Ruins
Iona Augustinian Nunnery
I could almost feel the presence of the sisters of the old Augustinian order as I sat quietly in the chapter house of the Nunnery of St Mary the Virgin on the tiny island of Iona. The tranquillity and peacefulness of the place are palpable. And even though the Nunnery is in ruins, it…
Read MoreSt Leonard’s Hospital, York
The ruins of the medieval St Leonard’s Hospital lie just on the edge of Museum Gardens in York. The ancient building can be best explored by walking up the path to York Library and Archive, from Museum Street. This is precisely what we did, late on a Thursday afternoon – not knowing that the…
Read MoreSoutra Aisle, Scottish Borders
On a windswept and desolate hill, just off the A68, stands the remains of Soutra Aisle. It is here that we stopped on a blustery July day to walk in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims and poor travellers. Founding of Soutra Hospital The Augustinians founded the hospital at the request of…
Read MoreHaverfordwest Castle, Wales
Haverfordwest Castle in Wales is undoubtedly the most prominent landmark in the area – the view from the riverbank below is imposing. But sadly, little remains of the 12the century castle. History of Haverfordwest Castle, Wales The “who” and “when” of the Castle’s building is unknown. What we do know is that…
Read MoreAuld Kirk, Stow, Scotland
When Queen Margaret Tudor (wife of King James IV) stepped from her carriage in 1513, to pray at the Auld Kirk in Stow, she must have appreciated the beauty and tranquillity of the place. Then, as still today, Stow is a quiet village in the Scottish Border region, with rolling hills and green farmland…
Read MoreKelso Abbey, Scotland
The impressive ruins of Kelso Abbey’s West tower are all that survive of one of Scotland’s richest medieval Abbeys. It was built to a twin-towered, double-crossed plan unparalleled in the rest of the Kingdom. We were walking from the centre of town, along the A699, following the signs to the Abbey. Reaching the…
Read MoreNarberth Castle, Wales
We were starving as we drove into the little town of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, Wales. I wanted to explore the castle (that is why we came here in the first place!) but we needed food first. So, we found street parking along the main shopping street and hunted down a café. It is a…
Read MoreCarmarthen Castle, Wales
Our visit to Carmarthen Castle in Wales resulted in frustration and disappointment in equal measures. But I’m glad we stopped in the town, if only to gain the knowledge that the castle is not really worth a visit! Firstly, parking was a near impossibility. SatNav guided us to Little Bridge Street, which is…
Read MoreAberystwyth Castle, Wales
Windswept and abandoned. Almost lonely with only the sea its lifelong companion – and greatest enemy. For it is precisely Aberystwyth Castle’s location right on the seaside, which had such a massive impact on its condition. We arrived around mid-day and found a parking spot close-by. Walking up the steep pathway, the…
Read MoreBeaumaris Castle, Anglesey, Wales
Even though it was bucketing down with rain, we were determined to drive onto the island of Anglesey and explore Beaumaris Castle. And I am so very pleased that we did not let the frightful weather put us off! Beaumaris Castle is one of the most impressive medieval buildings I have ever seen. Exploring…
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