Hannah Aynscough was born locally in Market Overton. This lady was the esteemed mother of Sir Isaac Newton (who was born in nearby Woolsthorpe Manor, Colsterworth). The sun dial on the Parish Church Tower is believed to have been given to the village of Market Overton – out of respect to the memory of his respected mother. Apparently, we are staying in a 17th century (grade II-listed) building that existed during the English Civil Wars (1640s-1650s). It is a sobering thought to consider that the Lord Protector – Oliver Cromwell – may have trod the flagstones of the very stone floor I am now stationed upon!
Anyway, I digress. This morning, and for the first-time in decades, I heard a local Parish Church ring the church-bells – summoning the faithful to worship on this crisp Sunday-morning! I am literally sat in the epicentre of history! Probably far more so than usual. As you can see above – in the bedroom I am frequenting – there is a wooden safe built into the wall. The wood does not seem that secure to me – and I know I could easily place my fist through the door – it seems that thin (not that I would do such a thing). Years ago (in Hong Kong) when I had to punch objects whilst holding an egg in the palm (which had to remain “unbroken”) – the objects I had to hit were far more “stout” than this structure. I cannot not discern any writing on the casing of the safe – but such a craftsman’s signature might be immediately adjacent to the inner wall structure. I am told that the home-owners might have employed various types of staff and wanted to keep their valuables under lock and key. I think this house might have been the dwelling of a farmer-gentleman – just like Oliver Cromwell!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 