Speak, Friend, and... oh, it's locked.

With the bad weather sliding in from the south west we decided to nip up to Stow in the Wold, and enjoy an hour or so wandering around the Cotswold town, out of season. It's a lovely place at any time, but perhaps more so when there are fewer coach parties.

The north church door of St Edwards' is alleged to be the inspiration for Tolkien's door into the Mines of Moria, and is guarded by two ancient yew trees. 

Tolkien certainly spent time here, so who can say? Yews are legendary portals to other worlds, and perhaps for this reason the doors here are locked. The church itself is grade I listed and the whole town is worth a visit, especially out of season. ;-)