St Olave's Church Ruckland

Christmas cake in the oven and I was in danger of the only higlight of this wet, grey day being a mammogram appointment! So went for a little trip into the wolds. Grey skies all round but drove about 4 miles to this little church - one of the smallest in Lincolnshire - still used about once a month and holds a flower festival every Bank holiday August. We have been to the flower festival and it is charming. A previous incumbent was a true lover of the Romany and he was known as the 'Gypsy's Parson'. Usually at the flower festival is a traditional Romany caravan. I love those caravans!
A church existed in Ruckland in the Lincolnshire Domesday drawn up in 1086 when the Manor belonged to Earl Hugh a friend of William the Conqueror. It's always been who you know!!
A Scandinavian connection is evident by both the place name and the dedication of the church. St Olaf was killed in battle in 1030 and his biographer states 'Olaf was diligent in his zeal for the propogation of the Christian faith but also inherited his entire pagan ancestors' vices'. The mind boggles!
Anyway it is a very pretty church and a glorious 10 minute ride up and down the wolds from my house.