Gene and a white cat in Ilkley.

 My new Gene doll from California. This is her first outing in Yorkshire. Gene is dressed in 1930's Hollywood glamour style wedding dress with long veil, so to Ilkley church we went to take her wedding photos.
Ilkley church is a favorite of mine. there are plans a foot to modernise it, but this has not happened yet, so all was well this day.

 All saints church Ilkley. Willem De Percy was the first of the Norman Lords of the manor here. Before that there has always been some kind of a place of worship......The Percy family held an interest in this church for about 300 years. This church also has an effigy of a knight in a side chapel...that of Sir Adam De myddleton identified by the Middleton crest on his shield.dates from 1336 it does.

 Which brings me to the Saxon crosses which originally stood outside, beautifully carved stone....

 I love this church but woll not bore you with all the history........i took my photos and then went to see if the manor house is open to the public yet.
The answer is no. We walked in through the creaking door to a meeting, and walked out pretty quickly too. We were told that it was not open yet and that this is what the meeting was about.

Lunch beckoned so we started towards it and that was when the White cat crossed our trail.
" I wonder if we will see the white cat" I had said to Lee as we passted the ols stone near the steps leading down to The Manor house.

 The cat always greets us......

Gene and the White cat at Ilkley old Manor house.

White cats are commonly viewed as a symbol of good luck in many countries, which makes sense when compared to the myths about black cats being unlucky. White cats are also seen as symbols of purity and positivity in many regions too, and white cats with one blue eye even more so!

In Russia , white cats are considered to be good for your wallet, and having a white cat in your home is supposed to bring luck with money, and draw money to you. Being visited in your home by a white cat belonging to someone else is also supposed to be a symbol of money and prosperity coming soon! (we can but hope!)

In England ,especially Yorkshire white cats are thought of as being able to hold a grudge for years, and it is considered to be highly imprudent to offend or annoy a white cat! However, showing kindness to a white cat, offering it a saucer of milk or a treat is considered to imbue you with the blessings of the cat, and bring good luck to you for the remainder of your day.

Superstitions regarding white cats crossing your path can vary  but generally it is seen as good luck to encounter a white cat on your road, and even more so if you say hello to them and get a positive response from the  cat!

This one likes us. So I hope this is all good.