Tewkesbury Abbey

More abbey visiting, today Tewkesbury with its Norman origins still much in evidence. Main photo of the ceiling of the quire, taken the easy way - not with the mirror, which was way down in the nave, but by selfie setting and careful manoeuvring (though I couldn't avoid including a little of my fringe).

We spent a long time there under the huge columns, seeking out the various masons' marks, admiring the workmanship on the tombs and chantries of their illustrious dead. But none of the misericords was displayed, except a representative trio outwith the quire; however, as I was taking my photo of these I became surrounded by a group on a guided tour so learned that these were C14 English made of oak. So often the carvings on the arms of the quire seats are damaged so it is good to see survivors.

Both coffee and lunch taken in the abbey cafe were excellent with friendly service., in fact everyone we met there was friendly. We asked a photographer, who had an enormous camera lens, whether he had seen the peregrine falcons there and, on seeing him again, he told us of his success and pointed out where to see them - following his advice we did see one, though too high on the tower for my phone.

A wander through the town was essential viewing for timbered buildings, many with jettied frontages, some with carved lintels and each individual in design. An ice cream filled the energy gap and cooling before we crossed the Avon and walked by the Severn Ham to the confluence with the Severn, visible only by descent to a fishing platform.

On returning to the Avon we followed as far as the Abbey Mill and weir, where we could cross back to Riverside Walk and return to the car.

Our return journey took us through the village of Bredon, passing this unusual milestone dated 1808; Mr Flum turned the car round and stopped for my photos (see extra). The lettering is still legible but wouldn't it be nicer repainted!

Temperature today 29°C but the sky often veiled with cloud and, with a balmy breeze, more comfortable than of late.