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Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Crown of Knots, Gargoyles & Scarecrows

Just taken a trip to Cirencester and came across this amazing crown 
in Cirencester Parish Church!  It was made by Stuart Grainger, who was president of the Intenational Guild of Knot Tyers  (I think you'll admit he was pretty good at knots and did you even know there was a Guild of Knot Tyers?).  Made of hemp rope, it's about 5 feet in diameter and height.  It was created in 1997 both as a tribute to the Queen for her Silver Jubilee  and to Oliver Hill's rope structure "Lion & Unicorn Fighting for the Crown", which had been made for the 1953 Coronation.  The current crown now belongs to Cirencester.  If you're in the vicinity - go take a look, it's fab.
We also took a trip up the church Tower (only 204 steps to the top - very narrow so save the big lunch for afterwards!).  And were treated to a demo by the bellringers on the way up - thanks, ladies.  They even let us have a go.  I tried to ring the biggest and, guess what - it's much harder than it looks! We liked the modern touch in the renovation work at the top.  Check out the punk gargoyle!

On the same adventure we called in at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire (National Trust).  Lovely grounds & great scarecrows!












http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey/

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