Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden.

Earlier in the year, we had a lovely day out at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, but, instead of driving to the castle we drove to Tenterden and travelled to the Castle on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which was a lovely experience.

The engine is called ‘Norwegian’

Looking ‘round the bend’ at a train coming the other way.

We all wanted the train we travelled in to be pulled by a steam engine, so we carefully checked the timetable and arrived in time to catch the first steam train to Bodiam, passing through Rolvenden and Northiam. We picked a beautiful, sunny day for our trip, and loved the hour or so journey through the beautiful countryside of Kent and East Sussex.

Leaving Rolvenden.

Beautiful countryside all along the route

The carriage we travelled in was lovely, and very comfortable, we could all remember carriages similar to these when we were young.

Approaching a level crossing, looking forwards…

and backwards. Another passenger had the same idea as me

I think I spent the whole journey leaning out of the window, taking photos, and getting whiffs of the unique smell that only comes from a steam train. I also got some smuts from the smoke, but that didn’t worry me one bit!

Steam!!

As we approached Bodiam Station we could see the Castle, which is a ten minute walk from the Station. I will do a separate blog on the castle very soon.

Bodiam Castle, more about this beautiful place in my next blog.

The engine reversing into the station for the return journey to Tenterden.

Back in Tenterden.

Farewell Norwegian, thank you for a wonderful journey

Westminster Abbey, The Chapter House.

The vaulted ceiling, and the central pillar.

Westminster Abbey is one of England’s most famous buildings, but until earlier this year I had never been there. There is so much history attached to the building that I will not even attempt to repeat any of it here.

Part of the front facade, the bottom section was covered in scaffolding.

View across the Cloisters.

Needless to say we had a fantastic time walking round the building, there is just so much to see and to take in, I have finally seen the tomb of The Unknown Soldier, which commands respect from every visitor, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of so many men from the two World Wars. Many famous people have memorials in the Abbey, of special interest to me were the memorials to Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots.

Looking towards The Cloister

Wonderful ceilings

Having spent a long time in the main part of the Abbey we then went into the Cloisters and from there to the Chapter House. Once outside the main Abbey building photography is allowed, and when I saw the Chapter House I was so pleased to be able to take photos there.

The entrance to the Cloister House.

The Chapter House is an octagonal building dating from around 1250. It was originally used as a meeting and prayer room for the Benedictine monks, and has been used by The King’s Great Council and a store room for government records. The stained glass windows date from the Victorian era, they beautifully enhance this wonderful space.

Part of one of the beautiful stained glass windows.

Carvings above the entrance.

Medieval tiles.

The building is just beautiful, all around the walls are Medieval paintings, a few of which are shown here, the detail in each painting is amazing, and each painting tells its own story.

One of the walls, showing the paintings.

Some of the beautiful Medieval wall paintings.

 

Close up sections from the painting above, such amazing detail.

The Pyx Chamber.

We had a wonderful day out, I can’t finish this blog without adding a photo of Big Ben

which is almost next door to the Abbey