While friends chat about loft conversions and basement extensions, my Catholic mind wanders to my long-harboured fantasy of having a house with its own chapel. There’s something both indulgent and romantic about the idea of a private place of worship – preferably with one’s own resident cleric and a modest collection of relics and irreplaceable devotional objects. I can almost picture myself: mantilla artfully draped, psalter carefully perched, eyes raised to Heaven. This is unfeasible in my poky London terrace, but a girl can dream.
Private chapels conjure images of stalwart devotion, often in the face of opposition, which may explain why the majority that still hold regular services are Roman Catholic. While all the great British houses had chapels, it was the Catholics who had to fight for them, or conceal or disguise them, risking persecution until Catholic Emancipation in 1829. There are, of course, private Catholic chapels built after the Act was passed, such as Our Lady of the Assumption at Swynnerton House, Staffordshire, the home of the Fitzherberts. But perhaps it was the steadfast determination of these recusant families, coupled with the requirement to attend Sunday Mass, that has enabled these chapels to continue to function when others haven’t. Indeed, talking to their owners and trustees, common features emerge.
Bu hikaye The Field dergisinin January 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Field dergisinin January 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays