While we were in the north-east of England last month we visited Seaton Delaval Hall, which is quite an amazing place, part almost ruin and part stately home. The guide asked us if we were interested in seeing the ancient church, and he advised us to go straight there as that part of the estate closed at 4.00 pm.

The Church of Our Lady is as far as I can see just as it was when it was built, as far as the building is concerned anyway. It was consecrated by  the Bishop of Durham in 1102. Although I’m not religious I appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the place. It’s a wee gem of Norman architecture, with a bit of Anglo Saxon apparently.

When reading the information sheet I was particularly amazed to see that they have a rare stained glass window depicting Prince Arthur Tudor, (below) Henry VIII’s older brother who of course died soon after his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. How different things would have been if he hadn’t died young, without issue. No need for a Henry VIII and six wives! No Elizabeth I of England. No imprisoned and executed Mary, Queen of Scots.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighbourhood.