The Mirror and The Light in Leicestershire
Are you watching the BBC television series ‘The Mirror and The Light’, the third part of Hilary Mantel’s epic story Wof Hall? In this production Mark Rylance gives an imaculate nuanced performance as the ever thoughtful Thomas Cromwell. It is interesting to note that Cromwell, who with his son Gregory have a strong connection to Leicestershire especially with nearby Launde Abbey.
Thomas and Gregory Cromwell dismantled much of Launde Abbey, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1119, and converted it into a family home. The chapel in which Gregory is buried is thought to be the only remaining part of the original priory church.
On 18 December 1540, just under 5 months after his father’s execution, Gregory was created Baron Cromwell, as a new creation, by letters patent, and two months later he was granted some of his father’s former lands, including Launde Priory which would become his family’s main estate and home.
Today, Launde Abbey is a Christian retreat centre and is open for casual visitors. A walk over the nearby farmland with an obigatory visit to the café is highly recommended.
Nature Notes – The Holly and the Ivy – Mistletoe and Wine
