Hi Fletcher here,

Polly and I welcome you to part 2 of the happenings on the holiday to Armathwaite Hall, with our guests.

After the rain yesterday, Wednesday while cloudy was dry throughout.

It had been planned that Dad was taking STAG for a walk.

Shaun, with Grizzly, Southey with Little Eric, Allen and Tetley

He turned to speak to them, but was forestalled by Shaun. "We can see how much you are struggling with your hamstring and how painful it is. There is no way that you should walk."

"We fully understand", went on Tetley. "We've had so many adventures in the past and there will be more to come, but not today."

"Ahh, thanks lads for being so understanding."

After breakfast Dad saw John and Margaret in the hall saying, "I'll bring Norma down for you to see." They were leaving today.

"She's just lovely", said Margaret giving her a hug.  We were sitting in the hall having a nice chat, during which another couple came out out of the Dining Room, the gentleman saying, “we saw your bears.  They are lovely.”  They then joined the conversation too.  If we bears can make people smile and brighten their day, then it is so worthwhile us being with Dad.  Goodbyes were said, and maybe our paths will cross again here sometime. 

"It's plan B", Dad told us. "Visiting St Bees that Uncle Brian and I visited together in 2011 and 2014."

Can Gladly and I come?, asked Fred.

"Yes and Craig and Ralph too."

"Great" cheered Craig.

Entering the village Dad said, "if I recall correctly there is parking by the Priory."

"Hmm, it's full", commented Ralph, "but a couple have just got in their car." We took the space after they drove off.

Scrambling out, Gladly called out, "we'll sit on that seat...

l-r Craig, Gladly, Fred & Ralph

...so we can properly look at the Priory"

Craig pointed, "I wonder what that section of wall with grass on top signifies?. It partly encloses a space."

There's an information panel", said Ralph. "That should tell us." Going over to look he told us, "this is the site of the South Chancel. Built about 1300 and had collapsed some 200 years later. Part of the wall remains, being that you pointed out Craig. Also the outline of the large east window. The building that partly intrudes into this space was built in Victorian times, and was a classroom block for the St Bees Theological College that existed here from 1815 to 1895."

Fred said, "with Grizzly's help I have some brief notes about the Priory. There is evidence of a pre-Norman religious site, on which a Benedictine priory was founded by the first Norman Lord of Egremont William Meschin. It was dedicated by Archbishop Thurstan of York, sometime between 1120 and 1135. The priory remained active, including the monks being involved in early coal mining in the Whitehaven area, and there is evidence they ran a mill in the village. The monastic priory was dissolved on 16th October 1539. The nave tower and transepts continued in use as the parish church and some of the cloister range was retained as a residence for the parish priest, but was demolished in 1816, when a new vicarage was built. The monastic chancel at the east end was rendered roofless and the east arch of the tower was infilled with a dividing wall. In 1818 a theological college was founded, the first successful one outside Cambridge and Oxford.  The ruined part was re-roofed and used as a lecture room.  The college however closed in 1894.  When we visited in 2011 with my Dad, we were told that the school used this as a music room."

"I remember now", said Dad. "On that visit we met the vicar and the organist and his wife. The vicar kindly let us see New College Hall behind the sanctuary wall. There is a false floor so the level of this hall is higher than the main church.  The original floor level still exists, being used for storage."

"Thank you both", said Craig, "you have set the scene perfectly."

Making our way to the entrance via the west door, Ralph exclaimed, "wow just look at that amazing decoration."

"It dates from 1150 to 1160 and is the most richly decorated in the county", informed Fred. "There are three orders of columns zig-zag (chevron) ornamentations, and beak-head decorations."

Entering the six nave arcades stretched away. "The arches are Early English sitting on the original Norman pillars.", went on Fred.

Strolling the aisle we reached the chancel.

Entering the chancel Gladly commented, "that will be the door the vicar took us through to see New College Hall."

To the right is the impressive organ. "I have some notes about this too", said Fred. "It is justifiably famous as one of the masterpieces of Victorian organ building. Completed in 1899, it was the last major organ to be built under the personal supervision of 'Father' Henry Willis; the master organ builder of the Victorian era."

"We must have a record of our visit", said Craig. "Let's sit on the chancel steps."

There are many stained glass windows. Here are two examples.

Fred directed us left to the north transept. "This is the St Bega chapel. According to legend, when Bega landed from Ireland, she saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, and fell to her knees on the beach. This is wonderfully depicted through two statues by the renowned sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos."

Making our way to the south transept, Gladly said, those effigies must be very old. Take a picture of one please Dad."

"There's an information panel about it. I'll read it out for us all. This fine effigy was discovered during excavations under the Old College Hall in 1981. She wears a widows' veil with traces under her chin of a 'barbe' or band of linen. Her long-sleeved dress is gathered up and her hands are in an attitude of prayer. There is a dog at her feet that indicates fidelity. This effigy is dated about 1320 so it seems it cannot be of Maud de Lucy who died in 1398. It is possibly Agnes wife of Robert of Harrington, who died on 1298."

"Thank you Gladly", said Ralph.

We looked at some more exhibits before making our way outside once more. "Look at that ornate lintel", pointed Craig.

"I have some notes about that too", said Fred. Shuffling the papers he said, "Ahh, here we are. This is a Norman lintel stone, dating from about 1120, depicting a fight between St. Michael and a dragon. The dragon has a head at its tail - to show the eternal fight of good and evil - and towers over St. Michael threateningly. This is flanked by interlace and a dove of peace with Scandinavian and Celtic influences." Pointing to the cross below, he went on, "the cross once stood at the breast of the hill on the main road to Whitehaven."

We then went into the Sleeping Child Garden. Fred once again enlightened us. "This was the inspiration of the internationally renowned sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos (1905 - 2006), who perceived a need to create a tranquil space for all those who have suffered the loss of a young life, before or after birth, to come and find comfort. Amongst the trees, shrubs and flowers of the garden setting she designed, are three of her works of art - 'Heavenly Twins', and 'Sleeping Child' and 'Adoration of the Holy Innocents'." ,

The latter seen here below.

"It is indeed so peaceful here", said Craig. "Please take our picture."

"What a fascinating visit", said Gladly as Dad drove us to the beach.

"And thank you Fred for all the information", added Ralph.

"You're welcome, but Grizzly must take credit too as helped a lot."

Parked we headed for the beach, sitting looking out.

"There is a fine view along the coast looking south" commented Gladly

"Not much beach today with it being high tide", went on Craig looking north to St Bees Head.

We then did some exploring, seeing the Lifeboat station.

Dad told us, "St Bees is the start of the Coast to Coast route that ends at Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. It was devised by Alfred Wainwright in 1973 stretching for 192 miles through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Vale of Mowbray and the North York Moors. STAG and I met some people nearing the end of their trek, when we walked from Glaisdale in September."

We then sat here...

...before walking the first few yards and looking to St Bees Head up which the initial route goes.

"Have you ever thought of doing it?", asked Fred.

"No lad. I am happy to just do day walks. Also I did not want to leave your Dad on his own for the nearly three weeks it takes to complete. And with the state of my hamstring etc., at the moment doing just a short walk is really beyond me."

Dad had planned to now go to the Beach Cafe, but as we settled in the car for our picnic, we noted that about a dozen people were going inside, and when he walked over found there was a queue. "We'll just head back to the hotel", Dad said.

We had noted a statue at the junction, and while we continued with our picnic, Dad, parking at the Priory, walked back to take a picture.

The statue is of St Bega the legend being told on this information plaque.

A further plaque tells that the statue was unveiled on 16th September 2000, by the mayor of Copeland, Councillor, Mrs Joan Hully.
Names of the villagers are inscribed on a scroll in a capsule placed in the plinth by the Chairman of the Parish Council, John Halle.
Sculptor: Colin Telfor of Maryport.

The statue stands by Pow Bridge that crosses the Pow Beck.

Later research told us the bridge is dated 1585 built for Archbishop Grindal whose coat of arms appear on the dated panel. It has a single elliptical arch of about 12 feet in span. The original width was 12 feet, but at some time has been doubled. Dad was not able to get a picture today, but we found this on the Internet taken by D Moore on 30th July 2023. The bridge carries Grade II* listed status.

So that rounded off our fascinating day. Arriving at Armathwaite Hall, Gladly said, "I'm ready for a rest."

"Me too", sighed Fred.

So we settled in the hall resting.

Dad meanwhile, deservedly, enjoyed delicious homemade scones with butter jam and cream with a pot of tea.

Returning to the room we told our other pals all about the super time we had had. Gladly said again, "thank you for taking Craig, Ralph, Fred and I."

Later Dad went off the The Grill for dinner, "Polly and I want to take Gooseberry Pie with us tonight."

We were welcomed by Joanne and Elena, and Dad had a nice chat with Lorela, who admired us. She had been nursing a foot injury that had stopped her running and swimming for a while, but she has recovered, for which we were very happy.

Simon, manager, was at the next table with a friend from Morpeth.  Dad got drawn into the conversation by Simon telling him , Dad had been coming for 16 years.  We talked about Northumberland.  He knew the Percy Arms at Chatton, where Dad and Uncle Brian had stayed so many times.  Also their shared love of all kinds of live entertainment.  Theatre, music etc.  Dad said, "it has been a pleasure to have met you", as he left.

---

Thursday

After a late breakfast Dad booked dinner in The Dining Room.

A little later he said, "I'm going to see Will to book to come 1st March next year."

"Oh great", we all cheered. "On your 75th birthday too Uncle Gerry", went on Fred.

He saw Simon, Dad saying, “I hope I did not intrude too much in the conversation with your friend last night.” 

“No not at all.” 

Briefly saw Carolyn who remarked about me, “new member of staff?.” 

Will said, “we are thinking of renaming room 131 to Gerry’s room.”  She laughed.

Late morning it was off to Keswick, our pals Rex and Starbuck accompanying Dad to see the play Di, Viv and Rose at the Theatre by the Lake.

First though Dad had a few errands. He needed a battery for his watch, trying one shop to no avail, but being directed to a typical old fashioned hardware store, where he acquired one for £2. It was still painful to walk, so a visit to Boots for some stronger painkillers. It was market day, Starbuck saying, "there's the teddy bear stall where you bought our pal Monika a few years ago."

Here she is on the right with her boyfriend Donald.

Lunch time for Dad, going as usual to the Hope Cafe. Seeing it was busy, Rex said, "we'll save your table while you queue to be served."

"Thank you lad."

While there Dad replaced the battery in his watch, saving the £5 charge if the shopkeeper had done it.

Then we strolled through Hope Gardens to the theatre, and settled for the play. Not having his iPad he was unable to take our picture, but here we are at Royal Exchange in Manchester, where we go to every play.

l-r Rex, Starbuck

The play was Di and Viv and Rose.  Played by Sally Hodgkiss, Amelia Donkor and Olivia Sweeney.  The play is about these three girls who become friends at University and share a house for 2 years.  Di is lesbian.  Rose is very sexually active and ends up getting pregnant.  Viv is motivated to get a top degree and make something of herself, in the end being offered a job in New York.  The set in act 1 is their living room in the house with various furnishings. The first act charts their messy and complex relationships as they move to adulthood.  Di gets raped and seeks counselling.  For act 2 all the furniture etc is suspended over the stage from a large grid.  We suppose symbolizing them moving on.  Viv goes to New York and ultimately is very successful.  Rose has twins and copes with all that involves.  Di gets and office job but feels unfulfilled.  The various scenes broken up by blackouts cover the next 20 years or so.  The years are projected onto the set.  Rose finally decided to get married, but sadly dies.  Di reads a moving eulogy.  Viv falls apart drinking heavily.  They then become estranged.  Eventually Viv comes to see Di, who is ill with cancer.  There are harsh words from Di about Viv not really caring, but there is some reconciliation.  The play ends with some snatches of dialogue and a repeat of the intense dance routine.

"As always here, an excellent production and well acted", said Rex. "I have enjoyed it."

"As have I", said Starbuck. "Thank you as always for taking us Dad."

"You are welcome. I love coming to see live theatre, and it was Uncle Brian who sparked by interest initially, and we saw so many plays together here and at the Royal Exchange and other venues."

"Ahh we miss him so much", sighed Starbuck. "But he is with us in spirit.

"That's for sure", stated Rex.

Later we had our final room service dinner, while Dad took Fred and Gladly for his in The Dining Room.

A lovely peaceful atmosphere and the food was excellent. Panjab one of the waiters asked about Fred and Gladly and what their badges represented. Another waitress who Dad did not know was listening too.

---

The end of another lovely holiday. I went as usual with Dad to check out, and then with us all settled in the car we drove home to all our other pals.

Until next time

Love and hugs,

Fletcher

 

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