Day two back in England and we are stuffing our face with a full English breakfast. Would have been day 1, but we landed in the after yesterday. A quaint little place that only uses local products, called Berry’s. So delightful.
Now today is mostly dedicated to the Abbey’s in the area, but first stop is Acton Burnley Castle. A ruin now built originally in the 1200s abandoned in the 1400s.
Langley Chapel is literally in the middle of a farmer’s field. The farmer was actually burning a bunch of brush when we arrived, so we didn’t stick around too long. This chapel was built in 1601.
Wenlock Priory was built in the late 600s (seventh century), and interestingly, even though both men and women lived and worshipped here, the Priory was originally led by an abbess (a lady nun). The second leader was also an abbess. So unusual for the timeframe, so pretty cool.
A couple of other interesting items at this priory is the existence of the original tiles and the lavabo which is essentially a sink. We’ve not seen one of these before and it was in great shape. The cloister was also beautiful and peaceful — I could imagine spending time in this spot in it’s prime.
Buildwas Abbey was built in 1135. This is a Cistercian Monastery — beautiful arches. Like most monasteries, Henry XIII closed it down after abolishing catholicism (you know… Cause he wanted a divorce and the pope told him no).
Lilleshall Abbey was Augustinian, built in the 13th and 14th centuries. A different look than the others.
Houghmond Abbey was built in xxx. These ruins were much bigger than we expected.
After our Abbey tour, off to the Wroxeter Roman City. This city at it’s prime was as large as Pompeii. Most notable are the bath houses — cold, warm and hot houses. This site also has a reconstruction of one of the town houses which was really interesting to see.
Officially running out of hours that these locations are open, we had to stop for the day. Back to Church Stretton for some Thai and to snuggle Oreo, the ground cat.
