Mappa Mundi

This is Hereford Cathedral and as we came out it was distinctly dark and gloomy!

We left Yorkshire in cool but sunny weather but drove into the grey and drizzly stuff in the Midlands. We had a very prolonged journey ( not sure why though part of the M42 was closed) and got to Hereford at 3.45pm which was crazy as we set off before 10.00 am. We just had time to get to the Cathedral to see the Mappa Mundi exhibition, have a cup of tea in the cloisters and listen to the Cathedral choir practising for evensong before everything closed.

The Mappa Mundi is a 13th century map of the world inscribed on vellum and is the most complete of its kind. It is very interesting as it is of the world as seen from the eyes of mediaeval Christians. The centre of the world is Jerusalem and Asia, Europe and Africa are featured; the New World not being discovered at that time of course.
It is not only a depiction of the known world of the time but it is also meant to depict the Christian journey. Quite difficult to take it all in but there is good explanatory exhibition in English thankfully instead of the Latin of the original.

This picture shows a statue of Edward Elgar in front of the cathedral, he apparently lived here for a few years in the early 20th century. (It tells you on the edge of the pavement.)

A briefer visit than we would have liked but non the less interesting. The route from here down to Bristol was in the dark which is a shame as it is a,very scenic route crossing in and out of Wales following the Wye Valley. We have done it in daylight before but I think another visit is required in the spring or summer.