The Palermian 1899
On the Road (Extracts from D. Bruno’s Diary)
Our long walks have not been very numerous this year, partly on account of unfavourable weather on the days assigned for outings, and partly on account of other prohibiting circumstances. The total of the outings of ’99 is eight whereas last year the sum reached thirteen.
1. Feb 14th
The first long walk was that taken on Shrove Tuesday, February 14th. A small party set out for Lichet. This day, however, gives little opportunity for comment. The weather was not altogether favourable and the time was limited as our return was fixed by 3 pm. the following day lent set in with all its grim reality, & so no more long walks could be contemplated until after Easter.
2. April 5th
In Easter week again the winds were very rough & the rains persistent; moreover several of the Professorium Family were laid low with influenza. Consequently, only one long walk was attempted. The objective of this walk was the beautiful and ancient Abbey Church of Milton Abbas.
A few details concerning this once hallowed spot may not be altogether out of place here. A monastery dedicated to St. Mary, St. Michael & St. Branwalader was founded at Milton, A.D. 934, by King Athelstan. Originally it was termed a Minster, & was inhabited by Canons. These Canons, however, shortly gave place to a colony of Benedictine monks, under King Edgar, A.D.964. The present Abbey Church was built in the reign of Edward II, and is a magnificent specimen of the decorated & later English styles. The old Abbey Church was struck by lightening & burnt to the ground, Sept 23rd 1306; & it was not rebuilt until 1392-1417, when Waltar Archer was Abbot. The nave was never added; for shortly after this the Reformation set in with all its horrors & barbarity. The present Abbey Mansion was built by the first Earl of Dorchester, in 1771, on the site of the ancient Abbey, of which only the refectory now survives. This splendid pile, the style of which corresponds with that of the Church, is beautifully situated in a valley, & is approached through an avenue of trees. The park & woods of the estate extend over an area of five thousand acres. King George the Third, & his Queen, Charlotte, paid a visit here in 1804 & 1805. We had the good fortune to be shown all over the Church & mansion; & we also saw the bedrooms of the royal party, which have been untouched since the time of their visit.
3. May 4th
On May 4th two parties set out. One division walked round Badbury Rings, a famous old Roman camp, to Wimborne, where they visited the grand old Norman Minster, of which St. Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, was once the Dean. The other party went over the Spettisbury Downs, which by the way are “ups”, through Winterborne Kingston to Winterborne Anderson, where they visited the little Church of St. Michael. This is a small Gothic structure, crowned by a turret containing one bell, & built with miniature nave, chancel, & transept. Hence they passed to Winterborne Thompson, where they saw the little Church of St. Andrew. This is a small building of stone & brick in the early English style – it contains only thirty five sittings. Here they had the good fortune to meet Mr. House of Thompson House, who kindly invited them to luncheon, of which all partook most heartily.
4. May 23rd
Our next long walk took place on May 23rd. We again divided into two parties. One party had Compton Abbas for its destination. Here the beautiful parish Church of St. Mary was visited & duly admired. It consists of apsidal chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch, & square tower surmounted by a lofty tower and containing four bells. The Rev. Rector of this Parish most hospitably provided the weary travellers with refreshments. The other party visited Lord Allington’s White Farm, and the Witchampton Church, All saints’, a handsome edifice in the decorated style, containing chancel, nave, transept, fine embattled tower with five bells & a clock. This party returned by Badbury Rings & Shapwick.
5. August 17th
After this, on account of approaching exams, &c., no more long walks were attempted until the holidays. On August 17th a select party drove to Larmer Tree. On the way the Gypsy School, or Museum, was visited. Here Gen. Fox Pitt Rivers has deposited the relics of Romano-British villages discovered in his park at Rushmore and on the high chalk Downs between Wilts & Dorset. Larmer Tree is famous as the meet for fox hunters in the days of King John. Of the tree itself a remnant is still extant, and a young one has been planted in its place some years ago. Here also the Counties of Wilts & Dorset meet. Pitt Rivers has made this place into a beautiful recreation ground laid out with nice walks, flower beds and miniature lakes, & provided with numerous shady arbours and curiously wrought refreshment rooms, - all this for the benefit of the people living in the neighbourhood. About a quarter of a mile from Larmer itself is King John’s shooting box, now turned into a beautiful picture gallery, which no-one should omit visiting.
Another party trained to Bournemouth. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was visited; a refreshing sea bathe was enjoyed at Parkstone; and a regatta was also seen. Every one returned home much the better for the day’s excursion.
6. August 30th
On August 30th, we all had a long & beautiful drive to Lulworth. In the distance we saw the fortress-like Castle belonging to the Welds, a Catholic family. After a well relished lunch, taken in the Catholic Parish Room, kindly placed at our disposal by Fr. Unsworth, we made an excursion to the sea and admired the rugged coast with its bold cliffs. Several improved the opportunity to take a dive in the deep blue.
7. September 13th
On September 13th we took another drive. This time our destination was Christchurch, a spot well-known & dear to every Canon Regular, on account of our beautiful & cathedral-like Priory Church. Our hearts were filled with emotion at seeing this once hallowed spot so bare, cold & desolate, & we asked ourselves when will the happy time come again to chant once more the Office of Holy Church within its sacred walls.
Rich in promise, years yet unborn
Shall bring the joys of days we mourn.
Sound the matin & vesper hymn
Through fretted arch & chancel dim:
Our Canons fill cathedral stalls,
Pulpits, & seats in lecture Halls:
Who knows, we yet may see some day
Our Canons….
“Jesus, convert England. Jesus, have mercy on this country.” This is our daily prayer until these our ardent desires be fulfilled.
8. October 5th
We have now come to our last long walk of ’99. For this we divided into three parties. One party visited Milton Abbas, & returned through Stickland & home by Blandford. The second division went to Iwerne, & visited the Churches of Durweston, Stourpain & Shroton. The third set off for the White Farm & also saw the Church of Witchampton; here they were kindly entertained by the Rev. Mr Wix, Rector of the Parish.
Hoping that next year we will be able with good health and fine weather to keep up our walking standard, we now close these brief extracts.
Dom Bruno CRL