Ribchester

   Home working is nothing new. Leaving the village car park, we set off along Church       Street, passing these handloom weavers cottages with their attic workshops. In the 18th century. handloom weaving and flax production became important industries in the village, but the handloom weavers who, hitherto had earned a good living, were soon to be priced out of business as the industrial revolution got underway.

      We were intrigued and puzzled by the date stone above the doorway of this cottage. 

                                        Are there any code breakers out there?

St Wilfred's Church is 13th century, but with a 15th century tower. To admit more light, dormer windows were installed in the south aisle in1712.

In this instance, as in many others I've come across, the strict rules on listed buildings appear to be relaxed when it comes to installing boiler flue pipes up the outside of churches. 😡😡

                 The Roman site covered 6 acres. This is all that remains of the granary.

There was some speculation as to which house this was. John correctly identified it as Osbaldeston Hall.

The troops after having been on the march for almost an hour and not being used to going so long without a brew, were getting restless.

Ah! that's better. This tree root provided an excellent seat, but be careful you don't take root yourselves lads.😁

This is the course of the Roman road leading to the garrison. The grass covering the road, due to the thinner depth of soil preventing the grass from flourishing, makes it easy to identify.

                                         This is part of the curb edging of the road.

Here again, the straight line of the road can clearly be seen as it heads to the left of the pylon

Returning to the village, dinner time beckons. There is no shortage of seating against the school wall. We watched the ducks on the river, and listened to the children playing, on the other side of the wall, as we had our vitals, while at the other end, some of our group were in conversation with a young lady dog walker, who didn't seem to be in any hurry to continue her walk. The dogs seemed to be getting a bit impatient though.

         After dinner we went to take a look at the remains of what was Roman bathhouse.

The people of Ribchester and surrounding areas have not forgotten the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for us.

Their are four dwellings within this Alms House on Stydd Lane. It was built by the Shereburnes in 1728

In the front garden is a well, which in those days would have been considered a modern convenience. No trailing down to the river, or the nearest stream or brook for water.

Further along the lane is the small church of St Saviours (or the Stydd church).  is reckoned to be the oldest church for miles around. At one time it belonged to the Knights Hospitallers of St John. The doorway is 13th century.

                                                           The font is 15th century

                          

As we left the Stydd church, our leader (John), gave us the option of going back the way we had come, or taking a path across unknown territory with unknown obstacles or hurdles. Four of us decided on the more adventurous route, while the other five kept to the road.

                    

We passed an unknown garden centre along the way, but had not the time to look around it worst luck. Must go back there.

          

Back on the road again, we passed this poetical plaque, but unfortunately it is not all legible.

We met up with our friends again back at the village, but where's John? Has he left his cap behind? or is he hiding behind that pillar?

This cafe next to the car park proved too much of a draw, so we went round the back, where there was ample seating for us to have our afternoon brew alfresco.

    What kind of dog is that John?😂. For those not in the know, whippets used to be John's favourite dog, until he got one that had a penchant for attacking other dogs.

                              Thanks for a very interesting walk John👍.                                                                                                               DK