On the way to Rye we always drive through a lovely old Kentish village called Appledore.
Appledore means 'apple tree' in Saxon. Many years ago, in Viking times, it used to be a bustling port and it has an incredibly rich and interesting history. It's a perfect place to stop for lunch. There are places to have a picnic or you can have a wonderful meal at the local historic pub. If you go, be sure to visit the antique mall that is housed in the Old Forge. I think it's a hidden gem because I always find a treasure there and it's dirt cheap too!
I love the church with it's minimalistic clean lines and modest stained glass windows. Inside the church, encased in a long glass case, is the best treasure of all...The Appledore Tapestry. The tapestry, designed and created by parishioners Monica Woodhouse, Liz Marsham, and Joanna Edward, is a very long (approx 20 ft?) panel of meticulously laid out needlework, embroidery, appliques made from fabric scraps and found objects that illustrate the history of Appledore spanning from 892 AD to 1988. The craftsmanship is just simply beautiful and the photos don't do it justice. You really do need to see it in person to appreciate the work that went into it. If you like textiles...you really do need to see it.
Oh, and did I mention that some of my ancient relatives are buried there in the church cemetery, for reals...how cool is that?
Love and Light
x
2 comments:
thats gorgeous, what a lovely place.
xxx
We visited Appledore at the weekend on a Club Camping Trip, it is a lovely place and as my husband has a passion for photography his from Monday 17th and on will feature it. Your photos are superb, the tapestry you have captured well and as you say needs seeing. Thank you, I shall look to see where else you have been. Sue
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