21^st May 2019

We spent a day again at Conistone-with-Kilnsey churchyard – it was a glorious spring day and we were joined by Jean and Peter, with whom we have been surveying the churchyard at Skipton Holy Trinity. They came to see how we do things, and I think they enjoyed themselves in the beautiful setting at Conistone. 

Peter and Jean helping Sue to record a gravestone

We were careful not to disturb the pheasant and her tiny little chicks – which kept popping out of the long grass, and then running back in again when they saw us.

Although the daffodils are well and truly gone, there are plenty of wild flowers here – including primroses, cowslips, forget-me-nots, and lords and ladies. 

Don't step on the wild flowers!

Despite being cut back recently the undergrowth is fast coming back but nevertheless we can now see some of the gravestones that have fallen over, some of which are not on the plan that was drawn up some decades ago. Hidden for so long, we must remember where we found them and go back to record them soon – although they are covered with thick layers of moss. 

The relaxed way to carry out a churchyard survey

We had a pleasant and interesting lunch – Jean and Peter are a mine of information about the recent history of Embsay.

Not many visitors today – just a couple who came in and headed straight for John Crowther’s memorial, but didn’t stay for a chat. (John Crowther was a very interesting man, best known as an antiquarian who founded the Folk Museum at Grassington.) 

Mug shot of a taphophile

All in all, it was a satisfying day’s work at the west end of the churchyard.

Jane Lunnon