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Paul Carbuncle's avatar

Do you know Richard Coates' article on 'Domnoc' and Felixstowe (in Coates & Breeze, 'Celtic Voices, English Places' (2000), pp. 234–40)? Proposes an etymology in Old Irish domnach 'church', rules out any connection with Dunwich, and suggests that 'Domnoc' is an earlier name of Felixstowe. Recommended reading.

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Christine Whittemore's avatar

I love these evidences of continuity at church sites, from Roman through Saxon and medieval times...Sometimes there even seems to be evidence of pre-Roman religious or ritual practice on the same site. Do you know the church at Daglingworth, Gloucestershire? It has partly Saxon fabric, Saxon sculptures were discovered there (hidden at some point inside the chancel arch), and there is a window that is cut in an old Roman-era stone bearing an inscription saying that Junia made a vow to the "genius loci." Carvings of genii cucullati & mother goddesses found in the vicinity....many layers!

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Francis Young's avatar

No, I haven't been to Daglingworth - thanks for the tip, another one for the list!

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Alan M's avatar

That arch of Roman bricks is amazing!

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Francis Young's avatar

Yes; there's similar sort of stuff at Polstead in Suffolk as well, but I suspect Polstead is just a very early brick building rather than made from reused Roman brick - it's too neat and regular

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