Legacies & memories
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Croxden Abbey: Shadows Among the Ruins
The Founding of Croxden Abbey. Croxden Abbey was founded in 1176 by Bertram III de Verdun, who granted land to a group of Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon in Normandy. The site was chosen for its water and fertile land to support farming, but it was far enough away from the busy town and trade routes.
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Pamela Colman Smith: The Artist Behind the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
Pamela Colman Smith, affectionately known as “Pixie,” was a British artist, illustrator, and occultist whose creative vision profoundly shaped the world of tarot. Pamela was born on February 16, 1878, in London to American parents. This blog post delves into Smith’s life, her collaboration with Arthur Edward Waite, and the lasting impact of her work.
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Errwood Hall: Ruins, Remnants, and Forgotten Footsteps.
Tucked within the rugged heart of the Goyt Valley in Derbyshire lies the moss-covered ruins of Errwood Hall place where history and silence linger in equal measure. On a recent walk through the valley, I explored the site and surrounding moorland, seeking traces of a forgotten estate that once stood proudly hidden by trees. History
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Witley Court’s Golden Years and Lingering Shadows
Witley Court has always held a strange magic for me. I visited often as a child,it was just a short drive from where we lived in Worcestershire. Even then, it felt different: grand, haunting, and oddly comforting. The kind of place where time doesn’t pass quite the same. Back then, you could access the grounds
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The concept of the “Witch Wound”
The concept of the “Witch Wound” has gained traction in recent years, particularly among those interested in spirituality, feminism, and ancestral healing. This intriguing notion suggests that there’s a collective trauma embedded in our cultural psyche, stemming from historical persecution of those accused of witchcraft. Let’s delve deeper into this concept, examining its potential origins,
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Hardwick: Ghosts,and the Woman Who Built It All
Derbyshire holds many secrets, but few places speak as clearly across the centuries as Hardwick. Tucked in the rolling countryside near Chesterfield, two halls sit side by side, one in ruin, the other a glittering statement of Elizabethan ambition. Both were the work of one formidable woman: Elizabeth Talbot, better known to history as Bess
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Wilfred Owen: A Poet’s Legacy
Wilfred Owen is a name that resonates with the power of words and the tragedy of war. Born on March 18, 1893, in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, Owen’s life was cut short during World War I. Despite his untimely demise, his poetry continues to captivate readers and shed light on the horrors of war. War Experience