Franciscan on Sister Water

Before crossing over to France from Dover, I wanted to visit Dover Castle.  I had heard that it was one of the best preserved castles in England and one of the largest in size.  I didn’t realized how much it had been used for defense over the years and by so many different groups and engagements.  Dover Castle was the pride of King Henry II.  It was the “top of the line” castle of the time.

Dover Harbor from Dover Castle

The castle was also used during the Napoleonic Wars and during World War II with planning and battery protection.

Castle's Moat

Dover Castle from Ramparts

Dover Castle seen from Harbor

The castle has defenses that were built during the periods 1176-1256 in a tunnel system to protect from French invasion.

12th Century Defenses

Planning and Secret Wartime Tunnels were also employed during WWII on the Castle grounds.

Planning Room, Dover Caster

World War II Battery - Dover Castle

Not only was war planned and fortifications constructed, but religious needs were also considered in the castle and on the castle grounds.  King Henry had a private chapel built in the castle for his own prayer.   A Saxon Church that was originally on the hill site, was later repaired and used as a company church called St. Mary-in-Castro.

King Henry II private chapel - Dover Castle

St. Mary-in-Castro Church, Dover Castle

Saxon Church - St. Mary-in-Castro, Dover Castle

Before the Saxons, the Romans had used the same sight to construct a lighthouse (Pharo).

Roman Pharo, Dover Castle

In contrast to all this defensive building, I was able to visit the site of the Church of the Beguinage in Brugge, Belgium.  The Beguine were lay women who wishes to create a place of peace on earth with their prayers and devotion around the early 1500’s.  The Benedictine Sisters now use the facilities and maintain the peaceful environment.

Monasterium De Wigngaard Sign, Brugge, Belgium

Community Housing, Monasterium de Wijngaard, Brugge, Belgium

The Beguine Church in the community is in a Baroque Style, built in the 1500’s and repaired several times.  There are many side altars as well as the beautiful main altar.

Church Entrance, Brugge, Belgium

Statue of Mary over small Chapel, Brugge, Belgium

Beguinage Church, Brugge, Belgium

After crossing the English channel, we arrived in Calais.  It is about forty  miles across.  We had a fair wind and there wasn’t much traffic for us to think about, so we had a lovely morning motor/sail.  Here again you had fortifications, but not as many.  Unfortunately, France has suffered greatly from the affects of war.  Even though there are strikes and economic difficulties, I think the people here in the North of France will survive because of their faith and helpfulness to each other.  They seem to pull together and care for each other.

We are now in Cambrai, France and will be leaving tomorrow to motor through more locks and many miles.  I’ll be sending along more when another moment of good WiFi comes along.  Peace be will you all.