Richard did a great job describing our day so I will only add a few pictures and comments. Please see his ReLive video here: https://www.relive.com/view/vMq5RNLkxQv
11.06 miles, 1398 feet elevation gain. Started at 61 degrees; high 60’s by afternoon. A mix of clouds and sunshine for the day.
The Parish Church of St. Mary, Belford, was just behind our B&B. We listened to the hourly bells, and were able to get a quick look before hiking Monday morning. Today’s church opened in 1829, but a church existed here since the 12th century.
This window was designed in 1930. It depicts Gideon selecting the few men, those who lapped water to drink rather than drinking from cupped hands, who would, with the Lord’s help, defeat the hugely superior invading army of the Midianites (Judges 7).
This window shows St. Maurice, patron saint of soldiers, and St. Oswald Rex.
As we hiked through Bamburgh, we had one last chance to visit St. Aidan’s Church. Little is known about the early church but records of every priest since 1121 exist. The current church was probably built during the period 1170 to 1230.
The Grace Darling window honors Charity, Fortitude, and Hope.
St. Aidan, who died in the church in 651 AD. Here he is shown with King Oswald (later St. Oswald), who brought St. Aidan to Northumbria to bring Christianity to the pagans.
The church chancel has sculptures and stained glass to represent the saints of Northumbria and people who affected the rise of Christianity in the North.
The ceiling beam here has a “Y” shape and legend has it that St. Aidan was leaning on the beam (before it was placed on the ceiling) when he died. Pilgrims believed it had healing qualities and they touched the beam and even took splinters, so it was moved to the ceiling to protect it.
In Seahouses, rows of benches face the harbor for visitors to eat, read, or enjoy some sunshine.
