'Solitude's Haven'

The Shepherd’s Hut

is olive green outside,

on wheels

by our lake, camouflaged

like a twitcher’s hide

for watching heron, swan

and morning flash of kingfisher blue.

 (extract) by Jonathan Bate 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shepherds-Hut-Jonathan-Bate/dp/1783524294

The poet was inspired by his shepherd's hut, which he said was 'meant as solitude's haven' and ours certainly has been this week, being next to the sea, hidden away behind trees and overlooking the beach at Moat Farm, Aldingham.

This is a peaceful, tranquil spot, so it's hard to imagine what went on here some 900 years ago. Standing precariously on a cliff just behind our hut are the remains of a once impressive motte and bailey castle. Michael Le Fleming built this castle sometime between 1107 and 1111, after King Henry I had granted him  land that became the manor of Aldingham - known as 'Muchland', or 'Michael's Land'.

 

artist's impression of a motte and bailey castle

Click here and here to read more about this ancient monument and here to learn about Michael le Fleming and Muchland.

Legend has it that Aldingham itself was once much bigger, with the church (a resting place for the body of St Cuthbert) standing at its centre, but that cottages were washed away by the sea. Click here.

Click here to learn about the reading for wellbeing foundation 'Relit', the brainchild of  Jonathan Bates and his wife Paula Byrne.'

Please share your writing, or leave a comment. Thank you.

Writing prompts:

• Write about a peaceful, tranquil place that you know. How does it make you feel in body and mind?
• In 900 years what do you think will remain of the place where you now live? Explore this question in your writing.
• Do you dream of living in a place where you can enjoy solitude, peace and tranquility? Describe that place, real or imaginary, in your writing.