
E6. A Medieval Pilgrim's Tale
07/01/24 • 42 min
Prepare for an epic and final journey as host Victoria Jenner embarks on her last sleepover adventure with renowned historian, Helen Carr. Together, they venture to the ancient All Saints church, perched atop a hill overlooking the murky River Parrett and the remnants of a long-lost Benedictine abbey. As they approach its foreboding stone walls, their eyes are drawn to the imposing west tower, adorned with grotesque gargoyles ominously referred to as 'Hunky Punks'. But it is not these eerie carvings that hold their attention for long. No, it is the east window, boasting the largest collection of medieval stained glass in all of Somerset. The vibrant colors and intricate designs depict the saints in all their majesty, their expressions ranging from fierce determination to serene tranquility. This is a sight that will forever be etched in their minds as they bid farewell to this sacred place.
And if you’d like to become a medieval pilgrim for a night or two like many of our guest speakers, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about ChampingTM visit: https://champing.co.uk/
The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.
Thank you for joining me on my champing adventure. This Nights in the Nave podcast has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guest has been historian Helen Carr, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’ and our champing assistants. Big thanks also go to Michael Carter from English Heritage, and the English Heritage custodians at Muchelney Abbey who were so accommodating, plus we cannot forget to mention Paul Adamson from the Somerset Levels Stargazing Society. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sounds. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.
This has been a Churches Conservation Trust original podcast – come to a sleepover at our place!
Prepare for an epic and final journey as host Victoria Jenner embarks on her last sleepover adventure with renowned historian, Helen Carr. Together, they venture to the ancient All Saints church, perched atop a hill overlooking the murky River Parrett and the remnants of a long-lost Benedictine abbey. As they approach its foreboding stone walls, their eyes are drawn to the imposing west tower, adorned with grotesque gargoyles ominously referred to as 'Hunky Punks'. But it is not these eerie carvings that hold their attention for long. No, it is the east window, boasting the largest collection of medieval stained glass in all of Somerset. The vibrant colors and intricate designs depict the saints in all their majesty, their expressions ranging from fierce determination to serene tranquility. This is a sight that will forever be etched in their minds as they bid farewell to this sacred place.
And if you’d like to become a medieval pilgrim for a night or two like many of our guest speakers, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about ChampingTM visit: https://champing.co.uk/
The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.
Thank you for joining me on my champing adventure. This Nights in the Nave podcast has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guest has been historian Helen Carr, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’ and our champing assistants. Big thanks also go to Michael Carter from English Heritage, and the English Heritage custodians at Muchelney Abbey who were so accommodating, plus we cannot forget to mention Paul Adamson from the Somerset Levels Stargazing Society. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sounds. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.
This has been a Churches Conservation Trust original podcast – come to a sleepover at our place!
Previous Episode

E4. An Arthurian Knight to Remember
Join host Victoria Jenner on a mystical journey to St Cuthbert's Church in Holme Lacy, Herefordshire. Immerse yourself in the legends of King Arthur as you enter this enchanting church filled with ancient artifacts and grand monuments to his knights. Let the story of Archibald Lucas-Tooth, a fallen soldier from World War I, inspire you as you discover more hidden treasures within its walls. Don't forget to look out for carvings of mythical creatures and even a mischievous pup who seeks adventure just like you. So hit that play button and travel back in time to the heart of Camelot.
If you would like to make some memories, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about ChampingTM visit: https://champing.co.uk/
The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.
Nights in the Nave has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guests have been Professor Joanna Parker, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’, our champing assistants and Sian Esther Powell from Wheal Martyn Museum and Win Scutt from English Heritage. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sound. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.
This podcast is brought to you by the Churches Conservation Trust.
Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history
Nights in the Nave - E6. A Medieval Pilgrim's Tale
Transcript
And I think around the time that much of the development of this church there was this, they believed that they saw three suns rising in the sky, which was supposed to represent the three sons of York, which is at the, you know, beginning of the Wars of the roses. So you had, you had Richard, George and Edward later.
Edward IV and that was the hope. You know, it was this sort of thing. Well, we saw three suns rising in the sky. That's an omen that these, you know, the three sons of York. An
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