This is St Martin's Church in a tiny village called Northstoke just a few miles from Bath. I have been working right by this place in a garden and took these shots today. This site has been visited by pilgrims for 1,700 years and certainly there was a church here in Roman times. The house opposite the church was a Roman villa and shows the layout still to this day in having a courtyard. All the gravestones are sliding down the hill and the place is incredibly other-worldly, peaceful and ancient.
This ancient yew tree is thought to be between 800 and 1000 years old. Which is pretty staggering. It is possible that it was a seedling when the Normans rebuilt the church in the late 11th century. There is a lot of very interesting history to this place and I will show you more this week. There is a wonderful view across the valley to Bristol as this place is set high up on the hills. It is possible to see the old Roman terraces on the north hills, which are south facing and where they grew vines. (This all just sends a shiver right down my neck!)
Posts
That's the way I love them. Old, overgrown, green...
ReplyDeleteAmazing place, full of atmosphere!
ReplyDeleteWe've had so much rain the past few days, our backyard is beginning to look like that churchyard.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
This looks like the type of place that could be haunted at night.
ReplyDeleteWow, that tree is old - beautiful.
ReplyDeletethanks for the explanations , really lovely place and amazing old yew !
ReplyDeleteWhen can we see that wonderful view? :).
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos representing Roman era. I'm wondering if there's somebody who takes care of this site?
I have been here! Many years ago now,and that tree was as fascinating then as it is now. Be good to root around here virtually again.
ReplyDelete