Hidden Gems in England: From the Barril Tunnel to St Mary’s Catholic Church
England, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, is filled with hidden gems that are rarely mentioned in the broader discussions about its attractions. These places offer a unique insight into the past and provide a more intimate understanding of the country's evolution. Here, we explore some of these lesser-known sites, particularly focusing on the St Mary’s Catholic Church on Mulberry Street in Manchester, as well as other intriguing historical sites and phenomena.
St Mary's Catholic Church in Manchester: The Hidden Gem Inside a Hidden Gem
Hidden within the bustling city of Manchester lies a church that, despite its unremarkable exterior, holds a fascinating history. The church, officially known as St Mary’s Catholic Church on Mulberry Street, is often referred to as a "hidden gem." This designation doesn't just apply to its location but also to its internal treasures, particularly the impressionist paintings that adorn its walls.
St Mary’s Church has a long and rich history dating back to the early days of the Industrial Revolution. The original church was built in 1794 to serve the growing population of mill workers. However, in the early 1830s, a botched roof repair led to a partial collapse, necessitating a complete rebuild in 1846. This unique history sets the stage for the church's current glory, which lies beyond its facade.
In 1994, the church underwent a significant renovation, replacing the traditional and somewhat boring Stations of the Cross with impressionist paintings by the talented artist Norman Adams. These paintings, available for viewing online, offer a stunning and unique artistic enhancement to the church's interior. The site also provides panoramic views of the paintings, allowing visitors to truly appreciate their beauty and detail.
Other Historical Treasures and Phenomena
Box Tunnel: A Synchronistic Engineering Marvel
Built as part of the Great Western main line, Box Tunnel is a two-mile long straight railway tunnel that houses a remarkable piece of engineering history. Remarkably, the tunnel is aligned so that the rising sun shines straight through it on the birthday of its designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This extraordinary phenomenon is a testament to the meticulous planning and precision of 19th-century engineering.
TAIDAL BORES in England
England boasts 11 out of the 60 known instances of tidal bores globally. These unique natural phenomena occur when a high tide, especially strong, rushes up a river estuary at high speed, creating a wave that can be seen from a distance. These bores often draw crowds, and their occurrence adds a thrilling element to the otherwise mundane waterways.
The Venerable Bede and the Tides
The Venerable Bede, the renowned early English historian who died in 735 AD, made a significant contribution to the understanding of the tides. He was the first to attribute the tides to the gravitational pull of the moon, a discovery that laid the foundation for modern tidal studies. This early insight into a complex natural phenomenon shows the depth of knowledge possessed by early medieval scholars.
Archaeological Wonders
Beyond these sites, England is replete with archaeological wonders. For instance, the ruins of a Roman bathhouse at Ravenglass in Cumbria stand as a testament to Roman Britain. It is thought to be the tallest surviving Roman structure in the UK, offering a glimpse into the Roman impact on the region.
Another example is the story of Dunwich, an ancient port town that was once one of the largest in the country. Now underwater due to relentless storms in the 13th and 14th centuries, Dunwich provides an intriguing case study in coastal erosion and historical change.
Port users navigating the River Regent may notice the changing landscape, as the port of Boston has shifted over time. Historically, the port was situated at Drayton, before the river's course changed at Bicker, leading to the formation of its current estuary.
Conclusion
From the hidden interiors of churches like St Mary’s in Manchester to the straight lines of Box Tunnel, the 11 tidal bores of England, and the ancient Roman ruins at Ravenglass, England is filled with fascinating and often overlooked secrets. These hidden gems not only enrich our understanding of the country’s history but also offer visitors and residents alike a deeper appreciation of the land’s rich cultural tapestry.
Next time you visit, perhaps you will seek out these hidden treasures, uncovering snippets of history that reveal the true nature of this multifaceted nation.