A Step Back in Time - Peterborough Heritage Weekend

 

And here we are again... the Peterborough Heritage Weekend (my previous posts are here, here, here and here).  The chance to transform yourself back in time amongst the medieval architecture, the relevance of Catherine of Aragon's tomb, the centuries of history and those who made it happen.  Yes the Heritage Weekend never fails to disappoint both in rain and sun and the camera dances through the minutes clicking away and capturing more moments of time.

My writing will be minimal in this post as I feel that the photos will speak for themselves (if you hover over the photo you will see my notes), so sit back with a slice of Bara Brith and a large mug of tea and let me take you back through history...

The procession begins...

And now a spot of music...

... and how about some lunch? ...

... and a little sit down ...

Katharine of Aragon, Old Scarlett and her lady in waiting were enjoying a well earned sit down too.  Here they are next to Katharine's grave which is in the Cathedral.

And on the opposite side, Mary Queen of Scots sat next to her first grave before she was moved to Westminster on her son's instructions.

Now, let's visit the Bishop's Palace...

The falconry display was held along with Viking camp in the Palace gardens.  Patience I found was needed for these two gorgeous birds to pose!

Now to look around a little more...

Of course there were many re-enactors who reminded me and a friend of many Monty Python scenes (I felt as though a large evil rabbit was about to attack these two!). I bet you are thinking of many scenes right now - they should really have coconut shells shouldn't they?!!

I do hope there wasn't any real gunpowder here!

But just in case, there is help nearby!

And so, another year with exceptional history comes to an end.  I really love this event and the fact that it is set in surroundings that ooze 900 years of history.  Sometimes it's really hard to imagine all the history this place has seen and survived.  It goes without saying that I will be taking you back again next year so set the date and I will take you by the hand and take you through history once more.

Ok, joke's over!  You can cut me down now!!

Have a lovely rest of week, keep dancing through it and keep smiling.

I Climbed a Cathedral - Again!

Just drink in that view, don't worry I'll do the leg work but I do hope you have a head for heights!  It's a bit of a climb!

For those of you who can remember me climbing Peterborough Cathedral last year (my post is here) you can understand my eagerness to climb the other side of this fantastic historical building as soon as I could.  Well, the time came, high vis jackets, hard hats, and of course suitable trousers and shoes were worn (Marilyn Munro moments would not be appropriate!) and the climb started.  So, as you sit there with your hot coco, cupcake and snuggly slippers, let me show you the other side of the Cathedral taking care not to trip up on any workmen equipment along the way!

Yes, it's high but there are no ladders, thankfully.  Little groups of stairs rise up to take you higher to show off the City spread out around this building.

We kept looking out towards Peterborough City with every level and the range of buildings that we could see in the distance.

But let's get to the main reason why I was up here again... the architecture!

The Cathedral is going through some quite extensive works at the moment to keep this building at its best, considering its age of nearly 900 years old!  The gargoyles have gradually over time relinquished their looks, but this one is fortunate in not being exposed to so much of the elements at this height, compared to his neighbours.

Some of the stonework needs replacing and the patience of the stonemasons with this exact craft is evident.  The damaged stone is removed, measured and the details are taken off site to experts in this field.

The new stone is carved to exact measurements and specifications...

... and then the work begins to reinstate the stone...

The colour will fade with time, but I admire the patience and dedication to replace these stones.

As we went up to each level, we could see more stone that had been replaced, but just being close to any of the stone at this high level was enough to make me smile.

The dummy towers that contain stone stairs inside that leads to who knows where.

Can you see them through the mesh? (the camera was not playing fair!).

Stone columns and lead glass windows greeted us at every turn of the scaffolding stairs.

Along with stonemason kit.  I loved seeing things such as these dotted around.

I could go on and on with all the wonderful things I saw up here with the stone, BUT, the views - that's what you want to see isn't it now I am at the top?!  I'll stop with the commentary and you can join Mr Badger in looking out over Peterborough City from between the turrets of Peterborough Cathedral (you can learn more about Mr Badger's visit with me from my post here and about Hygge here - he is on his way down to Essex now).

The Deanery

Through the scaffolding across Cathedral Square, St John the Baptist and in the distance, Thorpe Hall

On this side of the Cathedral sits the bell tower, with its louvered sides and protection from the elements.

I just managed to get my camera to pick up the outlines of two of the bells - no easy task I can tell you!

And so, with the bells tolling 4 o'clock, it was time to descend from this steel and wood maze.

A wonderful. leisurely trip and even though the weather had closed in, the views were still spectacular, and to walk around something so ancient and usually out of reach was made extra special.  Especially when peering into one of the small windows to see the ancient windlass which is one of three in the country still in situ from when the Cathedral was built and the stone was winched by this into position.

No, I don't know who S Poegee is, other than someone who is about to celebrate a birthday! :)

And so, the descent began through the maze of tubes, boards and safety nets.

No matter how many times I see this building, it always surprises me with its beauty.

Thank you so much for visiting and leaving comments, I am gradually getting back into the swing of things and little Tia is getting to know us better so new routines are now in place.  It takes a while doesn't it.

With my birthday next week I plan on taking it easy - even though the routines of my two teens being back at school and college and me in the full swing of work again will probably make sure I don't!!

Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead.