We've been lucky.

[GMan]

The architecture, the history, the entire beautiful setting, including the stained glass are just awe inspiring. Derek I do want to thank you for sharing.

[Iolaus]

Wow! ... just... Wow!

[Southern Breeze]

Wow, those are some nice pics. The long history in that part of the world is awsome.
Whats the name of the church?

[davedove]

The long history in that part of the world is awsome.

When I took my trip to England, on one of the tours we stopped for lunch at a pub that was REBUILT in the late 1400's!

[macsim]

Those pics are fantastic! My great-grandmother was a Howell and the family originally came to the USA as part of the "Welsh Tract" up in PA. We're gearing up for that traditional North Carolina winter treat - ice.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Derek, that is awesome information. I am always moved and envious by the history that abounds across the pond. To be around cities, structures, and monuments that have been around that long is beautiful. Thanks for sharing some of the history and the pics.

Things in N.America are so young by comparision. I suppose if one is always surrounded by history, you get used to it!

[Mike n NC]

Those pics are fantastic! My great-grandmother was a Howell and the family originally came to the USA as part of the "Welsh Tract" up in PA. We're gearing up for that traditional North Carolina winter treat - ice.

Shouldn't be long, had 28 degrees and 1/2 inch of frost this morning here on the coast.

Mike

[Steeplechase]

Great pics Derek! It is certainly a beautiful place.

[Hamish]

Things in N.America are so young by comparision. I suppose if one is always surrounded by history, you get used to it!

Whilst we greatly appreciate the beauty of our older buildings, Blu, I think what you suggest is probably, to some extent, true. Most of our village churches and city cathedrals date from the 12th and 13th Centuries and they are always worth stopping off for a few minutes to see. I often visit our 12th Century village church (two miles from the village and set in a farm-yard!) for quiet contemplation and reflection. All one can hear is the distant bleating of the Southdown hill-sheep and the calling of the Peacocks in the gardens of the nearby Manor House! There is certainly a special sense not only of history but also of spirituality in such buildings, which modern churches so sadly lack. Fortunately, the latter only seem to exist in town and cities, far from where I live, where they often replace the Victorian churches now converted into trendy eateries and Wine Bars!

There is a very pretty half-timbered, thatched cottage just a few hundred yards from my home. I believe it dates from about 1540, but we all pass it by without giving a second glance. So, yes, we do take many of these beautiful, old buildings around us for granted when going about our daily business.

[Livingston]

Whilst we greatly appreciate the beauty of our older buildings, Blu, I think what you suggest is probably, to some extent, true.

Just like here in the States. I grew up and lived primarily in the Midwest (Kansas and Iowa). Moved here to Colorado Springs and the foot of the Rockies in 1992. One of the guys I worked with when I first got here asked "Why on Earth would you want to live here?" I took him out the door where the morning light was just hitting Pikes Peak and asked "Why NOT?" Too many people here forget how beautiful it is compared to the billiard table landscape I grew up with. (OK, that's beautiful in it's way too)