St Mary's Tower, Warwick

Travelling about during half term has few advantages to those without children. Although the roads are quieter, the trains are busier and various attractions are noiser. This is, of course, a good thing, for I would sooner children be learning about heritage than rotting in front of screens. Nevertheless, when I realise that I booked a trip in the school holidays, my heart sinks with regret. This week, however, it scored me a bonus: the tower of St Mary’s Church in Warwick was open.

For a fee of five pounds, the special external door was unlocked and, armed with an information sheet and a laminated card detailing various emergency numbers and proceedures, I began to climb the 160 steps. I have been in a fair number of spiral staircases in my time, but St Mary’s felt like the narrowest and darkest. I prayed no-one else was up there planning an immediate descent, for two persons could not easily have passed. Furthermore, I noted several cracks in the steps through which light came through; I assured myself that these were to allow additional illumination for the feet rather than evidence that the tower was disintegrating with me entombed within it.

Several times I had to pause for breath. Although I had just walked from Royal Leamington Spa, the journey had not been arduous, but my unfitness was catching up with me. The church authorities had placed a few conveniently placed written exhortations to encourage the weary walker to persevere. Once the top door was opened, all was light and freshness, with surprisingly strong breezes providing reminders of height. The tower seemed as open and exposed as its stairwell seemed cramped and confined. The views were marvellous and were a just reward for the unpleasant ascent.

One day, our pilgrimage will be over and, basking in the radiance of the Lord Jesus, we may dare to look about and below and conclude that it was all worth it. Remember that, the next time you feel low, your path is too steep and your passageway dark.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

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