Throwleigh Church

I went up to Throwleigh church recently to take some of my Three Hares Trail leaflets and was so pleased to see the graveyard full of devil's bit scabious flowers, I only wish more churches would leave their graveyards for the wildflowers to grow instead of strimming everything, it is so good for the insects and wildlife.

Newton St Cyres Church

A photo of the inside of the church at Newton St Cyres, the Three Hares boss is above. There is an almost perfect 17th century monument to the left of the window showing Sir John Northcote, to his right is his first wife Elizabeth Rouse by whom he had one son who died and there is a sad legend written "My fruits were small, one sonne was all, that not at all". On his left is his second wife Susanna Pollard by whom he had twelve sons and six daughters! and the saying around her portrait is "My Jacob had by me as many sonnes as hee. Daughters twice three"

Newton St Cyres Church

This lovely Church is set on the hillside overlooking the village of Newton St Cyres. It has one carved wooden Three Hares boss which is quite difficult to see properly without a torch. Behind the church is an Arboretum which is being restored to its former glory and is a real pleasure to walk around, apart from the trees there is a remarkable ancient timber and thatch summer house. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the wild boars that reputidly roam free in the woods!

Ilsington Stained Glass Window

On Sunday we drove out to Ilsington to take some of my Three Hares Trail leaflets to put in the church there and I was able to have another look at the lovely stained glass window with St Francis surrounded by animals, flowers and birds. It is signed by George B Cooper ABBS 1955. Here is a close up of the left side showing a rabbit bottom left, then above this a caterpillar, above this a frog and some toadstools. Sitting on the top left is the Barn Owl that I have included in my painting of the church and above this a lark ( I think). Ilsington is such a charming village and we had a good Sunday roast at the Carpenters Arms.