Tuesday Rambling on Doors

There is just nothing like good 'curb appeal' to build in me instant daydreams and desires of wanting to go beyond the threshold. In Canada, I've admired pretty little properties and wonder what goes on behind the curtains shrouding the picture windows (and secretly thrill when I can actually get a glimpse inside), but only Europe can create such house envy with a simple, or sometimes grand, doorway. When I travel many of my photos, when they aren't of my food/drink/#fromwhereIstand feet photos, are of these unfamiliar scenes focused in on the doorway. 

While is Lavenham, I was completely enamoured with the doors. They were beautiful colours, delicately decorated and so very ordinary in an incredibly old way. Sure you could get into the whole symbolism of the door being a beginning or transition into something new and unknown or the whole cliche of "when opportunity knocks", but I think it just boils down to the fact of, "I wish I lived there!"

This is clearly something that runs in the family as my mother, being the terrific, creative, talent that she is, created a series of mini sculpted doors of the doorways we were in awe of on our trip through Europe back in 2005. ISH HOUSE is my favourite one as it was the door to my building when I did my semester abroad.

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church of Lavenham

A few weeks back when I was telling you all about my lovely time in Lavenham I decided to let the Lavenham Church get it's own post. A Church has existed in the spot since Anglo-Saxon times and the oldest part of the current stone church was build in the 1340s. It is a fine example of Late Perpendicular Gothic architecture with its straight lines and simple design. Today, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church is a Grade 1 listed building and the most visited church in Suffolk. It is situated in the West end of the town on a bluff that was incredibly wind on the day of our visit.

Inside, there was the typical church gift shop selling crosses and JC related paraphernalia, and there was also a fairly large book stall. There appeared to be a wide range of topics, from kids books to coffee table books.

As I wandered the larger stone interior I was taken with the needle point kneelers at each seat. It was clear that each one had been hand stitched and depicted the life and history of the village. This was a Community Millennium Project and over 261 kneelers were created with over 150 unique designs.

Fun travels!

Lovely Lavenham

Sometimes you just need a holiday. Just a little time away from the every day drudgery. A quick little escape, doesn't  have to be far away or somewhere exotic. Sometimes you just need a bit of a breather, time to regroup, collect your thoughts, to be able to see the world anew. 

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I, rented a car and drove to Suffolk county. I do sometimes miss being able to jump in a car and to take a spontaneous road trip. But this 2 day planned trip was just as good. We drove straight out of London and into the countryside. Passing through little (and big) English villages. We even stopped along the way for dinner in an old mill inn in Chelmsford, before arriving at our destination of Lavenham. 

Even in the dark we could see the charm and history of this little Suffolk village.
It has it's start in Saxon times, but grew in prominence and prosperity starting in the 13th Century on the backs of the wool industry. The market square was built and chartered in 1257 and was among the 20 wealthiest towns in England in the Medieval period. The wool trade declined in the 1520's and the town never prospered in any other industry and although the town was never abandoned, the architecture and the buildings have remained the same. Eventually, this became a tourist attraction and along with its developing hotel and restaurant industry it makes for a lovely day to visit.

We stayed in the Angel Hotel, which got it's licence in 1420. It was full of oak beams and slanty floors.

We had a wonderfully sunny day to explore the town. Which was good since nothing was open. We were there during the middle of the week and during their off season which meant that the Guildhall and Little Hall (the 2 museums in the market square), the tourist office, and many of the art galleries were closed. Although we were able to enjoy a quiet time here, I might suggest visiting in the spring or summer months so not to miss out on anything. 

We thoroughly enjoyed wondering the streets and taking many photos of the crooked little houses along the narrow lanes. We even did a pub crawl of most of the watering holes in the village. (Don't worry, parents, there were only 4)

During World War II, Lavenham was home to an American air force base and the town still commemorates this North American connection. 

In the White Swan, one of the oldest pubs/inns in Lavenham, has an honour roll signed by members of the 487 Bombarment Group from the 40's. They've kept the tradition going today with American Air Force members visiting the pub and signing the current honour roll.

We had a great time in Lavenham and had we had more time for our mini break we would have loved to hiked some of the trails and spent an afternoon in surrounding Suffolk villages and driving the countryside roads.

Lavenham was Lovely

Fun travels!