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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!

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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.

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Join host Victoria Jenner on a mystical journey to St Cuthbert's Church in Holme Lacy, Herefordshire. Immerse yourself in the legends of King Arthur as you enter this enchanting church filled with ancient artifacts and grand monuments to his knights. Let the story of Archibald Lucas-Tooth, a fallen soldier from World War I, inspire you as you discover more hidden treasures within its walls. Don't forget to look out for carvings of mythical creatures and even a mischievous pup who seeks adventure just like you. So hit that play button and travel back in time to the heart of Camelot.

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. My guests have been Professor Joanna Parker, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’, our champing assistants and Sian Esther Powell from Wheal Martyn Museum and Win Scutt from English Heritage. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sound. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.

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

Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history

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Join host Victoria Jenner on an exciting journey to St Mary's in Edlesborough, a magnificent church nestled in the stunning Dunstable Downs countryside. Discover the allure of Victorian art and architecture, as Victoria visits a colourful exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum.

But that's not all - get ready for a dose of fantasy and adventure as we uncover the real and mythical animals surrounding St Mary's. From chalk lions, medieval rabbit warrens to bizarre misericords showing a mermaid suckling a lion, there's no telling what she'll discover! Don't miss this immersive and enchanting trip back to Victorian England on our podcast.

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. My guests have been Natasha Podro and her son, Kit, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’, our champing assistants and Dr Madeline Hewitson and Dr Tea Ghigo from the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.

This is a Churches Conservation Trust podcast.

Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history

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Join Victoria Jenner on a journey to the past in our latest episode, as she uncovers the secrets of a rare church built during Queen Mary I's reign. With local charm and historical intrigue, we also delve into the fascinating world of sleep care practices in 16th-century Lancashire with special guest Dr Maddy Pelling. Tune in now for a captivating exploration of Queen Mary I and her era.

This is a one-of-a-kind sleepover adventure in Nights in the Nave: A Champing Podcast! 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. My guest has been Dr Maddy Pelling, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk, Professor Sasha Handley from the University of Manchester. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie. Editing by Jamie Reed Sounds, music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.

This is a Churches Conservation Trust podcast.

Follow the host for more historic adventurers on instagram: @victoriajenner_history

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In this first episode, we learn how to "champ" (camp in a historic redundant church) like a pro while discovering an oasis of wildflowers and a nesting family of bats at this centuries-old church, where poet John Dryden was baptised.

Tune in for a one-of-a-kind sleepover adventure in Nights in the Nave: A Champing Podcast. If you would like to make some memories, why not give champing a try in the warmer months between March and October? For everything you need to know about Champing, visit: https://champing.co.uk/

Nights in the Nave has been written and produced by Victoria Jenner. My guest has been Chana James and special thanks goes to Fiona Silk from the Champing team. Production was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie. Editing by Jamie Reed Sound. Music by Nick Varey and artwork by George Allen.

Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history

Support the show