England’s Heritage: Saint John the Baptist Parish Church, Peterborough

Of course, the city of Peterborough’s greatest glory is its amazing cathedral, but that subject deserves a full article of its own.

One of the overlooked features of Peterborough, a growing city in the east of England, is the Parish church of Saint John the Baptist around the cathedral square.

Consecrated in 1409 during the reign of Henry IV, its close proximity to the cathedral and the modern shopping mall attraction of Queensgate, probably detracts large numbers of visitors. However, it is well worth a visit, and as is quite usual in England’s medieval heritage buildings, there are often some wonderful ‘hidden’ gems.

The south porch entrance is most interesting, particularly the roof in the above photograph.

The nave is very large and light with a rood screen.

There is also a wonderful reredos.

One of the most interesting features is this probable vestments cupboard, dated 1569, a wonderful piece of woodcarving, which I would think is limewood, similar in style to the plethora of such art produced in Germany during the same period.

The pulpit too had some intricate woodcarving, probably oak by the look of it, although I did not find a date on it, but I would assume it is later than the earlier piece.

There are even a couple of examples of medieval embroidery by the door.

words and photographs copyright Francis Barker 2019

Arthur Storer – First known American astronomer, ‘discoverer’ of what became known as Halley’s Comet

We recently visited the small market town of Grantham in Lincolnshire in the east of England and found out something new and interesting.

Among the notable people associated with Grantham are Sir Isaac Newton, who was born nearby and former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who was raised in the town in her father’s shop.

Astronomer and Mathematician

Walking through the town and by the wonderful church, we came across the old school building, upon which is a notice, bearing the name of Arthur Storer, identifying him as an astronomer and mathematician. I have to confess, up to that point, I had never heard of him.

It turns out that he knew Isaac Newton and probably had a fight with him when they were boys. However, the two later became friends and scientific associates, Newton recognising Storer’s contribution in his most famous work Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.

Fine Reputation

What I did not know was that Storer effectively became the first known astronomer in America and he developed a reputation for accuracy which outlived him.

Storer seems to have initially trained to be an apothecary, the profession of his step father, William Clarke of Grantham. However, it would appear that his real interests lay in the science of astronomy.

Journeys to Maryland

He would later travel to Maryland in North America, to observe all astronomical phenomena there. Later he would make a second trip to Maryland to do more astronomical work, sending his calculations to Isaac Newton.

A consequence of this work was that one comet he observed, in 1682, would later turn out to be Halley’s Comet, named after Edmund Halley who became the first to forecast its next appearance.

Sadly, Storer did not live to be an old man, dying in early 1687. He is buried in Maryland.

copyright Francis Barker 2019

Beautiful Medieval Wall Art, Castor Church, near Peterborough, England

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We recently visited the beautiful church of Saint Kyneburgha, near Peterborough in the English midlands.

The church stands beautifully on a hill, on the site of an old Roman settlement and palace.

In fact, the name of Castor is derived directly from the Roman/Latin name for a fort or castle. This village is situated near to an important Roman settlement called Durobrivae, or Water Newton in Egnlish, just a few miles west of present day city of Peterborough.

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The church is noted for its surviving medieval wall art. Before the Reformation in the 16th century, all churches had such wall art, which was then whitewashed over. More recently, as in this example above, some of these illustrations have been revealed during restoration.

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Castor church’s appellation is Saint Kyneburgha, who was the daughter of King Penda of Mercia, the last pagan king of that English kingdom in the midlands.

Photographs: Burghley House Sculpture Garden, Lincolnshire, England.

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Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally and Concours, Burghley House, Lincolnshire

The largest gathering of Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles in the world took place recently at the beautiful and historic Burghley House and gardens, Lincolnshire, in the English midlands.

This event spans a weekend, with various stands including trade stands and an auction of cars.

There is also judging and a parade of the prize winning cars

Of course, the city of Peterborough’s greatest glory is its amazing cathedral, but that subject deserves a full article of its own.

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We recently visited the small market town of Grantham in Lincolnshire in the east of England and found out something new and interesting.

Astronomer and Mathematician

Fine Reputation

Journeys to Maryland

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We recently visited the beautiful church of Saint Kyneburgha, near Peterborough in the English midlands.

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The largest gathering of Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles in the world took place recently at the beautiful and historic Burghley House and gardens, Lincolnshire, in the English midlands.

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