What a lovely place to sit and eat my packed lunch... (and later I retired to the pub in Arncliffe, where they still serve ale out of jugs.) Someone has thoughtfully placed a memorial bench in the churchyard, overlooking the River Skirfare and the bridge. It was so peaceful, enjoying the spring yellow of the daffodils and the celandines and watching little birds busily collecting nesting material. Some of the gravestones are covered in thick lichen but many are still readable. I was touched by those you see nestled together on the left of the photo. One is the grave of a three-year-old boy who died in 1936. Almost touching it is another stone, that of his mother Jane who died in 1996 aged 81. Her husband, John, and possibly another son and daughter, who both died in their 40s/50s, are buried a few yards away. Jane appears to have outlived them all.
What is it about churchyards? So many stories behind each stone, so many hopes and dreams. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely peaceful spot.
ReplyDeleteThe foreground and the background actually enhance each other.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to sit and enjoy your lunch. My ancestors have a family cemetery in Indiana. It's very touching to see them resting there together some centuries apart.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post and pic, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely spot. I love visiting old graveyards and reading the stories in the stones.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo of tranquil, beautiful spot. I could almost hear the murmur of the river...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful spot Jenny.. the headstones tell a poignant tale, it must be the worst thing ever for a mother to outlive her children.
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