Cleo at the Great North Door
The moon, a thin crescent, lit from within.
To the Eastward, The Plough, bright in deep space
And now here, the White Hart, whose yellow lights
Resemble a cruise liner out at sea.
Our White Hart, his slim neck collared with gold,
Badge of some noble line I do not know,
Glistening in the night, his status supreme
In his niche above the Prior's Courtroom,
So long ago, those days, when he was fixed.
The Hart watches us unblinking, head up,
Gold coronet, rich necklace, staring out.
Only our tall angel above our heads
Has some of his power, empty eye sockets
Looking over us all, into our eyes.
Her fierce face deflecting questions. Just look,
She says, look at my face and the White Hart,
Symbols of then and now, calling us all,
Requiring our attention and our love.
17th December 2006
By Richard Maslen (click to go back).
(White Hart with gold coronet: Badge of King Richard the Second, Blythburgh Suffolk)
Some Favourite Websites For October 2026:
George Borrow Trust – Explore about the well travelled 1800s poet George Borrow
The George Borrow Trust aims to advance the education of the public in the life and works of George Borrow in particular, by means which preserve, exhibit and study his writings and works and other material objects connected with or tending to perpetuate his memory or to throw light on his life and work.
Chris Pretty Mountaineering – Rock Climbing/Mountaineering Instructor and International Mountain Leader
Chris aims to give you an experience which ensures you are taught to the highest national standards and to ensure that you actually learn the skills required to rock climb, trek, navigate and otherwise move around the mountainous environment autonomously. The teaching is delivered by an expert team who are tried and tested in both their personal skills and their ability to teach and ensure learning with an emphasis on personal progression.
Logs Logs Logs – Family Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge
Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.
European Rail Campaign (UK) – The Campaign for Better Rail Links to and from the UK and across Europe
In view of the need to reduce people’s carbon footprints rail is seen as an environmentally friendly option for many journeys across Europe. The Euro Rail Campaign sees a need for better rail services between the UK and Europe as well as improved connecting services across Europe. Research has shown that international passenger transport can be competitive with air transport for journey times of up to 6 hours or distances of up to 800 kilometres. Explore more about what this organisation does
Halesworth Millennium Green – The largest Millennium Green in England
Halesworth Millennium Green is a magical place to explore in all seasons and weathers. Come and find your favourite corner amongst the meadows, woodlands, rivers, ponds, heathland, orchard and along the historic route of the old railway and the even older navigation.