Enjoying retirement
In The Red Rose County
We hadn't met friends Tony and Trine for a long time so we decided to meet half way between our respective homes at the delightful Devonshire Brasserie which is part of the Bolton Abbey estate. A lovely lunch (£49 for 2 with a glass of good wine) with a roaring fire on a rainy grey day, and excellent service, and a lot of good catching up. Perfect. Walking a short way up the road after lunch we went through what seemed to be a magic doorway to emerge with an incomparable and very English view of the Wharfe and the Priory ( for such it is). We had a pleasant stroll down to the river and then made our way to the Priory. One end of the Priory is still a church (Tony had attended a wedding here). Here is the inner doorway really the late Gothic west facade of the original Priory. The decorated roof, though much restored, is possibly the one installed by the canons shortly before the Dissolution.The unusual wall paintings are Victorian. The Priory’s only surviving ancient glass (fourteenth century), which probably escaped destruction during the Dissolution because it depicted figures from the English royal family, is found in the upper sections of these three windows. The King has not been positively identified, but he may well be Edward III; if so, the Queen would be Philippa of Hainault. The six soaring thirteenth century lancet windows, contain nineteenth century glass designed by Augustus Pugin, a particular hero of mine. Here are a couple of detailed views. The rain failed to spoil our enjoyment, and we all went away very happy with our meal and get-together at a magical location.
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Keith & Frances SmithArchives
August 2023
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