Ermita de Los Delores.

 Ermita de Los Delores is an 18th Century church in the village of Mancha Blanca on the Island of Lanzarote. The stunning little church was part of a tour of the island I took and has an interesting story or legend attached to it.

The last great volcanic eruptions to hit Lanzarote had lasted for 6 years when in April 1736, the villages of Mancha Blanca went with a priest carrying the Virgin Nuestra Senora de los Delores to meet the lava flow heading towards the village. When they reached Guigan they prayed and inserted a cross in to the ground, promising to build a church in the honour of the Virgin if she stopped the lava flow towards the village and fertile fields nearby.

The lava flow changed direction away from the villages and over a previous lava field, and the villages soon forgot their promise to build a church. In 1774 the Virgin appeared to a local shepherd girl and told her to remind the villagers they needed to construct the church, the girl was eventually believed and work started taking 10 years to complete the build of the church paid for by inhabitants from all over Lanzarote.

The church was closed in 1850 for restoration, reopening in 1861. It was again in need of restoration by 1988 and on the 18th June all the contents were removed to the Parish of Tinajo, including an image of the virgin. Just a few hours later the dome of the church collapsed.

I took 4 pictures of the church with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, they can be seen here or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked. They were taken on the 30th July 2013.

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Churn Milk Joan Artwork

 I previously posted the picture Churn Milk Joan in April 2021 and provided the following information alongside it,

Churn Milk Joan is a standing stone upon Midgley Moor overlooking the Calder Valley. Also Known as Churn Milk Peg and Nelmires Stoop it reaches a height of approx 7ft and is thought to have been erected as a boundary marker, having been recorded as early as the 17th Century.

The stone is thought to have been given the name Churn Milk Joan in the early 19th Century, as a tribute to a milkmaid who froze to death whilst crossing the moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden during a heavy snow storm. Some of the legends said about the stone include leaving a penny in the depression on top of the stone is said to bring you good luck, it is also claimed that the stone spins 3 times on New Years Eve when the sound of the St Michaels Church bells, Mytholmroyd can be heard around it, the stone is thought to predate the church by a couple of hundred years.

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Churn Milk Joan, A Moorland Mystery

Standing sentinel on Midgley Moor, overlooking the breathtaking Calder Valley, is a stone steeped in history and legend. Known by many names – Churn Milk Joan, Churn Milk Peg, and Nelmires Stoop – this imposing 7ft monolith has watched over the valley for centuries, its origins shrouded in time.

First recorded in the 17th century, the stone is believed to have served as a boundary marker, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life across the moors. But its more colourful name, Churn Milk Joan, didn't appear until the early 1800s, and with it came a tale as chilling as the moorland wind.

Local legend whispers of a milkmaid, caught in a ferocious snowstorm, who tragically froze to death while crossing the treacherous moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden. They say the stone was named in her memory, a poignant reminder of the harsh beauty and unforgiving nature of the landscape.

But Churn Milk Joan isn't just a monument to tragedy. It's also a source of local folklore and superstition. Legend has it that placing a penny in the hollow atop the stone will bring you good luck. And if you're brave enough to venture to the moor on New Year's Eve, you might witness a truly magical spectacle. They say that as the bells of St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd echo across the valley, the stone itself spins three times! A captivating thought, especially considering the stone predates the church by a couple of hundred years. What secrets has it witnessed in its long vigil?

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Calder Valley, take a detour to visit Churn Milk Joan. Stand in its shadow, feel the wind whipping across the moor, and let your imagination wander. Is it just a boundary marker? A memorial to a lost milkmaid? Or a magical stone with the power to grant good fortune? Perhaps it's a little bit of all three, a testament to the rich tapestry of history and folklore woven into the very fabric of the Yorkshire landscape.

The picture was taken on the 5th April 2021.

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Whispers of the Devil: Unravelling the History and Legends of Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, where the River Lune carves its path through the verdant landscape, stands a relic of centuries past: Devil's Bridge. This ancient stone structure, a Grade I listed monument, whispers tales of monks, daredevils, and, of course, the Devil himself. Once a vital artery of transportation, it now stands as a picturesque testament to a bygone era, drawing visitors with its haunting beauty and captivating legends.

A Bridge Forged in Time:

Devil's Bridge, believed to have been constructed around 1370, predates many of the surrounding settlements. Historical records suggest that the monks of St Mary's Abbey, York, were responsible for its creation. This strategic crossing provided a vital link across the River Lune, facilitating trade and travel in a region where travel was often challenging. Its rugged stone arches, weathered by the relentless passage of time, speak of the craftsmanship and endurance of medieval builders.

However, its role as the primary crossing was eventually superseded by the construction of the nearby Stanley Bridge in 1932, a more modern and robust structure better suited to the increasing volume of traffic. The transition relegated Devil's Bridge to pedestrian and recreational use, preserving its historical integrity but altering its purpose.

Daredevil's Delight, Legend's Lore:

For generations, Devil's Bridge became synonymous with a thrill-seeking activity known as tombstoning. The deep pools beneath the central arch, carved out by the river's relentless flow, provided a seemingly safe landing for those daring enough to leap from the bridge's heights. This adrenaline-fueled pastime, however, came to an end a few years ago when it was outlawed due to safety concerns.

Yet, despite the ban on tombstoning, the bridge retains its allure, particularly during the summer months. It remains a popular destination for motorcyclists navigating the winding roads of the Yorkshire Dales, offering a scenic pit stop and a chance to soak in the area's natural beauty.

The Devil's Bargain:

But it is the bridge's legend that truly captures the imagination. The story goes that the Devil himself constructed the bridge, offering his services in exchange for the first soul to cross it upon completion. Local lore recounts how a clever woman outwitted the Devil by throwing a piece of bread across the bridge, prompting her dog to chase after it. Thus, the dog became the first "soul" to cross, leaving the Devil frustrated and cheated of his prize.

This tale, echoing similar legends found across Europe, adds a layer of mystique to the bridge, transforming it from a simple stone structure into a gateway to the supernatural. The legend serves as a reminder of the enduring power of folklore and the way in which stories can shape our understanding of places.

A Legacy Preserved:

Today, Devil's Bridge stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring legends of the Yorkshire Dales. Its Grade I listed status ensures its preservation for future generations, allowing visitors to experience a tangible link to the past. As we gaze upon its weathered stones and listen to the gentle murmur of the River Lune, we are reminded of the monks, the daredevils, and the Devil himself – all of whom have left their mark on this remarkable bridge. A place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine, Devil's Bridge continues to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

The pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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