Easton-on-the-Hill – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

Market Overton: 17th Century Window! (6.11.2025)

06/11/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

What is now the dining area – where I set-up my study space – was probably once part of the garden. Therefore, the window itself was once considered the height of building technology. In those days, draughts from blowing winds were a major issue. The frame of this window is firmly embedded in the wall-structure so that no wind can penetrate. The cement and plaster hold it robustly in place – whilst its relatively small surface area allows for strength and stability. As glass was not as strong then as it is now – the panes of glass used were far-smaller – with each held in-place by its own frame. Furthermore, and a feature I like, is the central pane that possesses a stout hinging and opening and shutting mechanism. Even today – this design still retains much of its original strength – whilst being now inside the house means it is now better preserved.

Duddington: A Special Postcard to Diane Wyles! (31.7.2025)

31/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

We visited (the 16th century) Kirby Hall today situated in the Northants countryside. On the way back – a solitary road-sign directed us to a “Historical Church”. This turned-out to be the 11th century “St Peter’s Church” (of Deene) – founded in 1060 – just six-years prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Well, this Church was unlocked and in it we found a selection of free postcards. On the way back to the place we are staying at in Easton-on-the-Hill – we stopped at the Highfield area of Duddington so that Kai-Lin could play in the adventure playground situated there. We wrote out the postcard, affixed a stamp (we only had 2nd Class) and popped it in the Duddington Post-Box – filming and photographing the entire process. The post will be collected tomorrow – at 9 am. The card will then meander its way to Paignton in Devon!

Rutland: Visiting Rockingham Castle! (29.7.2025)

30/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Despite visiting Duddington (in Northants) regularly since 2009, we had never seen any signs for “Rockingham” – and wondered where this place was. Furthermore, whereas King Henry VIII used to frequent “Nonsuch” (in Sutton and Cheam – where we live) – I am told that King John (1166-1216) of Magna Carta fame, used to spend his leisure time staying at Rockingham Castle – which is near Rockingham village. He used to hunt in the local woods. Apparently, Henry VIII granted the castle (the Norman version of which is currently over 950-years old) to the Watson family (it was leased to Edward Watson in 1544). Prior to this, the general area the castle is now constructed upon possessed a Roman (a coin production industry) – and then a Saxon (Lord Bovi) – presence. The locale of Rockingham (probably the nearby village) is mentioned in the 1066 Doomsday Book – with the castle proper being built between 1066-1071.

Priest House - Easton-on-the-Hill - Family

Easton-on-the-Hill: Priest House [Chantry] 15th Century! (28.7.2025)

28/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Although we have visited the general area a number of time – we had never seen this exhibit or been told about it. As we are currently staying in the locale – this place came-up in an internet search about something else. Like many such attractions, even at the height of Summer, there is only ever a trickle of visitors – which is a good thing for all concerned. We were handed the key, instructed to be careful on the old spiralling stone staircase, and turn-off all the lights when we are finished. There is even a toilet on site that is accessed with a key. Everything was perfectly clean, tidy, and in good order. Our two-daughters watched a short video film about the area, its history and industry! The photographs will tell the story of what we saw. A truly magnificent historical site that emerged out of the single most important and Revolutionary event (the “Dissolution of the Monasteries”) that forged modern Britain and the world!

Northants: Adrian & Gee Graduate as Scarecrows! (28.7.2025)

28/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Being fans of the books and various dramatizations of “Wurzel Gummidge” – we were thrilled to lean of a local (Northants) “Scarecrow Course” sponsored by the Labour government as a job creation scheme. As this is a wealthy area – the local landowners are always on the look-out for suitable candidates for this partly government funded training course. Initially, we had to watch all the Jeepers Creepers films and learn to run smoothly through the corn fields.

Northants: Ancient Duddington – Tixover Bridge! (27.7.2025)

27/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

As soon as we entered the graveyard – everyone started shouting-out the name “Wyles”! I was astonished as I had become so used to having a name that hardly anyone had heard of. It turns-out that names in the UK – just like anywhere in the world – developed in local areas and spread-out as populations moved about. It turned-out that Duddington has been cut-off from mainstream society for years – with my direct relatives not leaving until around 1905. Even today – the world has passed Duddington by. None of the broader changes of society have touched Duddington at all. The local population today are wealthy and conservative with a “C” and “c”. Although I do not share these views myself – I have to admit that these attitudes have preserved my family history until I became aware of it – and have been able to gather all the data together for anyone interested to benefit freely from it. Today, myself and Gee headed to Duddington around 6aam in the morning to get some early research in. We are staying in the Duddington area to carry-out some much needed genealogical investigations and we are making important headways already!