Friday 18 September 2020

A Pretty World

When I was a student in London I used to hitch-hike home along the A10 road. Being a student of Geography with an interest in the historical development of our landscape, I probably knew I was travelling on the line of an old Roman road. The road in those days went straight through a number of towns and villages and the rides I thumbed often deposited me in these places. So there was more than a little nostalgia as we left the new dual carriageway by-pass and took the original road down to the twin villages of Wadesmill and Thundridge.


There was something I wanted to see before starting the walk. Long before I made my way along here as a student, another young man was travelling from Cambridge University back to his home and sat down by the roadside to rest. Whereas I was probably thinking about meeting up with friends for a beer, he resolved to change his life and influence world history. He'd recently written an essay, in Latin, on the topic of slavery. What he had learned troubled him deeply and it was here that he made his decision to spend as long as it took to persuade people to abolish the slave trade.

His name was Thomas Clarkson and the decision made him an important figure, but also made him many enemies and the effort he put into the struggle damaged his health. The monument above was paid for by the local landowner here, when told the story of Clarkson's decisive moment.


My brother and I set off alongside the little River Rib which divides Wadesmill from Thundridge, along an old lane now used mainly by dog-walkers and runners, but once of local importance in that it led up to the manor house and parish church.


The manor's long-gone, though you can still make out the old moat, and all that's left of the church is its semi-ruinous tower. I was glad to see that it still stands as, although it's a protected building, no one is particularly keen to pay for such upkeep as it needs. It also has a reputation for ghostly hauntings and witchcraft - difficult to imagine on such a bright, sunny morning.


But then there were raucous screams echoing around the tree tops - a sound quite foreign to the English countryside. We had disturbed a number of Ring-necked Parakeets, a species which has made itself at home here in the last half century or so. Urban myth has it that they are all descended from the pet birds owned by Jimi Hendrix and liberated by him in Carnaby Street in London. (Incidentally it was 50 years ago today, Sept 18th 1970, that the guitarist died).


Another invader from foreign shores was lining the river banks. Although looking rather less threatening than banshee parakeets (or even Hendrix's screaming guitar) Himalayan Balsam has become something of a pest in this country. It crowds out other wildflowers and clogs up the river banks. However it seems less noticeable in recent years, possibly as it is killed off by spring and autumn flooding, of which there's been more lately.


After losing the path temporarily we regained our intended route and passed through Sawtree's Wood.


The wood suddenly changed character as we entered a patch of coppiced woodland where the trees have at some stage been cut off near ground level. The trees then respond by sending up new growth which can be harvested a few years later.


We emerged from the wood at the hamlet of Barwick Ford, which always sounds to me as though it ought to be in a classic novel, Thomas Hardy or George Eliot perhaps, and pretty enough, in part at least, to be in a painting.


And that's the ford that gives Barwick Ford its name. It's quite deep even in September and we were glad there was a footbridge alongside.


This is still the River Rib and, once across it, we will climb up through agricultural land and parkland to complete our circle.


We passed by Home Farm with its old threshing barn still being put to some kind of use amongst the modern farm buildings. There are countless farms called "Home Farm" in England and they are almost all associated with large country houses. They existed to keep the land around the mansion tidy and to provide milk and meat for the table of the rich landowner. Often the land was also used for hunting foxes or shooting game-birds.


Usually a flock of sheep would be kept in the parkland surrounding the house to keep the grass nibbled flat, a purpose which they serve to this day.


We made our way through the grounds of the big house known as Youngsbury without getting a view it. There were some magnificent old trees, many of which were exotic species perhaps planted when Capability Brown laid out the landscape of the park.


There was time to photograph this rather beautiful fungus before making our way back to the road. There was someone I wanted to see before we went home.


And here she is, as she has been for several years, summer and winter, outside what used to be the Fox and Hounds pub. Next to the old pub is a shop advertising "Affordable Junk".


I haven't been very good about remembering to include some music on my Friday posts and you're probably expecting me to include something by Jimi Hendrix on the 50th anniversary of his death. But I'm afraid I'm going soft in my old age and this charming little video keeps popping up on my YouTube page. Possibly the only drummer to ever upstage a Stevie Wonder harmonica solo or to include an impromptu geometry lesson...


Take care.

 

24 comments:

  1. Oh, there are so many beautiful spots found in the twin villages of Wadesmill and Thundridge.

    It is unfortunate if the former church with its unique shape was just neglected ..., maybe it is true that the location is so haunted.

    Thank you for your beautiful tour story.
    Greetings from Indonesia.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You take us on such lovely walks! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These old Roman roads were fascinating John werent they? My mother's sister used to live in East Markham near Tuxford. We used to go from Lincoln on the train to see her and go for walks along what my father called 'The Great North Road' - I remember our favourite walk was along to what he called 'The Mausoleum' - I have no idea what it was. Fascinating countryside in your photographs - love that old threshing barn.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I hope they at least put a blanket on your lady friend when the weather turns cold. What is her name? I'm wondering who painted the stripes on that building. They're rather crooked. The landscapes there are simply beautiful. I really do love coming along on these walks with you. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A beautiful area to walk in. I was familiar with Clarkson through William Wilberforce.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Quite an interesting walk I must say so many interesting sights to see. That little girl has a bright future

    ReplyDelete
  7. A lovely walk there. That fungus is quite beautiful. And that little drummer is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a delightful post.
    Soooo much eye candy - and very different types too.
    I love that the spot where Thomas Clarkson had his epiphany is marked. And am very grateful that he had it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice walk and you sure got to see many wonderful things!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That's a lovely little cottage in the hamlet of Barwick Ford.
    I am surprised that the lady in the bath looks so pristine considering that she stays out in all weathers - I wonder what her secret is?
    Those early Himalayan plant collectors brought back several species that have proved to be a real menace. Rhododendrons are also highly invasive and are responsible for having destroyed the habitats of many of our native plants and animals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Regular coats of paint seem to be the lady's secret; she was glistening gold a few years ago.

      Delete
  11. Another wonderful walk. Love the little drummer. I had not realised that my first wedding was on the day Jimi Hendrix died.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The video is priceless...I have been having kid videos pop up a lot on Youtube, too.
    Love the photos from the day...specially that barn....and that big old tree. Hard to believe Jimmy Hendrix has been dead this long.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing what kids can do these days/ Love the photos of the woods.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi John - wonderful walk ... and loved the history. Beautiful photos and thoughts ... that little soul is delightful - loved the poplars reminded me of my family home. Enjoy the weekend - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  15. Loved the walk. Brought back memories of a walking vacation we did in the Cotswolds in 2014.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wonderful walk! I smiled through that whole video...what a sweetie! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is a cause for dismay and regret that men of conscience who not only opposed slavery but sought to repeal laws that sanctioned it do not receive more prominence in our history books and school curricula.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jimmy Hendrix was incredible John but not nearly as cute as your little drummer here 😉 Was surprised to hear you have the ring necked parrots there, definitely an import! Another beautifully informative walk, merci beaucoup ✨

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lots of interesting sights (especially the last one) on this walk John. My favorite was of the fungus, seconded by the delightful final entertainment. I clicked on the link to read more about Thomas Clarkson and learned something new to me. The Himalayan balsam looked lovely despite its invasiveness. Interesting to learn about the ring-necked parakeets and the supposed connection to the late Jimi Hendrix.

    ReplyDelete
  20. That is a picture perfect cottage in Barwick Ford. Very interesting about Thomas Clarkson. When I'm walking the dogs I hear birds that remind me of Australia, I never see them so I don't know what they are. You do some lovely walks.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can't tell you how soothing it was to read this. I think you are so very lucky to live amongst such treasure - both natural and man-made. I love the commitment of that man.
    I had forgotten the date Hendrix died, but I remember sitting in a class room at my college wondering how the world kept going on without anyone in that room saying a word about him. I recently put on an old record and have been playing it for a few days.
    I expect you know about a book called Electric Eden by Rob Young. I've had it for years and have been reading it for a few weeks. I am so loving it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Another wonderful stroll through the countryside. Beautiful photos and a great video of the little drummer girl. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'll try to answer any questions via a comment or e-mail within the next day or two (no hard questions, please!).