Just take a moment to read the words above the leaded window, “Rycharde Dale Carpender Made Thies Windovs By The Grac Of God.”   These windows belonging to Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire, England and installed around the year 1450, still stand today.  I have seen them, admired the craftsmanship but particularly, I feel the deepest respect for Rycharde Dale.  (Although it’s possible, even for his time, he wouldn’t have won a spelling contest.)  My husband works in a similarly old profession, as a stonemason, trained as they have been for centuries.  He also signs his work, albeit more cryptically than the loquacious Mr. Dale with a mason’s symbol.  I like the pride,  the belief that it’s not worth doing if it’s not done well and won’t stand the test of time.  What are any of us doing now that is done well enough to last?  (The answer that popped into my head is really quite cynical but I’ll share it with you - processed food: it’s so full of preservatives that it will likely be around hundreds of years from now.)  

Good on you Rycharde Dale!  Hooray for any of you who have pride and passion in what you do.  

Walk down the long hall and mind your step, there’s not a floorboard that’s level in Little Moreton Hall (Cheshire).  Take a peek through the window and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse into the world of “bewitchingbritain.”  This blog and everything that this blogger does is witty, authentic, informative, awe inspiring and a little like a journey down the rabbit hole - you’ll not have a moment to think about stopping yourself, you’ll be enjoying yourself too much!  I urge you to take a look at either of her blogs, they will not disappoint.  At present, there are two active blogs; one for all things British, amazing scenery, landscape and architecture with aforementioned witty text -“bewitchingbritain” and another one with the same elements only she’s stretched her feet a bit and taken on the whole world - “wonderfulwonderfulworld.”     

(Credit for eye hole photo to Gary S. Crutchley, see Flickr)