Tewkesbury Abbey decorative metalwork

In the medieval past the cost of the upkeep of the nave of a church usually fell to the lay congregation. However, the chancel and everything therein was funded by the church i.e the clergy, since it was their private domain in which they worked. But, since much of the money of the clergy derived from tithes paid by the laity, the congregation's pockets were hit twice. This pattern of cost sharing was true of many cathedrals and greater churches too. Consequently beautiful embellishments were made in the chancel, less so in the nave. And these embellishments were hidden from the congregation in the nave by rood screens, gates etc. This gate, which looks to be of Victorian origin, separates the choir from the crossing and nave at Tewkesbury Abbey. Today, in keeping with the times, it is usually open.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

A rustic opening

One of the charms of old gardens is the aged walls, gates, buildings, fences and other fixtures that are frequently found giving structure to the planting. Judging by its time-worn condition it will be many decades, or perhaps even a century or two, since this doorway-cum-gate was erected as a way through the enclosing wall. It seems to be still in use, together with the new sign, welcoming visitors to the garden and the house beyond.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300

St Michael and All Angels, Brampton Abbotts

The name Brampton Abbots reveals two things about the small settlement near Ross on Wye. Firstly, it was noted for the broom that grew in the area, and secondly the church was owned by the abbots of Gloucester. In fact it was gifted to them by William I shortly after the conquest. It's likely that the nave and chancel that we see today, with it Norman rounded arches, dates from those years. The church is a lovely, modest building that has recently been sensitively restored. The wood shingle tower is supported by a timber structure within the west of the nave. Both roofs have been repaired with, it looks like, many of the original stone tiles. The fourteenth century south porch retains many of its original timbers, a tribute to the durability of oak when it is carefully used. The fine Victorian gate  seen in the photograph opens on to a field with a footpath through it, indicating that many of the congregation came to the building across the fields rather than from the nearer dwellings whose inhabitants would have entered through the lych gate.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Peppers graffiti

Over the years I've come to mind graffiti rather less than I did. I still don't like it sprayed clandestinely on someone else's property. Or directly onto bricks or any other permanent surface. But, a nice piece on a painted wall, or a grotty corrugated steel fence, or on a surface provided for just that purpose, well, I find that inoffensive. And I certainly don't mind the owner of a property hiring someone to paint a graffiti style advertisement on their gated entrance to the back of their premises, as is the case at Peppers Cafe in Gloucester.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100