Reach the Church by sloping path

Three holy wells spring cool below

The Norman tower stand sentinel

The Western porch, more ancient still.

Rib-vaulted chapel timber arched,

Stone buttresses hold firm their charge,

Carved wooden pulpit quartrefoil

Deep set windows spreading light.

And by the altar peaceful, still,

Lies Henry Williams, Alderman,

A seventeenth century man of worth

One more pilgrim sent on his way.

On a well some faded remnants,

A sacred picture that once showed Christ

To Gumfreston followers, craftsmen, fishers

Who worshipped and kept the Sabbath law.

Sit and sip the chalybeate waters

Watch the springs bubble through the ferns

Listen to black-cap and garden warbler

And feel the turning of the Earth.

Helene McKenna