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Yvonne Elizabeth  Aston's avatar

You write of these things so well that my mind’s eye reproduces them. Thank you for being both entertaining and informative..

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Jane Saunte's avatar

Fascinating post. Old churches hold so much history, and its amazing to see the actual faces of these characters.

The crosses are most likely to be "Masons' Marks" - traces left by the stonemasons. Or graffiti, of which there is plenty in old buildings. At National Trust Lyveden there was a team of volunteers dedicated to recording and researching graffiti on the old stonework.

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Elaine Nelson's avatar

Note to self - ignore protestations by hubby when nearby a church insist on going in - you never know what you might find. Thank you Nathen the joy and excitement you felt came over loud and clear

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Sallyfemina's avatar

Thank you for the info, and how exciting it must have been for you!

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Deborah Roil's avatar

What a fabulous find, Nathen! Thanks for a fascinating post on it too. I've added Tong Church to the list to visit now.

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Adrian Benjamin's avatar

Speaker Vernon is the person who in Henry VI Part One initiates the voting by roses which gave the name to the ensuing civil wars. In the same play his adversary is called Basset... There was a feud between the two families which dragged on for more than a century.

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Nancy Buchanan's avatar

One of my favorite of your posts! The connections between so many different families was like opening a nested box within a box within a box. What a treat! Thanks for the post!

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Alexandra MacKenzie's avatar

Thank you so much for this post. I am on holiday in Shropshire this week and went to this church this morning after being inspired by your visit. Wow - it was wonderful and is well worth visiting. It’s been the highlight of our trip!

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Nathen Amin's avatar

It really is excellent isn’t it?

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Sheila JT Beattie's avatar

What a thoroughly enjoyable read, thank you Nathen! Just loved all the exciting details and fascinating historical facts you presented to us. Almost felt I was there….I bet you are glad you took that detour!

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Denise Keay's avatar

Great background on the Vernon family - thanks. I wish I'd known about that church when I was last in Shropshire. As you probably know, a cadet branch lived at Hodnet, related by marriage to the Devereux family. The original Hodnet Hall is gone, but there's a tithe barn, and the old stables have been converted into tea rooms.

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Ann Corkett's avatar

Thank you. I thought I had got to know Shropshire fairly well when I lived there, but obviously not!

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Barry Delaney's avatar

Thank you. An intriguing and exciting visit revealing a whole host of notable people and families. You were probably right in that your fortuitous and timely visit ensured access to the church. Your diversion and effort was rewarded ! 👏👏👏👏

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Tracey Bacus's avatar

Fascinating read. Thank you.

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John Paul Davis's avatar

Interesting post and a beautiful church. Will add to my to-visit list. Thanks for sharing, Nathen.

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HistoryGirl199 (Lisa)'s avatar

What a beautiful church! I think a visit might be in order…

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