Cuddington & Sandiway WI
President Jenny Friar welcomed members to the October meeting of Cuddington & Sandiway WI. She reminded everyone that Christmas items would be on sale at the next meeting, which is on November 13.
Jenny then introduced speakers, Keith and Kathy Williams, guides of Norton Priory ruins.
Members were taken back to the year 1115 when a Norman earl decided to guarantee his place in heaven by founding a priory on his land. Norton Priory became a place of pilgrimage and was an integral part of the society and beliefs of medieval Cheshire. At the Reformation its wealth made it a prime target for Henry VIII’s commissioners. Keith and Kathy related the history of the site, its transformation into a Tudor manor house, Georgian and then Victorian mansion and its sad decline between the wars. Now visitors can see the undercroft (crypt) and the extensive foundations and graves revealed by archaeologists in the 1960s as well as the wonderful gardens laid out by later owners. The talk was illustrated by slides and there was also a display of documents and photographs. Keith and Kathy were warmly applauded for their very informative talk.
Visitors are welcome to join in any of the meetings, which are held in the Village Hall, Norley Road. Telephone 01606 888446 for details.
Photo: Kathy and Keith Williams with President Jenny Friar
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