A day for reflection

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 18:30

Moored at Kixley Bridge (72) on the Grand Union Canal

Would you believe it - the canal was iced over this morning, but the sun soon put paid to that and by the time we left to walk in to Knowle it had almost thawed.

"Reflections on" Epiphany from Kixley Bridge

We walked along Kixley Lane, an ancient 13th century lane which curves towards the village. I am pretty sure that the cottage on this lane, visible from the canal, would not have been painted then as it is now!

Yellow cottage

Kixley Lane leads into Kenilworth Road, the oldest part of the village with some attractive houses, the old school and, on the corner with the High Street, the Parish Church.

Houses in Kenilworth Road, old school beyond

The Parish Church is dedicated to John the Baptist, St Laurence and St Anne and was built in the early 15th century. A wealthy benefactor, Walter Cook enabled the building of what was then a daughter church to the one in Hampton in Arden. It was built on Walter's land and he obtained the necessary permissions. A brief history is here - clickety click and here - clickety click

Knowle Parish Church

Next to the Parish Church is the Guild House, built in 1412, which was the HQ of the Guild of St Anne. Walter Cook (again) founded the Guild, a charitable, social and religious society.

The Guild House in Knowle Square

The High Street had some small shops, lots of restaurants and the Library. The Library is in Chester House, a former farmhouse from around 1400.

Chester House

Behind the library is an authentically designed Elizabethan Knot Garden. The viewing platform was locked so John had to use his height to take a photo over the wall!

Knot Garden

To return to the present day, we went onto the small arcade and visited a good deli and butchers and then Tesco Metro! A snack in the sandwich bar, appropriately named "Greedy Guts", and we were ready for the walk back to the canal.

Epiphany moored with two other narrowboats, the third is a butty!

There are a few more photos of Knowle and it's church in our photo albums - clickety click and for more information about Knowle - clickety click