Miles Collins

In the footsteps of the Gilbertine monks…

Following a fine lunch at my parents house I drove back to Lincoln through Market Rasen and Wragby until I saw the signs for Goltho and Apley, the former due an inspection very soon for personal reasons. Driving along the narrow country lanes I came across another wood which I had read about but not yet seen.

Great West and Cocklode wood is one of nine woods which make up the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve, a place of remarkable beauty right on my doorstep.

The wood is situated in a really lovely spot, very quiet and the surrounding landscape left unspoilt. Walking into the wood it was clear that work was very much in progress, trees had been felled, areas cleared and side tracks which, had I more time would, I am sure have had much to offer.

The Bardney Limewoods project are actively expanding the wood with many young trees having been planted and this is encouraging for anyone who is passionate about holding onto our green belt. It wasn’t until I researched the area that I discovered the wood was once a site for a Gilbertine Priory.

St Gilbert was a crippled priest who created the only purely English monastic order and one which included women before his death in 1189. According to the history books he was known for certain miracles and the benefactors of which would later travel to Rome to give proof of his powers to the Pope who in turn made him a Saint.

Another twist in the history of the Gilbertine Order in Lincolnshire came with the tragic life and death of the Princess of Wales. No, not Lady Di, Gwenellian, daughter of Llywelyn, the last ruling Prince of Wales. Following his death the English took control of Wales under Edward the 1st who ordered that the one year old Princess should be taken from Wales and placed in a Lincolnshire convent ( a Gilbertine Priory but many years after Gilbert’s death) where she would remain, imprisoned until her death fifty three years later. The original People’s Princess, if you will.

Centuries later and I am walking into neighbouring fields of wheat, spinach beet and peas, taking in the afternoon sun and enjoying a week off work. As I stood and looked at the surrounding landscape and the abundance of wildlife it attracted I wondered how many people had stood in that same spot before me and how many would in the years to come. I looked at my camera with all of its technical wizardry and wondered what future generations would make of it.

Then I heared the sound of birdsong, a flap of wings and I was brought back to reality. Technology will continue to evolve and what we once marvelled at will soon make us laugh but the mechanics of a bird in flight will not change but, I hope, will keep future generations as enthralled as I always am.