Anthropology Field Trip
On Tuesday (Feb 1st) I was unexpectedly able join the anthropology class on their field trip to two very different churches. Led (and driven) by Professor Emily Stammitti, we piled into the Harlaxton College van. We then headed East for 90 minutes to Repton, home of St. Wystan’s Church. Below the alter is an 8th century Anglo-Saxon crypt. This is the oldest of its type and an important example of Anglo Saxon architecture. It was amazing to see the crypt that was hidden until 1779. As we were told, it was believed to have been built just below ground in the 700s and had a wooden church above it. When the vikings sacked the town, they think the burning church collapsed on top of it and it lay hidden for a thousand years when it was accidentally discovered by a workman (who fell through the roof while digging a hole for a grave) in 1779. There are three points of access, one on either side of the alter within the church and then a third outside. It is a tiny space inside where they believed the bones of several kings were interned there when it was active. As with all churches, St. Wystan's Church was also amazing with all the ancient tombs and inscriptions on the the sides of the walls, the huge arched ceiling, bell tower, and magnificent wood and stone work.
From there we traveled a short distance down the road. Then we parked on the side of the road and crossed a pasture onto the public footpath to the Anchor Church. Professor Emily said “It’s just over the hill. Five minute walk.” I think these words mean something different in the UK because twenty minutes later and after traveling about three fourths of a mile up and down hills as well as along the steep embankment of the river, we arrived. Several of the pastures we traversed had a step-type gate arrangement to allow you to go over but keep the animals inside. The pathway is a common thing in the UK, where the public has access to cross land. It was a beautiful day to be out walking (hiking?) across pastures and narrow trails, although it did get a little steep and muddy at times.
But then we rounded a corner and there it was! Built into the rock on the side of the hill and along the river bank was the Anchor Church. It’s been dated to almost 1,200 years ago and is believed to have been both a place of worship and also the home of an exiled king. You can find more information about it here:
Along the way, we went past these large bushes of thistle. I’ve heard about thistle but never really seen bushes (practically hedges) of the plant until now. They had beautiful yellow flowers along with many, many sharp needle points! I would not want to try to wade through them - ouch! Also of note was the tremendous amount of pebbles (up to several inches in diameter, with a few even larger) mixed in the soil of several of the farmers fields. Someone commented "It looks like they grow rocks” in the field and it wouldn’t be hard not to imagine that! I’m thinking it is okay for potatoes?? But it would be tough if you have some machine used to work the soil and crop.
Until next time, wishing everyone well and hoping those in Texas and other states being besieged by the current snow and ice storm are safe, warm and keep their power!
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