Crown Hill

Crown Hill

We are moored up tonight between the fields where the Battle of Bosworth actually took place, and Crown Hill, where Richard III’s crown was found on a thorn bush and place on Henry VII’s head. We know it’s the right place, because it’s on all the street signs.

The village on the hill is called Stoke Golding, and is a bustling place with three pubs, a school, two hairdressers, and a convenience store. The local church dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries…

… and is dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch, who hacked her way out of a dragon using only a crucifix…

.. so they cut her head off.

There is also a monument to Henry Firebrace who was responsible for an even less successful escape attempt. He was servant to Charles I when he was captured and imprisoned by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. He tried to help Charles I escape, but the unlucky king got stuck in a window. They later cut his head off, too. Henry Firebrace survived, and went on to be knighted by James II.

There are some nice details in the stone and wood carving. Mister Sunshine…

… the Chinless Wonder…

… Toothache Guy…

… and Sleepy Turban Tongue Guy.

I’m not sure quite what role in medieval christianity that Sleepy Turban Tongue Guy played, but it’s probably either the rewards of heaven of the terrors of hell or the Queen of Sheba having a bad hair day.

And of course…

… The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.

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