A Watchman's House or Mary Brady's House

The ancient stone bridge in Baslow, Derbyshire, is the only bridge across the River Derwent that has never flooded over the centuries. Originally, a wooden bridge spanned the river, but in the early 1600s, it was replaced by the stone bridge we see today. This bridge is a testament to the workmanship of Derbyshire masons.

 

The little stone building located directly on the bridge was originally a Watchman’s Hut. It was used by villagers who guarded the bridge against merchants carrying too heavy a load. If caught, the merchants had to pay a fine of almost seven shillings. In later years, a homeless woman called Mary Brady took up residence. She spent many nights taking shelter in the tiny hut which bears her name.

Note: The height of the door may have been reduced by road repairs over the centuries.

The Jew's House

It was formerly known as Aaron the Jew’s House, and is one of the earlier extant town houses in England.

Dating from the mid-twelfth century, the building originally consisted of a hall at first floor level, measuring approximately 12 by 6 metres, above service and storage spaces at ground level.

The house had traditionally been associated with the thriving Jewish community in Medieval Lincoln. In 1255, and again in 1290, however, anti-Semitic feelings rose to fever pitch, and the Jewish community was expelled from England; the Jew's House supposedly being seized from a Jewish owner.

The building has remained continuously occupied to the present day, and is currently in commercial use. It lies on a very steep hill (aptly named Steep Hill) in the heart of the city of Lincoln, Lincolnshire.

Saxon Coffin Lid

In the village of Baslow, in the Peak District of England, a coffin lid is displayed on the wall in the porch of the Parish Church. Judging by the stone, it's design and emblems, it's believed the artifact has Saxon roots.  About halfway down the coffin lid, on the right hand side, two keys have been chiseled. They indicate the dead man was of some importance, possibly a steward or estate manager for two villages.  

Glass Totems/Sculptures

They can be seen in many gardens, patios and even as table decorations - they are glass totems. They can also be made in ceramics using various colors, shapes, and designs to make a decorative addition to any home/garden. The designs/colors are endless...you can use old glass light fixtures with filigree finish, vases, plates and little glass birds as toppers. In one garden, I saw a woman had taken a little fairy, and placed her inside a vase - now that's being creative! One caution, be sure to use Epoxy glue and mix it well according to directions. Why not make something good out of something old.





Easy Baked Chicken Salad

Ingredients

4 cups cubed cooked chicken

4 cups diced celery

1 cup chopped (blanched) toasted almonds

4 tablespoons grated onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup mayonnaise

4 tablespoons chopped pimento

4 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup undiluted cream of celery soup

Salt and pepper to taste

Topping - 1 cup shredded American cheese

                 2 cups crushed potato chips.

Method

Combine all ingredients (except the cheese and chips.) Toss lightly, and spoon into a 9” x 13” pan. Spread cheese and potato chips on top, and bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown.