Day 9
Rain! But we had plans, so after a hearty breakfast, which we enjoyed every day, we set out for Buckfast Abbey. Buckfast was founded in the reign of King Cnut approximately a thousand years ago. It fell into ruin following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.
We learned that the rebuilding of the Abbey was started in 1882 by six monks. Its completion occurred in 1937. Stepping inside, it seemed almost pristine compared to ancient places we had visited. A notice asked visitors to be quiet since someone was tuning the organ.
The Abbey stands in acres of gardens and is cared for by 13 monks. Services are held there every Sunday and through the week. The gift shops have a vast variety of books, knick-knacks, videos, and cards to attract the tourist. And the Grange restaurant invites tourists to scan the menu and order. So, we did! The website https://www.buckfast.org.uk/visitors gives exciting and detailed information about its history.
Of note, there is a Free Methodist Chapel on the grounds.
Our browsing and lunch finished, we drove to Dartmoor, that vast area of moors and tors, which can be inviting or frightening, depending on the weather.
Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in the county of Devon, in southwest England. Dartmoor ponies roam its craggy landscape, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations). Trails wind through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses. The area is dotted with villages, including Princetown, home to Dartmoor Prison used during the Napoleonic Wars. Source: National Trust
The day remained overcast and dull, but undeterred, we drove on to Widdecombe to see the ancient church. However, a children’s program was going on, so we could not go inside. We browsed the gift store, then rewound our way through country lanes to our hotel. Along with England’s country lanes, there is only room for one car, in the event a car is coming towards you, the car nearest to a lay-by pulls over, allowing the other to pass. Each driver gives a smile and a wave as they pass.
