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THE
ROMNEY MARSH, situated in the South East corner of England, is a unique
and mysterious location, steeped in tradition and legend. Reclaimed from
the English Channel since the time of the Romans and due to it's close
proximity to mainland Europe; the area has, over the centuries, been in
the front line of the invasion hordes of Vikings, Saxons and Normans;
as well as in more recent times facing the sinister invasion threats of
both Napoleon and then Hitler. The range of Martello towers and defensive
bastions along it's curved coastline reflect this unenviable legacy.
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The
area, now a peaceful haven, lies somewhat precariously below sea - level;
the awesome force of the great tides only kept at bay by the giant wall
which has withstood the onslaught of centuries of ferocious channel storms.
The Marsh is famous for it's churches, so rich in charm, beauty, history
& architecture. |
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There
are also many strange tales surrounding these ancient buildings & their
sites.The moods of the marsh are many, and when the hot sun sits high above
the great scarp of Lympne Hill, smiling it's rays upon the quilt of greenest
England, beaming it's reflection upon the summer sea and the ribbons of
reeded dykes, there are few places in the world of such serene beauty and
tranquillity. |
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On
another day, the sea mist that rises incredibly fast, shrouds the land in
a blanket of enveloping mist so dense, you cannot see further than a foot
in front of you. On these days, you can almost touch the eerie silence.
Winter winds can be frighteningly severe, with savage storms and blizzards
that blow massive sheets of snow horizontally across the land. |
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When night falls, the blackness and the isolated cry of the Curlew beckon
in a most ominous and spooky feeling, and it is easy to understand why so
many tales abound of ghosts and ghouls and the supernatural. |
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It
was against this background that the author Russell Thorndike created his
famous Dr. Syn novels. Set in the latter part of the 18th Century when the
old smuggling gangs were prevalent in the area, the books tell the story
of Christopher Syn - a legend of his time; a man of myth & majestic
romance, daring and cunning. By day, the pious and extraordinary vicar of
the parish of Dymchurch under-the Wall and by night the infamous "Scarecrow";
leader of the notorious smuggling gang, "The Night Riders"; whilst
concealing the deadly secret of his third persona of Captain Clegg, who
was in his day, the most ruthless and blood-thirsty pirate terror of the
high seas. |
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Benevolent
hero and ruthless villain, this legendary character has flamed the imaginations
of many generations & has been the major inspiration for the work of
Terry Anthony. His "Marsh Phantom" series & his collection
of Romney Marsh paintings, including beautiful depictions of the historic
churches, capture graphically the contrasting moods of the area; from it's
darkest and most malevolent to it's brightest and most sublime. These spectacular
oil paintings; alive with colour, contrast & detail, reflect at a deep
level the spirit and soul of the marsh; if not mystery itself. |
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Terry
Anthony's works have also been a major inspiration to the Romney Marsh Singer/Songwriter/Poet
Jayl culminating in their
collaboration on Jayl's debut CD "The World And The Hooded Man."
They have continued to work together relentlessly and Terry has now produced
a new masterpiece -"Holy Ground", which will be the cover for
the new album. |
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RETURN
TO MAIN ARENA
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Narrative
© Jayl
- 'Man 'O' the Marsh'
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VISIT
OUR SHOP TO VIEW PRICES & PURCHASE WORKS
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Design
& © 2006-09 - Harmony Label
All
Rights Reserved
- Thanks also to John Hatch for his original
contributions -
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