Thursday 5 July 2007

Donkey Stories

View of Derby Cathedral from Irongate. Anyone for spot-the-donkey?Earlier today on this Blog someone asked about a medieval story regarding a donkey and the parish church of All Saints, Derby (now Derby Cathedral)

Well.........

There is a story, which I am led to believe is true, that goes something like this:

One day a rope was secured to the top of the tower by a troupe of medieval circus performers and this was extended down St Mary's Gate. A donkey was taken to the top of the tower (how I have no idea!!)and was carried down the rope on the shoulders of one of the performers. Unfortunately, at some stage they both fell off and through the roof of one of the houses - neither was injured, thank goodness, though the roof had to be renewed! On the same day a young child was put into a wheelbarrow and pushed down the rope - they got to the end successfully. It must have been quite a sight and puts September's fund-raising abseil in a different light!!!!

Hope that answers the question

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

So it's not just modern people that are crazy!

I found this link: http://www.flyingdonkeys.co.uk/page5.html

helenhoward said...

Heeaw heeaw heeaw to have known better!! { He ought!!}
There is a joke in there somewhere!!

Anonymous said...

B.C. Canada
Sometimes the hardest thing to do, is nothing, for the right reason.

Anonymous said...

Bird on the ledge. Mum I think

Anonymous said...

The young juvenille has just left the tray, she looks fine to me

Anonymous said...

Am I correct in thinking that the strong gusty winds will tire the youngsters out that bit sooner - that could be another reason for the 'lie-down on the nest'?

Anonymous said...

Well perhaps this approach could be considered when it comes time to cleaning the nest site. We shall await the request for a donkey or wheelbarrow with interest!!! (not sure about the use of the child though)

Anonymous said...

Birdie resting below the nest.

Anonymous said...

19.40 derby time
a lovely picture of 2 falcons, one in the nest and one on the ledge below
its interesting to note how they are almost identical in the way they are positioned and the way they are perched

helenhoward said...

thsnk you above. 2030 and they are both still sat there.I would never had seen the one one the ledge if above hadnt said!!

Anonymous said...

Great to see two of them, especially as I'm away for a week and won't be able to look at the webcam - I shall feel deprived.

Anna, Ripley

helenhoward said...

21:50 and their both still sat there

helenhoward said...

2230 and there both still sat there!!
Good night one and all

Anonymous said...

Hi, Anna,

Print off a screen shot and take it with you in your wallet :-)

helenhoward said...

0630 just looked in for a quick"fix" of "our family" b4 heading off to work and could not help but notice there is still one of the pereguins on the lower sill like we left it las night. Hope all is well!!

Anonymous said...

Its still there. Brakfast should be here soon !!

Anonymous said...

Think it's dad on the platform at the moment. Someone still on the ledge below.

Anonymous said...

Two currently one in the nest, one below. There was actually a time after Helen's 2230 posting above where there were no birds visible on the cameras.

Anonymous said...

Sat 7th July
WOW!!!!!!!!! As regular readers may know, I live in Wendover, Bucks. II've just been told that a peregrine has been spotted on the Bucks County Council office block in Aylesbury ("Fred's Folly"). I'm just off to check this out. We're having a Roald Dahl festival in Aylesbury today (he lived just down the road at Great Missenden) - has the peregrine come to check it out? This is brilliant - maybe Aylesbury can now twin with Derby???

Anonymous said...

saturday 7th july 17.17
the two birds are on their usual perch's, seems like the 'one-above-one-below' position is becoming a favourite of theirs
soooo nice to see them so regularly

Anonymous said...

How far down is that ledge underneath the nest? The birds seem so comparatively small when they're perched there, that it must be quite aways?

helenhoward said...

approx 1820 and there was one bird on the nest and one below at 1850 the one on the ledge had flown off. Maybe it was looking for supper!!

Anonymous said...

No birdies present...

Anonymous said...

bird on the nest.

helenhoward said...

0723gmt and there is a bird present.

helenhoward said...

0748 and she is still hanging on in there!!

helenhoward said...

1741 and managed to get a quick glimpse of a member of "our family" before it flew away again. How wonderful that must be