As you walk in the church you can see this magnificent carved font cover with it's own winch to lift it up.



















Going towards the front of the church look for two chest tombs






















This one with the brass on is to Thomas Chaucer










 His daughter Alice de la Pole lays in this tomb nearby
 This is one of the most amazing tombs I have seen.




Look inside the base through the tracery



and you can see her cadaver.
Thomas Chaucer was speaker of the house of commons and son of the poet
 Geoffrey Chaucer


























It's also worth checking out the other intricate features you  can see in the church.


The panels below the chancel window are the ten commandments and lords prayer



Come out by this entrance as you are on the south side of the church











Go along the path to the left and you will have this view of the church.










Taking the path to the front of the porch it will lead you past these three graves.







One is Jerome K Jerome the other two are his wife and sister





His grave is one of many in the churchyard



Across the road is a cemetery where you can find more interesting graves.
 The village in one of the nicest in the area and the church though looking simple holds a lot of surprises. I intend to go back to visit again as I would like to get some photos in the Almshouses so if you in the area it could be worth your while spending a couple of hours wandering around.



12 comments:

SeaThreePeeO said...

Great post with fantastic pictures. Thank you for linking up with cemetery Sunday.

Beneath Thy Feet

Janet said...

What treasures!

Jen said...

I could definitely spend some time wandering around here --- these are WONDERFUL photos!!! Thank you so much for sharing on Taphophile Tragics! :)

Dzjiedzjee said...

As usual a very fine post Bill! :-)

Hope you'll have a great Sunday!
http://dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

Vicki Boster said...

Fabulous-- I feel like I've been on the most wonderful tour. The photos are incredible-- (omg-- that cadaver!!)

Thanks so much for this amazing blog!
Vicki

Louis la Vache said...

A truly wonderful post!

«Louis» posted one of the California Missions founded by the Franciscans in the 18th century.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

picture #2 & the sitting shot are really amazing. i thank you for sharing more depth views. i always wish i had the ability to do that same on the churches i share. fun! ( :

Betsy said...

Amazing is the carved font cover. The cadaver - wow that is something.
betsy

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Great one Bill. This church has been on my 'to visit' list for sometime - not made it yet, but I will! I didn't know the 'K' stood for Klapka - good English name, that! And he was the originator of an all-time favourite saying, "I enjoy work,. It fascinates me - I could sit and watch it all day." Or something!

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

PS She was only the gravedigger's daughter, but....

Anonymous said...

Totally fascinating!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

What a lovely visit to this church. Jerome K. Jerome was a marvelous writer. I'm a huge fan of Three Men in a Boat. If you still haven't read it, you must do so. We listened to it on audio when we took a long time.