Diversion

Pilates this morning. Unusually low numbers but Richard who has missed a few felt the exercises helped him. 

We then continued our search for bathroom tiles. We had planned on lunch at the M and S cafe but there was a long queue so opted for a chicken wrap instead. We were successful at the first shop. That meant we could make a detour on the way home.

Kirkham Priory sits on the banks of the River Derwent. It had close links to Rievaulx Abbey ear Helmsley. It also suffered the fate of many ecclesiastical buildings during the reign of Henry VIII. Unfortunately today it was still closed to members of the public. However I could photograph the 1300AD gatehouse which bears the arms of a number of influential families. 

It was interesting to discover it was a top secret base visited by Winston Churchill. Apparently it was used to test equipment used in the D-Day landings. I must return when it reopens in the Spring.