A visit to Worcester

Edward Elgar

Nick and I have been in the Midlands this weekend to celebrate our old boss's 80^th birthday.

His party was on Sunday, and on Saturday we went to Worcester and visited the wonderful Cathedral.  The Cathedral is a real beginners’ guide to mediaeval architecture, having parts that represent most of the main styles, from its Norman crypt to its Perpendicular cloister.  

There is a memorial window to Edward Elgar, who lived some four miles from Worcester, and whose statue also stands in the High Street.  Before the high altar stands the tomb of Bad King John of Magna Carta fame. (Unlike our Prime Minister I am sure that all readers of the blog know all about the Magna Carta).

Particularly impressive is the flamboyant Chantry Chapel built for Arthur, the older brother of Henry Vlll, who died at nearby Ludlow Castle five months after his betrothal to Catherine of Aragon.  I always wonder when I see his tomb what England would have been like if he had not died, there had been no break with Rome and no Dissolution of the Monasteries.  

Worcester Cathedral from the east.

 I was very moved by the 14^th century tomb of John Beauchamp, an ill fated retainer of Richard II.  Both he and his wife rest their feet on a couple of fine long dogs, not unlike those that give us so much pleasure and affection today.

 Having admired the astonishing Norman Crypt, we went on the marvel at the beautiful porcelain in the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum.  All in all it was a great day out in a lovely and interesting City.  

Norman arches in the crypt.