It's often the case that when one pursues great beauty that something plainer but altogether more interesting captures the attention. Last week I was out taking pictures of spring flowers and blossom when I noticed an old wooden door.
It's tucked away behind one of the buttresses that support the tower of Grantchester church and gives access, presuming that it still opens, to the belfry. It's not even the most famous old door on the building; the door to the porch is rightly celebrated as being very ancient and historic. But this obscure little entrance is the one that has won my heart.
So here's a selection of its hidden charms:
I've really no idea how old this little door might be; it's rather exposed to the wind and weather so maybe it's not so ancient as it looks. However it has a similar construction to the porch door which is reckoned to be about 300 to 400 years young. The design of the nails and other fitments make it look old too, and it's whole width is achieved with just two planks of wood which must have been hewn from a venerable old tree.
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A quick update on my home circumstances: I'm still taking care of my 87-year-old mother who is needing a lot of assistance with all aspects of her day-to-day life. As a result I'm not getting out and about very often, so this blog will be rather irregular for the foreseeable future. I'm still reading your blogs and enjoying your photos though I don't always manage to comment on them. Thanks to all those who have expressed their concern but, by and large, we're doing OK.
Take care.
What an interesting door, John. Your photos make me want to visit it and study it in detail. I miss your regular posts, but I certainly understand.
ReplyDeleteOh, this door has my heart, too. I do miss your regular posts but I for sure understand. I think we all know that this stuff happens with aging...
ReplyDeleteThat door appears to have organically grown shut!
ReplyDeleteThat door is just amazing! So gorgeous. And hope you and your Mum are doing well.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that door is, full of stories and time. Quite beautiful. Thank you for the update on life at home. Been thinking of you and hoping all is well.
ReplyDeleteune porte bien intéressante * historiquement d'abord et ... aussi pour les souris ou les chats qui profitent sans doute de l'accès au bas de la porte ;) je trouve extraordinaire ces portes qui ont réussi à traverser tant d'époques * quel beau travail de menuisier et de serrurier!
ReplyDeletemerci de reprendre les *posts* tout en soignant votre mère.
Great photos of the old door. Such character!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you and your mother are OK. Take care!
Those are some really great detail photos of that ancient door!
ReplyDeleteThe door is absolutely charming. It almost looks as though it has grown around all the fittings and the keyhole.... but that isn't possible, is it? Unless it's a magic door....
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful old door. Thanks for showing the details of all its charms!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little door and you have captured wonderful details. When I see something as old as this I wonder about the people who made it and those that walked through it. Best wishes to you and your mum.
ReplyDeleteHard to guess those photos are even of a door without that first pictures! Take care of yourself too!
ReplyDeleteI can personally relate to the plainer but much more interesting bit. I'm sure Mrs Britain would agree... Great shots, John - such fabulous detail. All the very best to you and your mum - it's difficult, I know.
ReplyDeleteHi John - I'm glad to read about your mother ... you will remember these times with your mother and count them as important in the scheme of life ... so I'm happy you continue on looking after her. Also the positive aspects that blogging brings will continue to help too.
ReplyDeleteThis door is wonderful isn't it - shows how knowledgeable our ancients were ... in their construction, their ability to cure wood - so it lasts ... for many centuries ... what a creative door this - lots of stories and little people could dream up ideas here ...
Brilliant - to see ... lovely photos ... and rings of life ... thanks and all the best to you and your mother ... cheers Hilary
A fascinating look at one small thing. Close inspection yields big rewards. I am glad to see you able to blog a bit again. Missed you!
ReplyDeleteGreat door! I appreciate this post very much. I had a similar love affair with an old tree I found earlier this winter. My concern for its history became an obsession for a while. Enjoy your time with your mother!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gnarly door. The recessed keyhole is odd - a little harder to peek through? The worn corner makes a perfect little doorway for a mouse or other little creature. Such interesting textures in the woodgrain.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear all is well with you and Aunt Flo. I know she is in good hands with her caregivers! I share the same fascination as you in respect to old buildings. I love the pictures you took of the door. So beautiful. If only we could hear the stories that door could tell....
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive looking door. At first I thought it was a tree. The weathered wood and all the other details are gorgeous. I like finding little gems like these and when you do it's exciting.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your mother are doing ok. It is surely hard work and takes a lot of stamina.
Take care John.
That door has so much to say! There are so many stories and so much beauty around us and you have a knack for finding it.
ReplyDeleteBest to you and your mom.
You are doing something really amazing John.
ReplyDeleteI've fallen in love with that door.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your and your mother. These things have to be our priorities, though you must take care of yourself too, it can be stressful.
Old wood is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update on your circumstances. It is difficult to witness our parents becoming feeble. I'm glad you can get out with your camera from time to time.
You have had a good eye to find all these lovely things. Very great photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful old piece of wood. Glad to hear you're doing ok.
ReplyDeleteI love this wonderful old door, I'm 100% sure it opens into a tres magical secret place, it just has to don't you think 😀 John I'm glad to hear all is well with yourself and mum, I'm of the opinion that our parents look after us for so many years it's a privilege to return the care as they get older xx
ReplyDeleteThis collection of aged wood photos is lovely. So much to admire.
ReplyDeleteGood of you to spend so much time with your mother. You won't regret having done so when she is not there for you to care for any more. Photos can wait.