Day in Stratford

We decided today not to travel into the 'Big Smoke' but to hang around Stratford. We had a lazy start to the day, did a bit of research into some of the things we saw yesterday and caught up with the blog writing.

Matthew and Mel and Naomi Facetimed us which is always a thrill to see and hear what is happening for them. Naomi had been helping Matt roll out the tortillas which had been made in a Thermie for tea and she looked so cute with an apron on and covered in flour. Next we FaceTimed Ashley and Shae and saw the naughty puppies and heard about their day yesterday. Even got to see the pumpkin soup they were making in their Thermie! Was hoping to see what Jen was making for tea as well but she must have been working as she didn't answer when FaceTimed.

We then went for a stroll in the local park just up around the corner from the flat. This led us to an old church where we explored for quite a while. It was quite a big church and it just put on an extension as they need more room. Nice problem to have in a church.

This church once belonged to Stratford Langthorne Abbey (which was dissolved at the Reformation- the only surviving remains are the Abbey window (in the Long Porch), and the carved skull stone from the abbey charnel house in the tower space).

About A.D. 1180 Gilbert de Montfichet, the Norman Lord of the Manor, rebuilt the Church. Its original size can be seen from the three blocked-up clerestory Norman Round windows on each side of the Nave.

The church was greatly enlarged in the Early English style in the reign of Henry II, being lengthened both easterly and westerly. Additionally, the Norman walls were pierced with arches and round pillars, and the North and South Aisles were added.

Once associated with Stratford Langthorne Abbey, it has been linked with the crown both in fact and legend. It is said that Henry VIII used to visit the church with Anne Boleyn on their visits to the Abbey (there is a Boleyn Road nearby).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After spending some time in the church we walked back to the Olympic park and had a bit of a look around. It was a bit windy and chilly so didn't stay long.

 

 

 

 

We came back via Westfield and had some lunch. HUGE place.

 

 

Another trip to the Apple Store and home for a cuppa. Nice change of pace today!