Saltisford canal trust; Wednesday 8th July.
Building spotting in Warwick was the task for today. The market place had nice buildings on two sides; the market hall on one other side. The Market Hall was built in 1670 and until their infilling in 1879, had open arches for market stalls, the arches supporting a meeting hall above. The Market Hall is home to the Warwickshire Museum although no one was at home when we called. When the refurbishments are completed, it will be open to the public once more.
The remaining side was occupied by a 1970’s lookalike concrete and glass building which was at odds with the surroundings. Closer inspection reveals that stone has been used in place of concrete: unfortunately, the dimensions of the design are such that from a reasonable distance, the impression remains of concrete. You are ahead of me already – it was of course the council offices.
When I see unsympathetic development of this kind, I think of the savings that could be made by abolishing planning departments and planning officers; the end result surely could not be worse.
The Tourist Information office is situated in a fine grade 1 listed building that once was the Court House. It was designed and built by Francis Smith, was started in 1721 and completed in 1731.
The collegiate church of St. Mary has occupied its prominent site in the centre of the town since it was founded in 1123 by Robert de Newburgh, 2nd Earl of Warwick. The Nave and tower were destroyed in the great fire of Warwick in 1694 and both were rebuilt in 1704.
It is a fine building with many interesting features, one of the oldest of which is the Crypt dating from the original Norman building. The base of a ducking stool is displayed there. The chancel has some beautiful glass including some by Charles Kempe.
The Beauchamp chapel, built in the fifteenth century is home to the tombs of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick; The Earl and Countess of Leicester, Robert Dudley and his wife Lettice; and that of his brother Ambrose, Earl of Warwick.
We returned to the boat where we were joined for supper and the evening by John and Phyll Saxon of Nb Lion; great company and good friends. It was very nice way to round off the day.
2009 Totals: 341 Locks – 651.5 miles – 14 Bus pass uses.
