The Ramblers Church

This tiny church of St Mary, Lead, Nr Saxton, North Yorkshire, was rescued in 1931 by a group of walkers.
It stands alone in the middle of a field. Probably the church for a Medieval Manor House that no longer exists.
Built of stone and on,y 18 ft long, the simple interior contains benches from the medieval period.
The three - decker pulpit, and the painted texts on the wall are probably Georgian.
The south doorway is probably 12th century, suggesting a much earlier foundation for the chapel.
( two more extra photos) ( see map)
To reach the church we crossed the crossed over Cock Beck, which in 1461 was said to have run red with the blood from the Battle of Towton Moor.
The bloodiest battle in English history. It is said 28,000 men died on the battlefield.
This was the War of the Roses, and this battle ended in an overwhelming victory of the Yorkists.
( today we fight it out on the Cricket field!)

Anyhow it was the perfect start to our walk.
Some of which would have been over the battle fields.
A lovely stop for lunch in the grounds of Hazelwood Castle. Certainly the best picnic place on place ever on a walk. ( see extra)

We finished off with drinks sat outside another interesting pub called the Crooked Billet.
It bears the arms of the Duke of Warwick.
They serve the most enormous Yorkshire Puddings I have ever seen. Needless to say the place was packed, even at 3 pm.
May have to return later to try one.

So another very enjoyable day out with our walking friends.
Weather fine, but colder. Nearly had to put my gloves on.