Around 20 members of Hemyock Women were given a behind the scenes tour of Exeter Cathedral in October (25th). Their tour guide Winifred gave them an informative talk of the early days of the history of the Cathedral. She explained how the Cathedral originated as a Saxon Minster, but then lost its monastic status in 1050. The third Bishop of the Cathedral, Bronscombe, who was a Norman, started rebuilding the Cathedral in 1270 which was then completed in 1369. Sadly, in 1942 the Cathedral suffered bomb damage, resulting in some of the beautiful stained glass windows being lost.
Special to the visit was a tour of the ancient library. What was seen there was the only regional survey from the Doomsday book in the world. Called the Exon Doomsday book, it was collated between 963 & 973. The ladies concluded their tour with a delicious lunch in the Cathedral café. Coordinator Terri Wheel said “we received a very warm welcome at the cathedral. It is truly an awe inspiring building and made you wonder at the motivation of the Christians who were behind the construction of such a splendid building. They must have really loved God” she said.
Hemyock - A Village on the Blackdown Hills
http://hemyock.org/article.php/20081028223845157