Friday was a cold but sunny lovely day.  Mr. Ray suggested that we drive up to a village called Blanchland.  The Abbey and surrounding village of Blanchland was founded by Monks in 1165.  It sits almost directly on the border between the counties of Northumberland and Durham.

Blanchland Village Centre

You can read all about the history of lovely Blanchland here…http://www.blanchlandhistory.org.uk

We enjoyed the gorgeous drive up to the top of moors to the village.  It was a sunny but brisk day, perfect for a “windshield tour”.

Moors up above Stanhope

We stopped in the Post Office and Ice Cream Shop and heard a bit about the local history and colourful folklore.

The Abbey was my favourite bit.  I love these stone churches and am amazed to think that centuries of worshipers have crossed these very same thresholds.

The drive home was even more lovely as we passed the Derwent Reservoir.  This area reminded me of the TVA lake areas in the US.  The Derwent Reservoir provides water to Northumbrian Water which is the water supplier we use in County Durham.

Along the roads and IN the roads we saw sheep as well as grouse and pheasant.  Some of the farmers stone fenced fields still contain “pillboxes” from World War II.  These mainly hexagon concrete buildings were used during wartime to house guns and ammunition as well as post lookouts to prevent field landings or parachuting by enemy aircraft.  What an interesting part of history right here near us!

Cheers,

Beth