Image Ref : SAV 0081.tif

Collier twins on Tommy & Violet, Haccombe, c.1905

Collier twins, Christine (later Raikes) and Katharine (Kitty) on ponies Tommy and Violet, outside St Blaise Chapel, Haccombe. They were born around 1900, so placing this image around 1905. The website of the parish of Haccombe with Combe describes the chapel as follows: 'It was built in 1233 by Sir Stephen de Haccombe on his return from the Fifth Crusade. He gave it the name of St. Blaise, a 4th-century Armenian Bishop and Martyr whose fame he had encountered in the East. The church has been associated with the Carew family for over 500 years, and is noted for its fine collection of Mediaeval effigies, including that of its crusader founder, and an unusual alabaster effigy marking a heart burial. There are five fine brasses, which cover the period 1469 to 1656, Mediaeval and Moorish floor-tiles, and Flemish glass. Pieces of wood from Henry VIII’s flagship ‘Mary Rose’ are set into the processional cross.' The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Grandisson in 1328. It was listed as Grade l by English Heritage (later Historic England) on 23 August 1955.