1st July '09 Wharram Percy

Very hot, sunny, breezy.

Wharram Percy.

Poppies look stunning.

On leaving the sea mists of the coast, getting out of the car was like the experience you get as you step out of a trans-Atlantic plane on arrival in Florida. Hot and humid! Wharram Percy is the most studied deserted medieval village in the country. I'd been here before on my travels on the Wolds Way but then I didn't take any interest in what was lurking about in the undergrowth. But I thought the area was outstandingly beautiful and with the added interest of the history of the place well worth a days exploring. All that remains now of the village is St Martins church and a beautiful 18th century improvement cottage. Surely something could be done to open the cottage to the public.

St Martins Church.

The site of the village has been extensively studied but why they couldn't have left a few of the diggings open to view I don't know. Around the area of the medieval fishpond the birdlife is hectic in the idyllic surroundings. After leaving the valley we took the route through the wood back to the carpark. Although it was a delightful place, constant wear by tractors had reduced the path to a muddy tract. Although no birds can be reported we did see a solitary deer as it crossed our path in front of us. And on leaving the wood at the other end noticed the sign on the gate saying 'Private Keep Out'.
The Medieval fish pond.

Yellow Hammer, Whitetroat, Linnet.