The church of Saint Mary Magdalene, High Street, Campsall, DN6 9AG, was founded by Ilbert de Laci of nearby Pontefract in the 12th century. I haven’t been able to find a precise date for the completion of construction, and depending upon which text you consult, it could be either the early 1200s or towards the end of that century. What all the texts seem to agree on is that the original cruciform shape of the Norman church has been added to and changed, leaving us with a variety of architectural styles that span the centuries. Not least, the imposing western tower with its eight bells. The bells and clock were restored and/or replaced in 1879.
Internally, there are
some fabulous features to look at, too. The
rood screen dates from the 14th century and is believed to have come
from Wallingwells Abbey in Nottinghamshire.
In the chancel, there is a stunning plaque created by John Flaxman (1755 –
1826), a renowned sculptor, draughtsman, and leading figure in the British and
European Neoclassical Movement. The
altar in the Lady’s Chapel was brought from a disused church in Ackworth and was
designed by Augustus Pugin (1812 – 1852). There are some ancient tombs both in the
grounds of the church and within the interior.
In addition to all
that history there is the local legend that Robin Hood got married to Maid
Marian in the church. Is there any
evidence of that? Well, it depends on
where you look. Within the Wakefield
Ward there are records of several men called Robin Hood living in the area. There was certainly a local criminal called John
Little in 1318 who shows up in court records for being involved in a robbery
with members of a then well-known gang.
It would appear that organised crime has a long and enduring
history! Were any of these men the real
versions of the people we now know from legend?
It is possible they inspired the original stories, but I doubt they all
went about wearing Lincoln Green! However, if you check out some of the early writers, such as the Scottish poet Andrew of
Wyntoun and his work Orygynale Chronicle,
you will find a reference to Little John and Robin Hood, who were known to travel
between Inglewood Forest – an area between Penrith and Carlisle – and Barnsdale which is very close to Camspall.
So, whatever you believe
about legendary people, come along on November 16th and enjoy the
history and take a meander around the many stalls that will be within such fabulous
historic surroundings. I will have all six of
my Jacques Forêt Mysteries with me. If you would like to
chat about France, the Cévennes, the stories, or even Jacques himself, please
drop by and say hello. I will also be able to give you the latest
info on the next book in the series.
I will be bringing the three
fabulous Miss Moonshine anthologies as well. If you are
in need of a feel-good, heart-warming read for autumn, then these collections
of gentle stories will be just the ticket. They are ideal for those few
moments when all you need is a cuppa and a bit of me-time.
Lastly, we will have all four of the
multi-genre miscellanies of tales from the Seasonal Collective. If you want to discover some new authors, these collections are just for
you. And who knows, something to read might be the answer to that
nagging question about what to get aunty so-and-so for Christmas this year.
Autumn Craft Fair, Campsall Chuch, High Street, Campsall DN6 9AG from 11am on November 16th. Looking forward to seeing you there...
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