The Crypt, St Marys Church, Lastingham.

I find this crypt a haven of tranquility and peace. A place of welcome rest on my walks in this area.

The Crypt dates from 1078 and was built by Stephen of Whitby over what was believed to be the burial place of St.Cedd. Features include a stone altar, and a single lancet window.
Remains of saxon crosses as well as ancient biers are also there to be viewed.

Stephen left Whitby Abbey to build a daughter monastery at Lastingham. Building work began and the crypt along with some columns can still be seen. Rumour has it that they found the area so inhospitable that within ten years Stephen and his group of monks had moved to York where they founded St. Marys Abbey.

Fortunately Lastingham is much more hospitable today.

For more information on the church and St Cedd
: https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/yorkshire/churches/lastingham.htm

Katharine

[Shanne]

what an amazing building and story - have you spent much time on Lindisfarne? Rev Dr Kate Tristram led a retreat I attended where she talked about these saints. There's also a book.

[Beth]

What an interesting place with an intriguing story. Cool shot.

[Peter H]

Fantastic history, and that looks and sounds like a very special place indeed. Fav.

[Peter Dulis]

Lovely capture

[gloria jones]

Wonderful capture with great symmetry, stonework details, light and what an incredible history...And such a historical place in which to rest in the 21st century.

[haskar]

Great place and shot.

[Pyrrhula]

Love those cellars. I`ve done some in the past they where used for exhibitions. Fav. capture

[Steve and Pam Winfield]

Very well done low light photo fav:)

[Kathy A]

Great shot, such a beautiful place

[carol white]

Interesting history and capture. Fav!! 😀

[Fisher Family]

@shannejw
Hello, I have spent time on Lindesfarne although quite a while ago. I went with a school group in the early 1980's as a young teacher. We were in the North East looking at Early Christianity and World religions as represented there. Later I went on a pilgrimage day with a group from the local Parish churches and the family. Both were very special times.

I researched the early English saints for these events and explored celtic christianity in a small way.

The retreat you did sounds intriguing so I will have a look at her books.

Katharine

[Fisher Family]

@vernabeth @peadar @seattlite @pdulis @haskar @pyrrhula @stevepam @kjarn @carolmw

Thank you for your comments and favs. I never tire of the walk to Lastingham and the Crypt - my own special pilgrimage.
Katharine

[william wooderson]

I expected to see the Holy Grail on the table too!

[Fisher Family]

@will_wooderson
That would have made it very very special. I would also have liked Lancelot or Galahad but ........
Katharine