This font holds water for baptisms. Baptism marks the start of the Christian life, when someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. A prist blesses the water and pours it over the person’s head as a symbol of this new faith.
The font was made in 1934 and its huge cover shows the four gospel writers who tell the story of Jesus in the Bible. the large Paschal (Easter) Candle often stands nearby – a new one is lit every Easter Eve. This was the traditional time for baptisms but now adults and children are baptised throughout the year.*
*From an information board next to the font.
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral
This enormous pair of doors once stood at the main entrance to the church at the far west end of the Nave. They date from the 1400s when the church was at the centre of England’s leading abbey.
The doors were opened wide for religious processions. For everyday use, monks and visiting pilgrims used the small door-within-a-door. Huge iron nails in a pattern hold together the layers of oak panelling. Wood was skilfully carved on the outer surface to creat elegant decoration.*
*from a signboard next to the doors
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
In 1989 Laporte industries of Luton celebrated their centenary by funding its reglazing. The designer, Alan Younger, interpreted the concentric circles of the universe, with the earth in the centre and triangular areas of colour used to suggest the infusion of spirit into matter. The window was unveiled by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Tags: Hertforshire, Rose Window, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over the place where Alban, the first British martyr, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1,700 years ago.
The building’s amazing mixture of architectural styles bears witness to the many centuries of its life, first as a monastic Abbey and now as a Cathedral. Down all those centuries countless pilgrims have come to honour Saint Alban and offer prayers at his shrine – and they continue to do so today.
The present Cathedral was begun in 1077, using Roman bricks from the ruined city of Verulamium. The massive 11th century bell tower is the only remaining example of its type. The Cathedral has the longest nave in England where you can also see outstanding medieval wall paintings.
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
Since the 14th century the area south of High Street between Waxhouse Gate and Holywell Hill has been called Vintry. The name is said to derive from the Abbey vineyards which may have lain in the northeast corner of the Abbey precinct. Vines were certainly cultivated in St. Albans district in the Middle Ages, as a 13th century vineyard is recorded close to the modern swimming pool at Westminster Lodge. Today, vines on the north wall of the garden are a vivid reminder of Medieval times, although the Medieval Vineyard probably only occupied what today is the grassy area behind you. For most of the Middle Ages the Bintry Garden itself was used for the monks’ graveyard, only the Abbots were buried in the Abbey itself.*
*from an information board next to the garden entrance
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
When the mind is really absent, in that silence, in that unlimited space, your potential starts glowing, radiating, flowering. Suddenly you are full of cherry blossoms, a new presence, a new fragrance.
Rajneesh
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Stratford-upon-Avon, The Guild Chapel, Warwickshire
…From the new kitchen
Zingy salmon, cubed potatoes and green beans.
The dining room wasn’t quite empty enough (from boxed kitchen items) for us to dine in there. Maybe tomorrow…
And for those who are curious this is how my hair turned out a couple of hours after my recent visit to a local salon for a cut styling blow dry…
Tags: Chez Nous, Shropshire
