Working on the ten mile project…St Mary’s chapel
I found it for you.
This lovely, lovely little chapel.
Driving the direct road you sometimes have to take a turn. You just have to, don’t you?
When a friend told me about a little chapel standing on its own in the middle of nowhere somewhere towards Chimney…or it could be Cote, but anyway…in that direction over there…isn’t that something you just have to find? I think so.
Apparently it has existed since the 12C in some form or another. Apparently it was endowed to the vicars of Bampton along with 2lb of wax/year for candles.
The chapel was granted burial rights in the 15C, baptism rights by the 16C.
It fell out of favour for some reason by 1772 and became derelict. But was repaired and renovated by 1785 and the medieval bell was rehung in the belfry.
On the way home, driving thru the village of Cote, I bought armloads of the most spectacular dahlias, fresh picked tomatoes, beans and onions.
Found Graham the village butcher and got some sausages from him.
Guess what’s for supper! All locally grown, made, sourced. I love that, don’t you?
Gerry Wilson
Years ago, when my husband and I were traveling in England, we lucked on a bed and breakfast inn called “The Vicarage” next door to just such a beautiful little chapel. (Not far from Stratford-on-Avon, if I remember correctly, a zoo of tourism, and we hadn’t booked a place to stay that night.) That place was a highlight of the trip. I have photos somewhere . . . Must find! Your photo of the dahlias and produce is a work of art. Just lovely! A treat, as always, Veronica.
Veronica
Oh how lucky, lucky that was Gerry. There are some great places to stay. I hope you do find the photo, I’d love to see it. 🙂
Dana
I love, love, love the history of very old buildings, churches and homes. I would have loved to see it in person!
Veronica
Me too Dana! I’ll go around the ten miles photographing more and including the history.
Lara Britt
You are making me itch to update my Passport. Ruins are the best.
Veronica
Lori, wouldn’t that be great! We could run the length of this country exploring ruins. 🙂
Donna
I love finding out-of-the-way places. The old church and the grounds are lovely. What a wonderful day!
Veronica
It was a wonderful day Donna. There’s so much to explore within my 10 miles here in Oxfordshire that I could be at it my whole life!
Sabra
Enjoyed the photos and your story. Made me want to be right there….and have dinner with you. Truly a nourishing day.
Veronica
Sabra, it so was! I made the sausages with the onions and some lovely tomato-fetta-basil salad…omg…so good!
Catherine
ok that’s it – i’m starting a ten mile project – or maybe 5 mile, after all i’m much lazier than you – i sit here and realise i am so unaware of much that is around me in this countryside – you’ve inspired me – again xxx
Veronica
Great! I’d love to see it! xxx
Rebecca Barray
I love the idea of the 10 mile project! Fantastic! I think I could spent my whole life trying to explore everything within 10 miles of me!
Veronica
It’s so true Becca! You should do it and then I could find out what your ten miles looks like. 🙂