The next of the popular ‘Pilgrims and Prophets’ day history coach tours will pick up in Retford on Saturday 28th September, for a guided excursion round some of our most beautiful country churches and visit the quaint and historic Quaker meeting house in the village of Brant Broughton. Quakers are important in our local history as they began in Mansfield and the first Quaker to die for his beliefs was James Parnell of Retford; in the mid-1600s they were a lively group, not afraid of a disturbance, and attendees shall hear some tales of their local struggles. The tour will also include a visit to the ‘High Victorian’ church at Brant Broughton and the unusual ‘church in a farmyard’ at Stragglethorpe which retains many ancient features. Other highlights include seeing the ancient tombs at Norton Disney, which were famously visited by Walt Disney who claimed descent from this family, and the church at Holme which is regularly mentioned as one of England’s best village churches with its unique story of the women who lived in the church to escape the plague. The trip costs £27.00 which includes lunch. Places can be booked by calling Maggy on 07724 848958 or email mail@pilgrimsandprophets.co.uk. Profits go to support local efforts to develop church-based tourism so that our buildings can be enjoyed in years to come.
