Prepare for an epic and final journey as host Victoria Jenner embarks on her last sleepover adventure with renowned historian, Helen Carr. Together, they venture to the ancient All Saints church, perched atop a hill overlooking the murky River Parrett and the remnants of a long-lost Benedictine abbey. As they approach its foreboding stone walls, their eyes are drawn to the imposing west tower, adorned with grotesque gargoyles ominously referred to as 'Hunky Punks'. But it is not these eerie carvings that hold their attention for long. No, it is the east window, boasting the largest collection of medieval stained glass in all of Somerset. The vibrant colors and intricate designs depict the saints in all their majesty, their expressions ranging from fierce determination to serene tranquility. This is a sight that will forever be etched in their minds as they bid farewell to this sacred place.

And if you’d like to become a medieval pilgrim for a night or two like many of our guest speakers, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about Champing™ visit: https://champing.co.uk/

The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.

Thank you for joining me on my champing adventure. This Nights in the Nave podcast has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guest has been historian Helen Carr, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’ and our champing assistants. Big thanks also go to Michael Carter from English Heritage, and the English Heritage custodians at Muchelney Abbey who were so accommodating, plus we cannot forget to mention Paul Adamson from the Somerset Levels Stargazing Society. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sounds. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.

This has been a Churches Conservation Trust original podcast – come to a sleepover at our place!

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These evocative words come from Wordsworth’s poem: ‘Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798’. Our wonderful voice actor, Adrian McGlynn, brings Wordsworth's dramatic poem to life here in part 2 of this podcast episode.

If you would like to make some memories, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about Champing™ visit: https://champing.co.uk/

The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.

Nights in the Nave has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. Adrian Mcglynn has brought this poem to life.

Come to a sleepover at our place!

Support the show

The penultimate episode of our gripping first series, where host Victoria Jenner takes you on a journey through history. In this episode, we invite you to explore the forgotten village of Wolfhampcote, and its haunting church that has refused to die. Joined by renowned author Matthew Green, we uncover the secrets of this lost village and its conflicting landscape - caught between existence and timelessness. Join us on this captivating adventure through the Shadowlands, as we search for answers about Wolfhampcote's mysterious past in a deserted medieval village.

If you would like to make some memories, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about Champing™ visit: https://champing.co.uk/

The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.

This podcast has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guest has been Dr Matthew Greene, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’, our champing assistants and Dr Alex Langlands, Doctoral student Shelley Williams and Lewis Cooper. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sounds. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.

This podcast is brought to you by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Support the show