Fotheringhay - 28th to 29th August

Tuesday 28th August 2018
Wansford to Fotheringhay 
9.25 miles, 4 locks

The original plan was to have a day off in Wansford, but we had seen and done all there was to do, so decided to move on to Fotheringhay.  First Chris and I took Monty over the rail bridge and for a walk across the fields on the other side of the river where we got a the best view yet of Wansford signal box.

The Wansford Old Bridge marks what used to be the boundary between the old Huntingdonshire and the Soke (minor administrative district) of Peterborough.

Just past that bridge we came across a familiar boat

A man was standing by the side hatch, waving madly and then the penny dropped in time for us to wave back and say hello - it was John who was travelling with David and Marilyn (nb Waka Hua) last summer.

Just behind his mooring is the Haycock Inn, so named after a young man called Barnabee who was also responsible for Wansford also being known as 'Wansford in England'.  The story goes that in the reign of Charles I (1600-1649) he was fleeing the plague.  Being fearful of catching the disease, instead of seeking a bed in Wansford he climbed onto a haystack to sleep.  During the night the river rose and swept the haystack  downstream. Its progress was halted when it came to rest in the buttresses of the old bridge.  One waking, he inquired where he was. 'Wansford' came the reply, to which Barnabee asked 'Wansford in England?'  The name stuck.  The Haycock Inn used to be the Swan (parts date back to the 13th century).  It was renamed in the 18th century to commemorate Barnabee's adventure.

Between Wansford and Yarwell locks there are properties from one end of the scale to

the other

Our last lock of the day (Warmington) was the first this trip with a 'wheel' instead of an electronically operated gate.  Thankfully Ken was on hand to do the honours.

Fotheringhay was our destination - the church is visible long before you get there,

One boat was moored by the Castle Mound when we arrived - we squeezed in at the other end, safe in the knowledge that he had said he would be moving on and we could then move back to allow Cleddau to escape from the bushes at the far end of the mooring.

Our day ended with an impressive three course dinner plus cheese & biscuits on board Cleddau - a birthday celebration for me!  Thank you Ken - a great meal as ever.

Wednesday 29th August 
Fotheringhay

A slow start to the day after our feast last night and time to explore.

The farmer does charge £5 a night, but where else can you moor sharing a field with so much history - this is all that remains of the site where Fotheringhay Castle stood. 

and this is all that remains of the stonework

It was probably built around 1100 AD.  Richard III was born here in October 1452 and Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded here in February 1587.  There are a couple of artists impressions of what the castle probably looked like on a board at the top of the hill.  It must have been an impressive sight with 

 commanding views across the countryside

There were inevitably Monty walks to be done along the Nene Way.  We almost made it back to Warmington Lock

and I fully intended to the next morning, but my plans were foiled

Young cattle and dogs do not make for a good mix.

The eye is drawn to the church from all angles, but sadly we were unable to go inside as it is undergoing major repairs

On top of the church is a Falcon

and the nearby pub is called The Falcon

The floral displays were wonderful - would the food be up to the same standard?  We had intended on having a sandwich, but a young lady who was just leaving was singing the praises of the shared seafood platter.  We succumbed!

and yes it was every bit as great as it looks.  Dinner was scrambled egg and mushrooms on toast.

So was there a link between the Falcons?  Yes the Falcon was depicted on the heraldic shield of Richard III's House of York.  I believe the Richard III Society still commemorate his birth by laying white roses in the church.

Fotheringhay is a wealthy village - this property

not only has it got a detached double garage

and a great view of the church - plus if you look at the right side of this photo it also has a windsock with helipad!

A great mooring a wonderfully restful interlude.