retiredmartin

March 2025. West Tanfield.

Mrs RM was feeling uncomfortable about being the only cask drinker in town, and wanted to get off, but I like to bring my readers a bit of culture wherever I go,

and the view from the bridge over the River Ure revealed a large church for 636 souls,

and an actual Marmion Tower.

I have no idea what the Marmion Tower was guarding West Tanfield from, but it’s certainly prevented an invasion of craft beer and micropubs so we can assume it succeeded in its primary function.

St Nicholas is a typical 13th century church, with typical 20th century visitors wondering whether it’s worth the suggested £5 contactless donation. The easiest a church makes it for me to donate, the more generous I am.

One for fans of stained glass, I reckon,

though the Golden Eagle is a fine specimen.

Why do churches and pubs celebrate the Golden Eagle ?

Elsewhere, curious carvings,

and a very scary rat.

We’d spent an hour searching for mice in Howden. Here, rodents are everywhere.