Built by St Cedd in the
seventh century - 654 (after having sailed from Lindisfarne), this chapel is
one of the oldest in England. Situated on the walls of a Roman fort, that's how
it found it's name ('on the wall'), and Cedd likely first used wood before
changing it to stone so it would be more permanent.
Cedd was eventually made
Bishop of the East Saxons (due to the success of his Christian mission), and
also established Christian houses in Essex - at Mersea, Upminster, Prittlewell,
Tilbury and even one in Lastingham (Northumbria). And it was at Lastingham that
he died after falling ill, thirty of the monks from St Peter-on-the-wall having
travelled from Essex in which to sit with him whilst he saw out his last days.
These pictures were taken nearly two years ago and I'd love to return when (if) the weather permits it.
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