Temples and Yew Trees
There was simply too much inspiration in section 2 of Jonathan Meades Travels with Pevsner. The main topic was Georgian Pershore but how could I ignore "the most momentous building in Worcestershire".
This is the Temple of Theseus. Built in 1758 by Lord Lyttleton, so he could look out over the Malvern Hills. It is the first example of neo-classical architecture in Europe.
There's a lot going on at Wychbury Hill. I have already told the tale of "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?". No need to repeat it here, but of course, there will be a photo of the obelisk. I also remembered that the Mysteries of Mercia Facebook page had discussed the yew trees at the iron-age hillfort. These were to be investigated.
A walk was easily fashioned, a variation of the "Rail Trail" between Hagley and Stourbridge.
The temple is not strictly on a footpath, but on the ground, there is a well trodden path - either caused by graffiti artists, drinkers who like a view or possibly even the new inhabitants, usurping Lord Lyttelton but getting the same views.
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| How we look after the county's most important architecture |
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| Perfectly Proportioned by James Stuart - following a pilgrimage to measure the original |
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| Cows had already trampled the fencing |
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| Folly Views |
Back to the proper footpaths, via the obelisk.
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| Obelisk |
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| Bella - an unsolved 1940s murder victim |
Next stop, the yew trees of Wychbury Hillfort and have spawned a number of legends. Was it the site of an ancient battle between the Romans and the natives? Is Wychbury Hill the final resting place of King Arthur? Are the yew trees a manifestation of fallen warriors? Probably not. Is the site use by local pagans during key calendar events? Yes. But why?
In pre-Christian pagan traditions across Britain and north-west Europe, the yew tree was revered as a symbol of death, rebirth and eternal life. Remarkably long-lived and capable of regenerating from ancient wood, it seemed to embody the endless cycle of nature, making it a powerful emblem of immortality and the passage between this world and the Otherworld. Yews were often associated with sacred sites, burial places and places of ritual, where they represented wisdom, protection and ancestral memory.
My favourite on-line resource is from the Ancient Yew Tree website. Someone went to the trouble of mapping the 23 trees, providing a summary and a description of each individual tree. You've got to love the Internet. Next, middle aged men will be writing about their walks and pints and hoping someone out there finds it of interest.
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| x marks SO9205581800 - a perfect place for lunch. |
It's incredibly accurate and easy to follow. A circuit of the hillfort and most of the trees were identified.
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| One of the 23. We'll leave it there. No need for the other 22 |
30 minutes spent lunching in a Pagan worship spot, the GPS left on, explaining the random mess on the track recording.
Finally, a drop down to Stourbridge for one of the CAMRA's Heritage pubs. The Seven Stars.
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| Handy for the Station |
Built for Mitchells & Butlers Brewery and opened in January 1905, the Seven Stars has an outstanding collection of M&B etched and painted windows plus much Maw & Co wall tiling.
The entrance hall has lots of light blue and cream dado tiling, which extends up the stairs and into the public bar. That room has its original counter and a superb four-bay, mirrored bar-back with a clock-adorned pediment. Below the pediment is a recently-reopened hatch to the smoke room behind. This is modernised but bell pushes remain above the benches, as do fine etched windows. The restaurant left of the hallway has nothing of historic interest bar a couple of windows.
Recently, it was closed down for a number of years, until resurrected by the Black Country Ales chain. Incredible really, they have changed nothing (apart from the drinks available) and it has gone from an unviable business to one that you are lucky to get a seat. As with all BCA Pubs, the drinks available are many, usually unheard of, a dedication to real cider and always well kept.
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| Interior Intact - Hobson's Town Crier chosen |
Walk Details
Distance - 4 miles
Geocaches - 2
Future Inspiration
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