Market Drayton

Before popping over for brunch, we took a wander around Market Drayton.

It's a really pretty place, with more than a little Tudor influence.

 

 

Reminds me of the opening to my short story The Fairy of the Birch:

He lived on a farm just outside Weobley, near Hereford. The saying goes: ‘Woe betide those who call it Woe-bley,’ because you’re supposed to pronounce it Web-ley. Most people didn’t call it anything, though. They were simply left speechless when they saw it. It’s a tumbledown village of Tudor cottages. Black timber contrasting starkly against white daub; houses toppling between the streets like old women craning to hear the latest gossip.

They also have a wonderful scheme where empty and derelict buildings are given a makeover by local artists.

Very nice idea. There's even one wall leading to the church which has been painted in poppies. People use it to leave pictures and words for people who have passed on, both national figures such as the two Manchester police women, and local people. It's called the Remembrance Wall. Maybe every town should have one?

The church itself is rather impressive.

And, y'know me, had to get the camera out for the gravestones. How thoroughly Beatrix Potter.

This one was particularly unusual.

Sad, too. It reads: Sacred to the Memory of Sarah, wife of Thomas James, who departed this life June 14th 1865 aged 25 years. Also Thomas Arthur their son who died December 29th 1858; aged 3 weeks. Also John Filkin their son who died September 14th 1859; aged 3 days. Also George their son who died June 20th 1864 aged 3 years. Also Sarah Ann their daughter who died July 7th 1864 aged 1 year and was interred in St. Mary's Cemetery, Liverpool.

Three weeks, three hours, three days... things come in threes.

How very strange.

This was also an unusual arrangement, like a spinal column.

Another rather sad and lonely case found half buried in the compost pile (a good advert for cremation):

"Sacred to the memory of Frances, wife of John Mullinex of Little Drayton, who departed this life April 16th 1816, aged 35 years."

Slightly more grandeur for the lady over the other side of the cemetery.

With a rather nice view of the power station.

Seems that also caught Sue's eye, as she's drawn it.

Stopped to peruse local art in a window.

Folk Art: This year's cross curricular project was to look at Eastern Europe. My pupils studied the art of a wonderful Folk Artist called Sanna Annukka. Her claim to fame is designing album covers for the band "Keane". Each pupil designed their "Folk Art Hat," taking different patterns and animals from her work, to create their own.

And learned a new word: Salopian. It means something from, or relating to, Shropshire.

Then meandered down to the canal.

Very interesting place. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend the Hermitage B&B.