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Sites of
Ricardian Interest |
Fotheringhay Church
Advent
and Christmas Carol Service
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December 12, 2004
The town is defined by the river Neve, the motte and the church. The community exudes an atmosphere of affluence and care. When one thinks of a traditional English village, Fotheringhay could fit the picture. Bursts of colour from still-flowering flora in the gardens of the thatched-roof stone cottages again relieved the lingering grayness of the day.
We approached the parish church with its impressive flying buttresses, by way of a gently rising path. From outside the church looked very large. However, inside, it was surprisingly intimate. The service was to begin at three-thirty.
I had been warned to dress warmly. I found the choir
huddled near a glowing heater, fueling themselves with hot drinks. The
vicar was circulating, clad in his vestments of office and wrapped in a
cloak, the back of which was embellished by a large white rose.
At the service unfolded, I must admit that my mind was diverted from time-to-time by the antiquity of the structure, the colourful coats-of arms high above me and the traces of tall stone arches in the wall behind the altar. What had once been behind that east wall? I was later to read that it was the quire and beyond the quire the sanctuary of the great collegiate church of St. Mary's and All Saints, which had served the spiritual needs of those who inhabited the castle and its manor. The York ducal tombs had been located in the aisles of the quire. The present church, built upon the foundations of an earlier parish church, which served those who lived outside the castle walls, is on the site of the nave of the collegiate church.
Parishioners alternated with Society members in the reading of the lessons. The Chairman, wearing his badge of office, was the last member to contribute. His selection was from Eliot's Journey of the Magi.
It was dark when we filed out and retraced our steps down the path to the high street where the coach awaited. From this perspective the church above us was a magnificent sight, with its windows ablaze with light.
If you ever find yourself in Fotheringhay in the future I would recommend that you purchase the booklet A History of Fotheringhay, available in the church, and then, before you set out to explore, retire to the pub. Read the guide while you avail yourself of the pub's services. You may also want to consider staying in the bed-and-breakfast of the Castle Farm, beside the motte.
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