Wednesday 30 December 2009

Knights Templar

The weather has been very wet these last couple of days so no walks in the park, just round a couple of streets each day.

When were were in the park the other day we saw this Church which sits in the Park grounds and is called St Dunstan's. It looks quite old but its even older than it looks.



Apparently a pre-Christian Chapel may have sat on this site in Roman times. The present Christian Church may have been started in Saxon times. During the reign of Edward the Confessor the Manor was owned by Turstan, the King's Thane it was later given to the Order of the Knights Templars but it was given to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. when the Templers were 'abolished'.



Funny how its close to a modern Motorway and the Airport and I bet hardly anyone realises how very old it is!



Its a very nice Park as well.

11 comments:

Bandit's Pack said...

Handsome church, and handsome dog!!

BCxFour said...

How very cool is that? I love the pictures and the story. Thank you for sharing that little slice of history!

Emma Rose said...

I loved this post! I had to go look up Thane before I commented though! Your history is so deep and rich it has always fascinated me. Now we must promote Sir Bear to Thane instead of servant! How cool! Thank you!

The Duchess

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I love history so I enjoyed this post. Especially the picture of Wizz at the end :)

Gail said...

What a treasure to visit this. Sometimes what we need is just right there.
Beautiful.

The Army of Four said...

Great history lesson, Wizz! Ammy said the people who built it had a lot of foresight putting the church so close to the highway and airport. Umm.... she's not pulling the Sibe fluff over my eyes with one of her jokes, is she?
Woo.
Luv,
Dave

Sally Ann and Andy said...

What a great historian doggie. You are very smart and cute. You must tell your "aunt" she is very cute too.
Sally Ann and Mack

Unknown said...

Wizz is very knowledgable! That park must be HUGE!

I love going to old places and just thinking about all the important things that happened there, and how significant it was. Loved seeing the church!

Valerie said...

Lovely Building. There's a 13c church near me and it's hard to believe it's great age. Imagine modern buildings lasting that long?

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

What a cool church...


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Martine said...

We love having furiends all over the world, it gives us a chance to check out really neat places! Thanks for sharing!!

Happy New Year!

xo martine & the kiddlets