Off to Glastonbury today to visit my friend, Jan. Jan and her family moved to Glastonbury from Holt in Wiltshire some years ago, but hadn't yet made it to Muchelney with its stunning church, so that's where we went.
The right and proper way to approach Muchelney - unless the Levels have flooded and you need a boat - is on foot, so Jan parked in Langport and we set out along the River Parrett.
Crossing Huish bridge
The confluence of the Rivers Parrett and Yeo
Jan with Cwtch and her dog, Arthur
Looking ahead to Muchelney and its church tower
On Law Lane bridge
We had a picnic in the porch of the church, where it was cool and shady for both us and the dogs ...
... with a glimpse inside of why I'd insisted to Jan we needed to visit.
First, though ...
First, though ...
'Jan's brought chicken ... she has, Mam! ... Chicken!'
And inside the church, the sight - even though I've been there several times before - that always makes me feel a bit weepy.
Glorious bare-breasted angels dating from the early 17th century
I can never quite fathom how they survived the depradations of the Civil Wars. Many the Levels were flooded, and Muchelney an island, when the iconoclasts were in the neighbourhood.
Mediaeval floor tiles
As we passed Muchelney Abbey ...
... and the Priest's House, with its - as I recall - wonderful Cotswold Arts and Crafts furniture by Ernest Gimson and the Barnsleys, I realised I perhaps need to revisit (whisper it) sans chienne.
Then back up the Parrett to Langport, the church tower on the horizon now St Mary's, Langport.
Knowing me, knowing you ... Aha!
Handsome King Arthur
I think this might be a heron feather
