Two More Villages Ticked Off

   In the last week or two, the weather has been warm and the days long which was ideal for me to explore a few more fen villages on my "To visit" list. The following two villages were the first of these and like many hidden here in the fens they both hold some interesting history.

   Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen
   This small marshland village sits on the banks of the River Great Ouse and is famous for the tidal bore or wave which can form on the river. Free swimmers, canoers and spectators will often be drawn to experience the spectacle.

   The splendid parish church of St Mary Magdalen stands in the centre of the village. Parts of the church date from the 13th century and there is documentary evidence of the nuns from nearby Crabhouse Priory taking refuge at the church from the flood in the early 13th century. The church is not in the best of conditions but still a great addition to this small parish.

   The Cock Inn public house is located next to the river and would be a welcome rest point for those travelling through the village.

   Watlington

   After passing through Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen I travelled onto the village of Watlington. This village is rather unusual in that it has a modern railway station. You feel that the village is sitting lost in the marshlands miles from anywhere and then there in front of you is a small modern railway station complete with platforms, ticket machines etc, quite surreal.

   The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul is medieval with Norman origins and is almost entirely built of Carstone. Luckily this like a lot of fen churches was open and so I had a few minutes exploring the wonderful interior.

   At the centre of the village is the village green opposite which is "The Angel" public house. The village store and post office is also close by.