While I was out riding my bicycle this morning I stopped for a while at the village of Litlington, just five miles from home. It's not a famous place by any means and isn't really on the way to anywhere, which is just as well as the roads are unsuitable for heavy traffic.
But, back in the 1970s, before the nearby town of Royston was by-passed, a lot of traffic used to come through here to avoid going through Royston. The one-way system dates from those days, though it's rather quieter now.
This curious little building has been seen before on this blog, but it was quite a few years ago. It's known as The Cage and was in fact the village lock-up. Before 1839, when there was an act of parliament organising a rural police force, law and order was maintained in each village by their own village constable, along with the church wardens. Minor offenders were locked up in here overnight till they could be dealt with by the magistrates (or sometimes just until they'd sobered up).
It's still operating too, despite the rather faded sign. And around the corner there's what might be called a "window on to the past"....
....an old photo is displayed in a blocked window, which, unless I'm mistaken, is the same shop some time during the last century.
And with that I'll pedal on my way, though of course I had a quick peep at the church. I'll show you next time.
Take care.
What a pretty place!
ReplyDeleteLoved the bicycle and potted flowers on the wall! Very creative! Nice little village.
ReplyDeleteLoved the bike and the Michaelmas Daisies.
ReplyDeleteI love that bicycle mounted on the wall and decorated with flowers.
ReplyDeleteDidnt know the place til now as said a pretty abode for local people .well done both. R john
ReplyDeleteAnother delightful village, John. Love the decorated bicycle.
ReplyDeleteA lovely village and good that it still has a shop and pub. That's an interesting and attractive use for an old bicycle:)
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that the residents of Litlington are quite happy to see the traffic flow diminished. The little chapel you show is a common rural landmark here, but few are active any more and many have been coopted as houses. Miriam and I pass one regularly where the outside has been delightfully transformed, and I have often made the comment that I would love to see what they have done with the interior.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great eye for spotting things that most others would miss. Seeing the Michaelmas Daisies makes me realise that time is passing along far too quickly.
ReplyDeleteHow creative someone was with an old bicycle. That’s impressive reuse for sure!
ReplyDeleteA little village which has everything!
Hi John - wonderful informative post .. the Michaelmas daisies are brilliant this year - but you've shown us so much - that bicycle is just brilliant. We have a Litlington here too - but it's not as pretty as yours ... enjoy these summery days - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteA charming village John. The bicycle is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteU.S. towns used to have tiny jails like that, too, and you can still see them here and there. Now prisons are a big industry! Says a lot about our society I think. I love the bicycle flower garden on the brick wall.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful village. I just love that bicycle planter on the wall. How creative! And I love the photo of the Cage. Hmmm, imagine having to spend the night in there. I enjoyed this little trip very much. You have a super day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteA village worthy of taking lots of photos. Funny the lock up has survived all these years.
ReplyDeleteThe lock up looks effective John. A village Constable, now wouldn't that be a novel idea.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been there very early since it looks so quiet!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely little town. Love that bicycle on the wall.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely village - and you found so many interesting things to share in your great photos John, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe bike 'planter' was amazing - the shop and old photo framed in a window of its past life, such a great idea - the pub, as always a necessity in a rural setting, along with a thatched roof on at least one cottage. . . . .all making up for a very lovely place to come across as you cycled.
Have a great week - Mary
Litlington is tres pretty John, love the way English towns and villages decorate with hanging baskets, or bicycles, in summer. I wonder how many pubs there are named The Crown 😊
ReplyDelete