Hi Listers, Yesterday Ian Sage mentioned Hailes Abbey, which set me on a train of thought. There is one historical visit during my far-off school days that stands out vividly in my memory. That was a trip to see the ruins of the once-magnificent Cistercian abbey at Hailes, near Winchcombe, and to learn about the famous relic formerly enshrined there, a vial reputedly containing the blood of Christ. As a child I remember the peacefulness of the site being very appealing, even though I was accompanied by a crowd of classmates. In later life I have often revisited the ruins, especially during the spring when the cowslips are in bloom. I am interested in children's fiction so when two novels featuring Hailes Abbey came to my notice, I acquired them. One story which briefly describes a visit to Hailes is Cotswold Holiday by Winifred Finlay (George G. Harrap & Co. 1954). The relevant pages are 97-101, within Chapter VI which is entitled The Monks of Hayles. Another children's tale is Pan's Wood by Geoffrey Hoyland (Faber & Faber 1947) which also features the abbey. Josephine -- Josephine Jeremiah www.ianandjo.dsl.pipex.com