Rosie Wench's Cottage

I don't remember seeing this quote before, even though I've read all Orwell's essays and a lot of his reviews, but I looked into it and it checks out. He was writing it during the Nazi Germany/Soviet Union pact begun in 1939 - the rest of the passage goes on to say

I honestly don't find this surprising, for the simple reason that many men across history wanted to keep women out of danger, because they valued them so highly.

The Norse people of the Viking era knew that their women were tough. A Norse woman under attack would fight back fiercely and women often had to protect their homes when their men were away, raiding, trading or fighting.

But just the same, when it came to battle women were kept from the fighting as much as possible.

Yes, there were shield maidens who brought fresh weapons, and women would perform magic to aid their warriors.

And women in many cultures were willing to pick up weapons and help their men, if battle had turned against them. Though this was almost certain death.

Wanting to protect women, because the future of the community depends on us, is certainly not hate.

Quote/s of the Day – 13 December – St Lucy (of Syracuse) – St Lucy/Lucia of Syracuse (c283-304) Virgin and Martyr Patron of the blind, eye disorders, martyrs – The Feast Day of St Lucy AND St Odilia of Alsace (c660-720) Virgin Abbess, born blind, but was miraculously granted her sight, miracle-worker.

 The Life of St Odilia, another Patron against eye diseases and partial sightedness, also ear ailments. https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/13/saint-of-the-day-13-december-saint-odilia-of-alsace-c-660-720/ Prayer for the Intercession of St Odilia Merciful God, I come to Thee to ask Thy aid that my life may always give Thee praise. I ask through the intercession of St Odilia and all Thy holy Saints to be a beacon of Thine Light to all I meet. Give me holiness of soul and body and bring me into Thine Divine Light. May I obtain these favours, as well as my special prayer, St Odilia, pray for my eyes and the eyes of my faith. Through the merits of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who lives and regins with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God forever and ever. Amen

Her Writing Tower was a twin turreted Elizabethan tower at Sissinghurst Castle near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

A slice of sunlight that pierces through the leaves of a tree.

From "shive" (OE) meaning slice.

Coined by poet Gerald Manley Hopkins in 1888.

In use:

I have desired to go Where springs not fail, To fields where flies no sharp and sided hail And a few lilies blow.

Gerald Manley Hopkins.

Our Lady of the Angels and St Peter in Chains, Hartshill, designed by Charles Hansom and built in 1857.

I knew about this place because I'd heard about it on my visits to Hartshill Park, which sits on a Norman hunting ground (hence the name), most of which has mostly never been built on as it's too steep and wooded; the fishponds here were part of the convent attached to the church and they should be seen together.

In 1829, Catholic Emancipation made it possible for Catholics to worship freely and openly, and a mission from Longton (please see here, here and here for that place) was founded in 1838; an early Catholic chapel was built here in 1841, that was replaced by this building in 1857.

The church was partnered with a convent founded by Mother Margaret Hallahan, in one building.

It was lined with tiles from the legendary Minton factory, which was only a mile away and which between 1793 and 1968 decked out countless buildings including the Houses of Parliament, the US Capitol, and churches including St Giles, Cheadle. Minton was One of many nearby industries, including Spode, which drew in Irish immigrants who were the mainstay of the church. (Many of the congregation are now Polish).

Father Grosvenor also donated a Stations of the Cross from Belgium; the whole church has an air that is different to that of other English Gothic churches of the time such as St Giles and St Chad's Birmingham; I agree with Neville Malkin that it "wouldn't look out of place in a French city or large town".

In 1884-5 AE Purdie built a new chancel. and in 1909-10 was renovated by Hardman, Powell & co. of Birmingham (although built in what looks like an old style, it’s very much a product of the industrial age and I think that is good).

They installed stained glass windows, one by Amelie Arnoux in tribute to her father, Joseph, art director at Minton who had donated the tiles in (10). It is now Grade II listed.

JRR Tolkien was also a regular visitor with his son John, who served as the priest here from 1966 to 1987.

Herbert Minton also designed nearby houses which are so well-built that many are still standing; this, along with the nearby hospital (in which i was born!) and universities, make this one of the most sought-after parts of the city.

The convent was shut down in 1982 and is now sheltered housing, hence no pictures of it here, but the church is ongoing.

I only stumbled across this place as, for heritage weekend (also happening 14-15 September 2024 and every September) I had been looking for Holy Trinity Anglican church, which I found to be shut but hope to see soon. As I walked up the hill, I found this place open and was warmly welcomed.