The Living Churchyard at Bridlington Priory

The Living Churchyard at Bridlington Priory

Posted on by Kayleigh

The current churchyard at the Priory is a nice idea. To survey wildlife and conserve the area, the Diocese of York teamed up with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to create a ‘living churchyard’. Essentially, they let the local grasses and wildflowers grow all over the place. In turn, this encourages flora and fauna to stay in the habitat. The local plants benefit important pollinators like bats and bees, as well as enticing birds and insects of all kinds to hang out there.
In addition, they’ve made various hides for local critters including a stone pile, wood pile, and compost heap.

Imagining all the little hedgehoggies nestling in the wood makes me so happy!

St. Bride’s Church, London: The Ripper, The Fires, and the Wedding Cake

St. Bride’s Church, London: The Ripper, The Fires, and the Wedding Cake

Posted on by Kayleigh

From this same spot at the rear of the nave, you can see many of the hallmarks of Wren’s original designs. For example: the symmetry and clean lines, the bold black-and-white marbled floor, and the emphasis on natural light are all very Wren-esque features. There are delicate gilded patterns on the ceilings and columns, and the rounded windows give the whole place a very soft, inviting look.

I was momentarily frozen in place by how neat and well-kept St. Bride’s looks. It’s a beautiful church, with a calm aura that feels deeply spiritual (even to me, an agnostic with no religious affiliation).

Crossbones Graveyard and its Outcast Dead

Crossbones Graveyard and its Outcast Dead

Posted on by Kayleigh

What struck me most about Crossbones is how much it’s retained a graveyard’s tranquillity. There are still many remains beneath the ground, but they aren’t marked out or named like a more traditional cemetery. Despite this, the place still has the muted peace that seems to cut off the usual noise and hustle of the city around it. The atmosphere was added to by the soft smell of incense burning nearby. Wandering around Crossbones put my mind in a calm, reflective place that I thoroughly enjoyed.