Blythburgh Church and the Devil Dog

As promised here is the story about Black Shuck...the Devil Dog of Suffolk. I was intrigued by this story as soon as my brother-in-law told me about it. It wasn't the idea that the story was scary but it was funny to me because it scared him - big time!

In Suffolk, England there is a beautiful medieval church called Blythburgh (pronounced blythburra). It is interestingly breathtaking with wonderful carved wood and amazing stonework and an incredible wooden painted ceiling full of angels. I just fell in love with the church and spent so much time walking around and soaking in the whole atmosphere.

This is a sculpture above the entrance to the church.

The ceilings are breathtaking with wooden carved angels. Here is one of my photos that you can find here in my etsy shop. The entire ceiling in the church is like this.


Rather than try to explain about the demon dog called "Black Shuck" pronounced 'shook' I am leaving it to the following quote..."One of the most notable reports of Black Shuck is of his appearance at the churches of Bungay and Blythburgh in Suffolk. On 4 August 1577, at Blythburgh, Black Shuck is said to have burst in through the church doors. He ran up the nave, past a large congregation, killing a man and boy and causing the church tower to collapse through the roof. As the dog left, he left scorch marks on the north door which can be seen at the church to this day."

Here is my photo of the scorch marks. They are said that they still smell. I didn't take a wiff... You can click on my photo to enlarge it and see the marks. They are the vertical ones above and below the top right hinge.

This is of a stained glass window located in the church. The inscription reads, "I trust in God".
You can also find this here in my etsy shop.

So I wonder...where is the grave of the man and son killed by Black Shuck?
I don't know but I will leave you with this one...

Banner Day in Blogland!

What an awesome day. I got two awards today and I feel totally honored.

First, Ghostly Diva Gail Lackey whom I admire like crazy, gave me a bop from her cohort Mrs. Pennythistle. Gail makes the most amazing dolls so be sure to check her out! As for Miss Pennythistle...be careful she's crafty and not in the Martha Stewart kind of way....just a warning. ;o)

And now I just got a very cool Marie Antoinette - A Real Person, A Real Award from Tashai at her blog named Ultraviolet Wind. Her work is freakin' amazing and I adore it and her and her blog! Check her out and thank you so much Tashai!

You both have made my day!

Now for the rules of the Marie Antoinette award

Here are the Rules for the Award:
1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them


So here are my nominations for the Marie Antoinette award:
1. Chasing the Pesticide Truck (I freaking love that title, cracks me up every time and her work does too, skill and fun - love it!)
2. Bonehead Studios (Flora is an amazing sculptor!)
3. Fractured Fairytales (Rosanna makes fabulous dolls with amazing skill)
4. La La La Illustrations (Leanne, you are one of my favorite people with AMAZING skill)
5. Raising Creative Kids (Jen, keep up the great work because little artists become big ones one day!)
6. My Sweet Imaginations (anyone who creates work this sweet deserves an award!)
7. Gail Lackey - (Ghosties, Fairies and Magical Things) I had to give you an award back because not only are you so much fun but your skill is phenomenal. ;o)

Thank you all for your inspiration! :o)