Red-eyed monk of Mote Park

Mote Park is a fantastic public park in Maidstone, with a boating lake, miniature railway and wonderfully landscaped gardens. The park and its properties passed through many royal and gentile hands, and was the location for a mass inspection of troops trained to defend against the potential threat of Napoleon in the 18th century. Between 1793 and 1800 the original house was demolished and replaced by a new mansion.

Watch Andy at Mote Park

There are a number of hauntings in the park, a young girl in white is often seen darting through the trees in the darkness. There is no clear indication of who the girl may be, but the common recurrence of the sighting is interesting enough. During WWII a Canadian soldier is reported to have seen a red eyed phantom Monk making his way through the park, perhaps towards the historic Archbishops Palace?

If you wish to visit Mote Park, you can find out more here: https://www.moteparkfellowship.org.uk/mote-park

Black Dogs of Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is situated on islands in a lake formed by the River Len. There are traces of Iron Age activity in the area and there has been a castle on the site since the Saxon period. It is one of the best known castles in Kent and was renovated and occupied throughout the medieval period and beyond.

There have been a number of ghostly sightings here. Legend tells of two black ghostly dogs, one of which brings fortune, the other despair. The spectral mutts are believed to be associated with the treasonous necromancy and witchcraft of the Duchess of Gloucester, Eleanor Cobham, who was imprisoned in the castle.

For access and information, visit: https://leeds-castle.com/

Lambruscam

Lambruscam can be simply defined as the origin of the wine we know today as "Lambrusco". It is believed that the origin of the name Lambrusco is derived from the Latin terms “labrum” (edge) and “ruscum” (spontaneous plant): Romans adopted the term “lambrusca” in order to point at the spontaneous growing of this vine in the perimeters of fields.

The first wines of the history were produced with wild grapes, those that nowadays we define “no trained” vines. Romans drank the ancestor of Lambrusco even in the sparkling version, through a re-fermentation in amphora: after they filled it and well corked, they put the amphora underground or immersed in cold water, so in this way they could keep the lower temperature of the wine. In order to make it sparkling, they put it in a thermic condition with the higher temperature and after some days it was ready to be drunk.

The vine of Lambrusco found an excellent fitness especially in the area of Modena, as it is confirmed by following findings of other seeds, which proved that these wild grapes were known also to the Etruscans and to ligures Gauls.

Almond

The almond tree is a deciduous tree , growing between four to twelve metres in height. The leaves are green with a serrated margin, and the flowers are pale pink with five petals, produced singly, or in pairs in early spring.

The almond is highly revered in some cultures, the tree originating in the Middle East. In the Bible, the almond is mentioned ten times, beginning with Genesis 43:11, where it is is described as "among the best fruits".

In Christianity, the almond, with its seed concealed behind an outer hull and a hard shell is said to symbolize the purity of the virgin Mary, and the hidden godliness within, the human shape of Jesus.

Christian icons often feature Mary and Jesus Christ within an almond-like mandorla or frame (mandorla means almond in Italian) or as haloes encircling the Christ child.

Sycamore

The sycamore is a type of maple tree that is believed to have been introduced into the UK by the Romans. They can grow to a height of thirty five metres, and live for up to four hundred years.

They can be identified by their broad leaves which have five lobes, and winged seed pods called samaras. The leaves are bright green in the spring and summer, turning bright red, orange and yellow in the autumn. Sycamore trees attract aphids, and in turn, aphid-eating predators such as ladybirds. Leaves are eaten by caterpillars, and the flowers provide pollen for bees and other flying insects. The seeds are a good source of food for birds and small mammals.

The wood of the sycamore is hard, strong and fine grained. It is good for carving, particularly kitchenware items like ladles and wooden spoons. In Wales, sycamore wood was used in the traditional craft of making "love spoons", which were decoratively carved spoons given as a romantic gesture.

The inner bark is considered to have medicinal qualities. Tea, made using the inner bark has been used to treat coughs and colds, lung ailments, measles and dysentery. The bark also has emetic and laxative effects.

In some cultures, the sycamore tree symbolizes strength, protection, eternity, and divinity. In the bible, the sycamore tree appears several times in the New Testament, but the main interpretation of what it stands for comes from the story of Zacchaeus which can be found in Luke 19.4. In this biblical excerpt, Zacchaeus is a wealthy collector in Jericho. One day, Jesus passes through the city, and Zacchaeus can't see him because he was short in stature and the crowd is obstructing his view. So, he climbs a sycamore tree where he's finally able to capture a glimpse of Jesus.

Because of this story, the sycamore has become a symbol of clarity. Without the sycamore, Zacchaeus wouldn't have been able to see Jesus, so for Christians, it's a symbol of a place in their own lives where they're able to have a clear vision of their saviour.

Peridexion Tree

The Peridexion Tree, (also known as the "perindens") is a mythical tree which grows in India. Doves live in this tree, and feed on the sweet and pleasant fruit which the tree produces. Dragons, which are the enemy of doves, fear the shadow of the tree, and so the doves nest in the shade of the tree. While they remain in the tree, they are safe, but if any leave the tree, they are caught by the dragon and killed.

The story of the Peridexion Tree is allegorical of the christian faith. The tree is God the Father, the shadow of the tree is God the Son, and the fruit of the tree is the wisdom of the Lord, that is the Holy Ghost. The doves are christians, who are safe as long as they remain faithful to the church, but if they leave the church, they will be caught and devoured by the dragon , who is the devil.

Asp

The medieval bestiary records that there are many different types of asp all of which have a poisonous bite.

Some move with their mouth open steaming. When the asp notices a snake charmer trying to get it to come out of its hole and it doesn't want to, it will lie with one ear on the ground and put its tail in the other ear to stop from hearing the charmers magic sounds (Barber 2008).

Viper

The medieval bestiary records that the viper is the most evil and cunning of all creatures.

It is said that both male and female snakes die when they have young, the female will die when the young bite their way out of the mother and the male dies when the female bites off its head when mating.

Boa

As other medieval bestiaries, the Rochester Bestiary records that the boas is a large snake that follows sheep and cattle. They kill them by hanging from their udders and sucking them dry.

Salamander

The Rochester Bestiary repeats the ancient inaccuracy that salamanders thrown into fires will extinguish the flames.

Saura Lizard

Fig

Fig trees are native to the tropical regions of both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Fig trees are quite easy to recognize, many have aerial roots (above ground) and distinctive shape and fruits. There are approximately eight hundred and fifty species of fig tree, most are evergreen, but some deciduous species can be found in regions outside the tropics, and at higher levels.

The fruit of the fig tree, also known as a fig, is technically a cluster of flowers and seeds called an ""inflorescence"", contained within a tear shaped bulbous stem called a ""syconium"". Each fig is approximately 3-5cm long, with a green skin which ripens to purple or brown. The Figs have a unique pollination system which involves a specific species of wasp known as fig wasps. The Common Fig (Ficus Carica), is native to temperate regions from southwest Asia to the Mediterranean, and has been cultivated for it's fruit since ancient times. It grows to about three metres in height, with a spread of about four metres. Throughout the tropics, figs are of significant cultural importance both as objects of worship, and for their medicinal uses.

Historically, figs have been used in the treatment of numerous conditions including: indigestion, constipation, dysentery, and inflamed or ulcerated intestines. Figs also provide anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and natural laxative effects. Figs are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, and the health benefits include, reducing high blood pressure, increasing bone density, and improving digestion.

Fig trees feature extensively in the folklore of civilisations and religions around the world. Some examples include: Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves, Romulus and Remus were saved from drowning in the River Tiber by the roots of a fig tree. In India, many Hindu deities are associated with fig trees; in one particular species of fig tree, the roots represent Brahma, the Creator, the leaves, Shiva the Destroyer, and the trunk, Vishnu the Preserver. There are numerous references to fig trees in the bible, some examples include:

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Genesis 3.7

When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.

Hosea 9.10

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near

Luke 21: 29-31

and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree drops its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.

Revelation 6:13

Many cultures have associated fig trees as symbols of fertility, prosperity, and abundance.

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Laurel

Laurel is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with smooth green leaves. It is in the flowering plant family Lauraceae, and is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking. Its common names include bay tree (especially in the United Kingdom),   bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecian laurel, or simply laurel.

Bay laurel was used to fashion the laurel wreath of ancient Greece, a symbol of highest status. A wreath of bay laurels was given as the prize at the Pythian Games because the games were in honour of Apollo, and the laurel was one of his symbols. The symbolism carried over to Roman culture, which held the laurel as a symbol of victory. It was also associated with immortality with ritual purification, prosperity and health.

Bay leaf is also used in folk medicine. Chemicals in bay leaf might affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

People have used bay leaf to treat diabetes, common cold, high cholesterol, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Mulberry

The Mulberry is a fast growing deciduous tree which can grow to a height of twenty four metres. It grows wild and cultivated in temperate regions around the world.

Mulberries are similar in appearance to raspberries and blackberries, but are not closely related. The immature fruits are white, pale green or yellow, turning from pink to red while ripening, and finally dark purple or black when fully ripe. Mulberry trees are very beneficial to wildlife, deer cannot resist mulberry leaves. Mulberries are commonly used to make jams, preserves and pies etc. The first documentation of mulberry trees reports them as originating in China. The Chinese discovered that silkworms loved to eat the leaves of this fast-growing tree. The more the silkworms ate, the more silk they produced. The Chinese were the first to cultivate mulberry trees in rows for increased production of silk.

Mulberry leaves have long been used in traditional medicine and are reputedly associated with several impressive health benefits. This unique tree leaf may combat inflammation and improve various risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Traditional Chinese medicine uses mulberry leaves to improve eyesight, nourish the liver, aids in treating dizziness, dysentery, supports liver function, maintains youthful skin, coughs and cold symptoms, strengthens blood, treats colic and strengthens eyes. Mulberry leaves have high nutritional value. They contain many powerful plant compounds such as polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Mulberry leaves can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation levels. These attributes may make them useful for fighting heart disease and diabetes.

Because of it's widespread growth, cultivation and usefulness to humans and wildlife throughout history, the qualities associated with mulberry trees have achieved a symbolic value to different cultures, religions and traditions around the world. To the Greeks it symbolised wisdom, and was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the Romans to the goddess Minerva. To the Japanese, it symbolises support, nurturing and self-sacrifice, and in other traditions it symbolises patience and abundance. The Mulberry tree is mentioned in the bible:

The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Luke 17.6

Myrtle

Myrtle is an aromatic, evergreen shrub with pointed glossy leaves, and sweet scented flowers which are white with a hint of pink. It is native to the Mediteranean, Asia and India, but it is also cultivated. In Greek mythology and ritual, myrtle is sacred to the goddesses Aphrodite and Demeter, and similarly, in Rome, myrtle was considered dear to the goddess Venus. Myrtle was said to symbolise love, and wreathes made of myrtle leaves were worn by Greeks at weddings and banquets. Even today, myrtle is commonly used in bouquets at weddings and on special occasions, such a Valentine’s Day, to symbolize love, beauty and loyalty. Throughout Europe and across the Middle East, the folklore associated with myrtle suggests a common symbolism of romance, devotion, beauty and love. myrtle wreaths were also awarded to athletes, and for military victories, and they were also worn as crowns as a sign of royal status.

In traditional medicine, myrtle has been used to treat several conditions and ailments. A compress of warmed myrtle sprigs was used to ease bruises, strains and sprains. Internally, a myrtle infusion was reputed to relieve colds, chest infections, sinusitis and urinary-tract infections, however, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In cooking, myrtle leaves are used in a similar fashion to bay leaves, adding a spicy citrus flavour to dishes while cooking, but discarded before serving the food.

There are several references to myrtle in the Old Testament of The Bible, of which the following is one example:

“Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.”

(Isaiah 55:13)

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice produced from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus cinnamomum. Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold. In Egypt it was sought for embalming and religious practices, and was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and even for a deity; an inscription records the gift of cinnamon and cassia to the temple of Apollo at Miletus. The spice, consisting of the dried inner bark, is brown in colour and has a delicately fragrant aroma and a warm sweet flavour. Cinnamon is used to flavour a variety of foods, from confections to curries to beverages, and is popular in bakery goods in many places. Essential oil is distilled from the bark fragments for use in food, liqueur, perfume, and drugs.

Only a few Cinnamomum species are grown commercially for spice. Cinnamomum verum (known as "Ceylon cinnamon" after its origins in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), is considered to be "true cinnamon", but most cinnamon in international commerce is derived from four other species, usually and more correctly referred to as "cassia"

Through the Middle Ages, the source of cinnamon remained a mystery to the Western world. From reading Latin writers who quoted Herodotus, Europeans had learned that cinnamon came up the Red Sea to the trading ports of Egypt, but where it came from was less than clear.

Cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a digestive aid. However, contemporary studies are unable to find evidence of any significant medicinal or therapeutic effect.

Plane

Plane trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and typically grow to heights up to fifty metres. A well known example of is London Plane, which is a hybrid of American Sycamore and Oriental Plan. It is London's most common tree and can be found lining roadsides and avenues and in parks across the city. It is resistant to pollution, provides shade, and is beneficial to air quality.

Plane trees were once considered sacred in Greece, because they always marked sources of water (the source of all life). Hippocrates of Kos, who is considered to be the father of medicine, is said to have taught his pupils the art of medicine, beneath a plane tree in the town centre.

Thyme

Fresh Thyme has small leaves that grow in clusters on very thin stems. The leaves can be green, grey-green, and slightly yellowish green, which smell not only of thyme but also of lemon.

Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming; the ancient Greeks used it in their baths, and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. The spread of thyme throughout Europe was thought to be due to the Romans, as they used it to purify their rooms. In the middle ages, women often gave knights and warriors gifts that included thyme leaves, as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer. Thyme was also used s incense, and placed on coffins during funerals as it was supposed to assure safe passage to the next life.

Thyme grew prolifically in the Holy Land. Because of its abundance, it was used as food for the animals, and is said to be one of several plants that would have filled the manger in which the infant Jesus was laid.

Conifer

Conifers are evergreen trees with seed-bearing cones. The name "conifer" is a Latin word, being a compound of "conus" ( cone) and "ferre" (to bear). Conifers can be found all over the world, but most notably, in the cooler Northern Hemisphere. Conifers can range in height from one metre, to over one hundred metres. Conifers are primarily cultivated for their timber, which is a softwood, and used in various ways including construction, and the production of paper.

In Celtic mythology, fir trees represent truth, honesty, strength, hope and wisdom.

Cedar

The Cedar is a large evergreen coniferous tree which can grow to a height of thirty five metres or more. It has a very distinctive shape, with clearly defined horizontal layers of grey-green foliage.

They are native to the Western Himalayas, and the Mediteranean, it also grows in Lebanon, where it is the national emblem, and appears at the centre of the Lebanese flag.

In ancient times, Cedar was used in the construction of temples and other major buildings, due to it's size and durability.Cedar wood is also the source of an essential oil which was used to make cough medicines, ointments and antiseptic, and it was also used in Egypt for embalming. In Lebanon, cedar wood is used as an insect repellent.

In several ancient cultures and traditions, cedar is spiritually associated with peace, protection and purification. Cedar also represents incorruptibility, and eternal life, and it was a Jewish custom to burn cedar wood to celebrate New Year. There are several references to cedar trees in the bible:

He would speak of trees, from the cedar that is in the Lebanon

1 Kings 4.33

The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches

Psalm 80.10

the scent of your garments is like the scent of Lebanon.

Song of Songs 4.11