On Wednesday, 11th July, a beautiful summer evening, the group met for a guided tour of Polesworth Abbey, its Gatehouse and Gardens.  We were welcomed by Father Philip Wells and his team of lady parishioners with tea and coffee in the Refectory and he gave us a most entertaining talk about the history of the site.  A recent Dig at the Abbey had cast new light on its history and it is now thought that its roots may go back to the late 600s.

We were taken first of all by a volunteer guide to the only remaining evidence of the hospitality nature of the Abbey, the Gatehouse, which has now been restored and renovated to provide apartments available for rent.

From there, we made our way to the Sensory Garden, in its beautiful setting overlooking the River Anker, and then on to the 12th century Abbey church, now the parish church of St Editha.  Fr. Philip gave further details about the many artefacts and paintings, both old and new, that were a surprising feature of this most beautiful ancient church.

Our evening was rounded off with a delicious fish and chips supper in the Refectory, with a welcome cup of tea provided once again by the ladies of the Abbey parish.

For further details, please see www.polesworthabbey.co.uk.

Janet Jordan

Photographs courtesy: Eileen Donohoe, Michael Kitchen and Janet Jorden.