Page 38 - Oundle Life May 2022

manor house or rectory or vicarage. Southwick for example seems to be
a part of the grounds of the Hall. It
is particularly striking in spring when the daffodils are out and a path invitingly links church and hall. At Tansor it is well worth turning from the river on the south to look
at the north. Here a striking building was the former parsonage. Now known as Tansor Court the house would not look out of place in the Scottish Highlands and reminds us of the time not too long ago when many local clergymen enjoyed a very different position in society from their modern counterparts.
More recently a major point of interest has become the nature that can be discovered within
our churchyards. Very obvious are the impressive trees to be found within them. These can range from ancient
The colour at Bulwick is striking in the autumn
yews to more recent planting. Some trees are really old. How old for example is the great oak tree at the entrance to Warmington? Trees can be beautiful at different times of the year. The colour at Bulwick is striking in the autumn but do make a point of going behind the church. Here the churchyard extends a long way and is a beautiful green space – ideal for a quiet picnic on a sunny day. Many churchyards now follow
a management plan designed to encourage wildlife and these offer a different kind of interest. In particular the grass is allowed to grow and as a result many wild flowers can be found in what are really mini-meadows. A visit to Stoke Doyle or Newton Bromswold will show just how glorious such places can be.
Our churchyards are part of our heritage and we can only be grateful for those who so faithfully maintain them.
The Museum will be open at weekends, Saturdays 11am – 5pm and Sundays 2-5pm and bank holidays 2-5pm.
Contact us via facebook www.facebook.com/oundlemuseum
or email info@oundlemuseum.org.uk
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