Following the road to Long Stanton station (six and a half miles), we there cross the G. E. R. (St. Ives Branch) and proceed, along a somewhat dreary stretch, to Willingham (nine miles), where an exceptionally fine church (All Saints) rewards our toil. After lingering in neglect and decay for years beyond the neighbouring churches, it has now become an ideal example of judicious restoration, very different from the drastic process too often known by that name. Every ancient feature and development has been preserved, including the beautiful roof,[196] with its elaborate carving, its tiers of angels and its double hammer beams, the fine parclose screens, and the Perpendicular pulpit. Beneath the clerestory may be seen traces of no fewer than four successive layers of frescoes, which, from the twelfth to the seventeenth century, each in turn adorned the walls. But the most striking feature of the church is the small Decorated "treasury" adjoining the north wall of the chancel. It is wholly of stone, even to the roof with its richly wrought "beams"; an almost unique example of this method of treatment. Dowsing here destroyed, on 16 March, 1643, "forty superstitious pictures, a crucifix, and two superstitious inscriptions, also two pictures of the Holy Ghost and one of the Virgin Mary in brass." [Footnote 196: This roof is traditionally said to have been that of the great church of Barnwell Abbey (see p. 160). It obviously was made for a larger nave than that of Willingham, and has been cut down to fit its present purpose.] From Willingham a field road will take us, if desired, to Belsar's Hill,[197] which, besides its historical associations, is rich in the pretty crystals of selenite or gypsum. And though, as has been said, the track is now all but disused, it is still possible to follow the Conqueror's causeway to the Ouse and get ferried over to Aldreth. [Footnote 197: See p. 283.] * * * * * The next turn on the Via Devana is the southward lane to Madingley, already described. Southward also lie Lolworth, Boxworth and Elsworth. The last has an exceptionally fine church, Decorated throughout, and displaying the almost unique feature of small lockers for books in the fourteenth century stalls. Conington, near the road on the same side, has a stone-ribbed spire containing three mediaeval bells--a rare survival. They bear the following inscriptions: 1. ASSVMPTA . EST . MARIA . IN . CELIS . GAVDENT . ANGELI LAVDANTES . BENEDICVNT . DOMINVM. Mary is taken up to Heaven. The Angels are glad. They praise and bless the Lord. 2. SANCTA . MARIA . ORA . PRO . NOBIS Holy Mary pray for us. 3. VIRGO . CORONATA . DVC . NOS . AD . REGNA . BEATA . O crowned Maid lead us to realms of bliss. [Illustration: _Over, South Porch._]