An English Village

If you peer closely at the sign in this picture, you will see why we opted to drive to see this small English village, rather than Bath, or some other, much more interesting spot in England. Can you read the fine print? The second name on the sign is 'Shackleford.'

And we turned onto this road...
And found this old church, called 'Shackleford Church!' 
We went in and found it quite lovely inside, but no one was there. On a table at the back was a book for 7 pounds on the history of this church, so we bought it by leaving money in a box.

We especially liked this scripture, written in the dome at the front, "I look for the resurection of the dead and the life of the world to come."
The stonework of the building was really nice!

And here we have Shackleford Cottage.
There were old buildings and new ones, and it is clearly an area where people with money have settled, and who probably commute to the city.
This old building also housed the post office which was also a small shop.
The old stone walls were interesting.
This is an old estate which is not Aldro Prep School for boys. It was very nice and I am sure, very expensive.
Entrance of the school... I liked all the chimney pots.
This building was next to the Post Office. Notice the blocked up window. Why would anyone block up a window in a country there sunlight is at a premium? Because windows were taxed! Yes, at one point, the government taxed by the window. It was called 'daylight robbery,' and many windows went to brick.
Ah yes, here we are by the 'Shackleford' sign, in front of the Post Office.
We had brought a picnic lunch, but we went in to the Cyder House Inn later for a  fine dessert; peach tart with clotted cream with excellent tea and coffee. Wow, was that ever good!

We asked if there were any Shacklefords living in Shackelford, and they said not any more, and were quite please to know that we were some, come back to examine our roots.
Here's another one of those stone walls.
And a lovely old house...
And we couldn't resist this one!
And off we drove in the general direction of the sunset, having enjoyed the day and the fine company of our friends.