As I Put On My Kappa
“As I put on my kappa, this morning, I feel saddened. I grew up here, but now I must go.
Halston is my home. I am a hospitaller, and the ‘order’ has raised me, trained me and taught me all it knows. I read the scriptures to visitors at Whittington Castle, I marry together the local youth, and I baptise their young. With gods aid I heal their bones and illnesses, as he also helps me take stock of the preceptor it’s accounts and holdings.
I have led a busy life.
Our preceptory has become wealthy as endowments have rained upon us…. But now I must leave. With wealth comes responsibility and responsibilities now lie elsewhere.
I must leave and journey to the Holy land. The lords of Europe cannot raise the troops necessary to protect worshippers and pilgrims….. I ask myself, why are they there then?…… they have asked our order for more aid.
Underneath my ‘kappa’… my habit adorned with the cross of St John (also known as the Maltese cross) I wear a coat of mail, and by my side I wear a scabbard. My horse is burdened with provisions for my journey… along with a battle axe.
Yes, my training since childhood, has turned me into a man of god, a teacher, a man of medicine….. and a warrior.
Three of us will leave Halston today.
I wonder what awaits ?”
For many years I have led groups through Whittington and past Halston. It is a beautiful region and always worth a visit. The history of the Marches is full of intrigue and tensions…. Explore it and the region.