It was a very Wet Day……But finished on a Bright Note

Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam

Dark grey skies, heavy rain and high winds overnight lasted until mid afternoon….then a minor miracle.  The wind dropped and the sun made every effort to break through the damp mist that hung listless in the air.

Not to waste such a welcome break in the weather we headed off into the tranquil countryside along the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border.  Ilam was the destination.  The Church of the Holy Cross, in the grounds of Ilam Hall nestling below mist shrouded  Bunster Hill and Thorpe Cloud managed to catch the last of the sun. The distinctive Saddle Back roof to the tower is the trade mark of this Norman Church which like most churches has been restored at various times in its long history.

The interior is worth more than a casual look and todays fading light added to its charms.  Stained Glass windows illuminate the nave.  A decorated and painted wrought iron screen adds even more character.

But perhaps it is the fabulous sculpture in the David Pike Watts memorial that steals the scene….somehow it seems perhaps too distinctive, too ornate in its own chapel for such a humble country Church.

The Hall, a family residence with its adjacent farm, has been occupied since the 1500’s.  But like many historic homes is now in the safe keeping of the National Trust. The main buildings continues to serve a very practical purpose and is now a Youth Hostel, an idea base for exploring Dove Dale, the Derbyshire Dales and Staffordshire Moorlands.

The weather was as they saying goes…”a bit iffy” but I am glad we took our chances.  What a great end to a wet few days.

14th March
(C) David Oakes 2105