Cathedral Of The Forest

It's Mrs BB day off and the weather being nice, we set off to do Ramble 3 of The Wye Valley Ramblers book which starts from Redrook (between Monmouth and Chepstow). We last did this walk almost a year to the day so thought we'd repeat it.

After looking around All Saints Church, Newland, Gloucester, we sat in the rear garden of The Ostrich Inn opposite the church and had tea and coffee. For £4 total, it was excellent value, china cups with a cafetiere for me and a pot of tea for Mrs BB.

The Church of All Saints at Newland, traditionally and affectionately known as the 'Cathedral of the Forest', was begun in the early 1200s. King John appointed Robert of Wakering as first Rector in 1216. The original, probably rather small, building was expanded during the next two hundred years to the size and shape of the present church. A major restoration in the 1860s widened the chancel arch and slightly raised the roof of the nave. The village of Newland did not exist before the clearing was made in the Forest and the church built.

The church contains several effigies including that of Sir John and Lady Joyce of Clearwell who died in 1344 and 1362 respectively, and an effigy of Jenkin Wyrall, Forester of Fee (died 1457).

It's such lovely weather that we are off to our local pub tonight, with friends, and hopefully will sit outside for a meal. Unbelievable!