The lectern at St Mary Magdalene is not the customary eagle, but I think it is a heron, as they are nesting in the marshes below the church.
The first village after Wartling is Boreham, featuring the first pub bought by Harvey's of Lewes.
And for the first time this walk I notice an oast house. We must be getting closer to home!
Is this the furthest one West?
From thereon to Penhurst, mainly by road, but the landscape makes up for it:
And I saw a 'working' dove cote
I made a short detour to see the Ashburnham non-denomontional Chapel. I have preached here a few times, when I was minister of Robertsbridge and Sedlescombe. It used to be a URC before they became independent. Still good to see that Revd Roy Cole is still preaching!
In Penhurst is both the church as well as Penhurst retreat centre in the former manse. I can recommend both!
Then the route went up to Tent Hill, named for 'where William the Conqueror (and his army) slept the night before he defeated King Harold and claimed England.' (British Pilgrimage Society).
This gives a view over Ashburnham Place (Christian Conference Centre)
The flat you can see is called Tent Hill House. I never knew why...
Onwards to Catsfield. In this village are two spires, one that belongs to a building that looks like a church but is a private property. The other one would have been a mile there and back again, so I gave that one a miss...
Then over the historic battle ground to Battle, with as pinnacle Battle Abbey
From here my host for tonight picked me up. I had a lovely shower, meal and company, something you don't get at a Sanctuary Church.
I have done a full two weeks now, just one more to go! I must admit that my feet and shoulders feel it too! But we go bravely onwards 🙂
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