[continued] This monument on the east wall is to John Baron Poulett d1649 but attracts great debate as to date of construction - Pevsner suggests C18. It is full baroque, but built of plaster and I am afraid in a rather fragile state. A Wild man (and wild woman) flank the sarcophagus which rests on lions and a griffin. An angel ascends above.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
St George, Hinton St George, Somerset 5/7
A fairly ordinary church extended in the C15 and 1815 by the Poulett family with a splendid tower and family pew and chapel respectively. The church is full of memorials to family members down the years. One of the grandest monuments is between chancel and chapel with effigies nicely spaced on a flat tomb chest under a thankfully tall canopy. Beyond curtains which when parted revealed the treasure house beyond. A pair of monuments in the north wall reuse pairs of effigies from earlier monuments, one on the west wall was thrown out from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London in the C18, but the one on the east wall is jaw-dropping. [continued above]
All Saints, Lopen, Somerset
Another simple two-celled church with bellcote, extended by an overlarge north transept in 1834. Rather charming inside with another west gallery but the one in the north transept has vanished (there is an external stair and doorway).
St Michael, Seavington St Michael, Somerset
A wierd-looking little church, without tower, instead a bellcote extended into a turret or a turret with added bellcote - see the picture when I send it! Inside a west gallery and an upright effigy of a C14 Civilian.
St Mary, Seavington St Mary, Somerset
The long-ago vested CCT church, locked with single keyholder, who lives at a house named "Mxxx" with neighbouring properties called "Mxxx Cottage" and "Mxxx Barn Cottage". There followed a bizarre overlong farce with keys. I went to the wrong Mxxx property in all innocence. Meanwhile an electricity meter reader had picked the right property and had the key, meeting my friend who I had left back at the church. I arrived back emptyhanded, a ten minute discussion took place about the keyholder in which I eventually decided we were talking about different houses, but meter reader would not take the responsibility to let us have the key and return it. Instead he drove off only to return with the key saying it was OK for us to have it.
After all that fuss the church was a crushing disappointment inside - I question whether the CCT would accept it for vesting if it was offered today. We returned the key - I made cbn knock the door to make sure!
After all that fuss the church was a crushing disappointment inside - I question whether the CCT would accept it for vesting if it was offered today. We returned the key - I made cbn knock the door to make sure!
St Mary, Kingstone, Somerset
is a complete Perp church, nave with south porch, central tower and chancel. There is not a lot to detain you long - unless you are waiting for someone who is taking lots of pics of the rather fragmentary stained glass and moving art displays......
St Andrew, Dowlish Wake, Somerset
8/5/2007
The church was largely rebuilt in the C19, but reusing old bits and setting a few puzzles for us. However much of interest inside and some excellent stained glass. Nave, central tower and chancel, with north aisle to the nave, and north aisle/chapel to the tower and chancel. Odd blocked north tower arch with a huge lancet opening into the north chapel. Between chancel and chapel a large tomb chest with effigies to John Speke and wife, all terribly recut, as the the C14 effigy of a lady in a cusped recess in the chapel. Also here is the man that found the source of the Nile, John Henning Speke d1864, a rather pompous black sarcophagus, back plate with inscription under an arch and a bust of the explorer who carelessly shot himself in the hip whilst out with his cousin in Wiltshire and died aged 37 15 minutes later. Some classy C19 fittings, also a much worn second font from West Dowlish church which was demolished c1700, Norman (although the church guide says Early Saxon) with remains of blank arcading around the bowl. [other pics on flickr]
The church was largely rebuilt in the C19, but reusing old bits and setting a few puzzles for us. However much of interest inside and some excellent stained glass. Nave, central tower and chancel, with north aisle to the nave, and north aisle/chapel to the tower and chancel. Odd blocked north tower arch with a huge lancet opening into the north chapel. Between chancel and chapel a large tomb chest with effigies to John Speke and wife, all terribly recut, as the the C14 effigy of a lady in a cusped recess in the chapel. Also here is the man that found the source of the Nile, John Henning Speke d1864, a rather pompous black sarcophagus, back plate with inscription under an arch and a bust of the explorer who carelessly shot himself in the hip whilst out with his cousin in Wiltshire and died aged 37 15 minutes later. Some classy C19 fittings, also a much worn second font from West Dowlish church which was demolished c1700, Norman (although the church guide says Early Saxon) with remains of blank arcading around the bowl. [other pics on flickr]
St Mary, Donyatt, Somerset
The first church of a crawl with my friend cbn. A medium sized church, seemingly all of one period, if you discount the Victorian restoration! Tall Perp W tower, nave and aisles, chancel and chapels. The Lady with the Wimple C14 mentioned by Pevsner was stolen in the 1980s. Amusing head corbels around the stair turret of the tower (at the NE angle) and a handsome pulpit.
St John the Baptist, Chipping Barnet - Butterfield's new church
Butterfield's church (the C15 arcade can be glimpsed on the left)
St John the Baptist, Chipping Barnet - the old C15 nave
14th April 2007 and a trip to watch Barnet play Bristol Rovers.
St John's Church stands in the fork of the main road at the top of the hill from the stadium at Underhill and the station, and from here appears entirely C19, and I guessed the work of William Butterfield (which it is!).
However this is a medieval site, and Butterfield added a new nave chancel and south aisle onto the existing medieval church which survives as the north aisle and outer aisle. The former west tower and chancel were pulled down, and a new tower built at the west end of the Victorian nave. The north arcade is the Perp. south arade with the clerestory above now unglazed and entirely an internal feature. It survives on the north side and the church was not a bad size before extension.
Some stone fragements are built into the new tower and in the south chapel is a splendid canopied tomb chest and effigy to Thomas Ravenscroft d1630, the figure carved from a single block of pink alabaster. Elaborate vaulting to the canopy.
St John's Church stands in the fork of the main road at the top of the hill from the stadium at Underhill and the station, and from here appears entirely C19, and I guessed the work of William Butterfield (which it is!).
However this is a medieval site, and Butterfield added a new nave chancel and south aisle onto the existing medieval church which survives as the north aisle and outer aisle. The former west tower and chancel were pulled down, and a new tower built at the west end of the Victorian nave. The north arcade is the Perp. south arade with the clerestory above now unglazed and entirely an internal feature. It survives on the north side and the church was not a bad size before extension.
Some stone fragements are built into the new tower and in the south chapel is a splendid canopied tomb chest and effigy to Thomas Ravenscroft d1630, the figure carved from a single block of pink alabaster. Elaborate vaulting to the canopy.
London St Mary Aldermary 2/2
The interior looking west is rather grand, and the fan vauting (in plaster of course) includes small saucer domes. The arcades look quite convincing, enough to wonder if they were in part reused from the medieval church.
London St Mary Aldermary 1/2
16th April 2007 In the heart of the City of London, this is perhaps my favourite Wren church. The parish insisted on Gothic for the rebuilding after the Great Fire of London, and Wren provided, although he had more fun inside as you will see!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Easton Grey, Wiltshire
I revisited this church on the way to Malmesbury for the day. As usual the church was open, and still offers a sense of stepping back in time, as little else has been done since the church was rebuilt in 1836. The tower is however medieval. The bowl of the C13 font is preserved inside along with a Jacobean pulpit and some memorials which predate the rebuilding. Any record of the church's dedication has been lost over time.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 7
ST GILES, GOODRICH, HEREFORDSHIRE
At the opposite end of the village to the castle. Tall slim unbuttressed tower and tall stone spire, the bell openings in the spire lowest stage. The rest of the church appears rebuilt from outside, but the chancel east window of what is essentially a two naved church (nave and north aisle) is handsome C15 Perp. The key to this church can be obtained from Jolley's Shop in the village which is by the entrance road to the castle, unfortunately you have to get into the church porch before you discover this! So now you know in advance!
As light was beginning to fail I called it a day and headed back home pretty much the way I came.
At the opposite end of the village to the castle. Tall slim unbuttressed tower and tall stone spire, the bell openings in the spire lowest stage. The rest of the church appears rebuilt from outside, but the chancel east window of what is essentially a two naved church (nave and north aisle) is handsome C15 Perp. The key to this church can be obtained from Jolley's Shop in the village which is by the entrance road to the castle, unfortunately you have to get into the church porch before you discover this! So now you know in advance!
As light was beginning to fail I called it a day and headed back home pretty much the way I came.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 6
From Lydbrook I followed the River Wye into Herefordshire, and firstly
ALL SAINTS, BISHOPSWOOD, HEREFORDSHIRE
is oddly sited high above its village in the middle of the woods. Dating only from 1845, it has lancet windows and an odd sideways facing south bell cote on the gable of a central outer bay. Sadly it was locked.
I then detoured to look at the remains of FLANESFORD Priory, which were long used as farm buildings, but are now holiday appartments.
I next detoured again for 90 minutes to visit the ruins of GOODRICH CASTLE, perhaps my favourite castle. Sadly the feature I found most memorable from previous visits has had to be restored in the last year. It is a huge column, dividing an arch in the Solar into two bays, which has had to have a bit of flooring inserted around it to provide additional support (and stop masonry falling onto visitors below!) ; the column and the spandrel above do seem to have much new
stone. Still better this than the arch and column to fall.
ALL SAINTS, BISHOPSWOOD, HEREFORDSHIRE
is oddly sited high above its village in the middle of the woods. Dating only from 1845, it has lancet windows and an odd sideways facing south bell cote on the gable of a central outer bay. Sadly it was locked.
I then detoured to look at the remains of FLANESFORD Priory, which were long used as farm buildings, but are now holiday appartments.
I next detoured again for 90 minutes to visit the ruins of GOODRICH CASTLE, perhaps my favourite castle. Sadly the feature I found most memorable from previous visits has had to be restored in the last year. It is a huge column, dividing an arch in the Solar into two bays, which has had to have a bit of flooring inserted around it to provide additional support (and stop masonry falling onto visitors below!) ; the column and the spandrel above do seem to have much new
stone. Still better this than the arch and column to fall.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 5
HOLY JESUS, LYDBROOK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
By Henry Woodyer, but he has kept his quirky style pretty much in check here. Tall west tower with saddleback top. Inside wide and spacious. Seating now blue modern upholstered chairs arranged in vaguely curved rows on a crimson carpet.
By Henry Woodyer, but he has kept his quirky style pretty much in check here. Tall west tower with saddleback top. Inside wide and spacious. Seating now blue modern upholstered chairs arranged in vaguely curved rows on a crimson carpet.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 4
ST MARY, ENGLISH BICKNOR, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
An enormous churchyard, and a sizeable church, closed for major restorations - but the door open and I was able to look inside. Nearly all features and furnishings swathed in opaque plastic, lots of plaster stacked, and work very much in hand. Fabulous east arch of the Norman north arcade may be the original chancel arch reset. The present chancel is Victorian and incorporates a former crossing (W, N and S arches only). A revisit will be necessary!
An enormous churchyard, and a sizeable church, closed for major restorations - but the door open and I was able to look inside. Nearly all features and furnishings swathed in opaque plastic, lots of plaster stacked, and work very much in hand. Fabulous east arch of the Norman north arcade may be the original chancel arch reset. The present chancel is Victorian and incorporates a former crossing (W, N and S arches only). A revisit will be necessary!
A mainly Forest Crawl - 3
ALL SAINTS, STAUNTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Late C12 church gathered around a central tower. The exterior is unattractive, thanks to the rendered walls, and the interior too lacks appeal. North and south arcades, the west three bays on the north blocked, and the remainder screened off by curtains and perspex partitions to make a chapel in the remaining part of the aisle. Bizarre arrangement of stone pulpit hanging from the tower stairs (NW crossing pier). Besides its main organ, this church has a harmonium. Not unusual maybe but this harmonium has a little set of organ pipes! My favourite feature was the east window glass in the chancel, which Brooks feels is likely to be the work of Wailes - lots of deep blue and a depiction of Golgotha and the three crucified men, the city behind, and a busy crowd scene of mainly Roman soldiers.
Late C12 church gathered around a central tower. The exterior is unattractive, thanks to the rendered walls, and the interior too lacks appeal. North and south arcades, the west three bays on the north blocked, and the remainder screened off by curtains and perspex partitions to make a chapel in the remaining part of the aisle. Bizarre arrangement of stone pulpit hanging from the tower stairs (NW crossing pier). Besides its main organ, this church has a harmonium. Not unusual maybe but this harmonium has a little set of organ pipes! My favourite feature was the east window glass in the chancel, which Brooks feels is likely to be the work of Wailes - lots of deep blue and a depiction of Golgotha and the three crucified men, the city behind, and a busy crowd scene of mainly Roman soldiers.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 2b
NEWLAND [continued]
Wide nave and equally wide aisles make the interior exceedingly spacious. This spacial feel is increased by the Victorian clerestory and steep-pitched main roof. In comparison the chancel is much lower, and the dominant east window is also C19 and recalls the west window of Tintern Abbey in the valley below. The church posesses a number of monuments from the C14 onwards. Most famous is the Dean Miner brass, set on an altar tomb with two more conventional brass figures of the mid C15. There is also an incised slab with the figure of an Archer, complete with bow, and probably C17. Several tomb chests with effigies, many sadly worn or damaged. In an odd outer south chapel Sir Edward Probyn d1742, a standing monument, largely architectural and inscription, but with a rather smug-looking bust of this gentleman with long curly wig. I think the middle bit (sarcophagus to his nephew John Probyn d1773) has been inserted between bust and epitaph. The bust is shown wearing chain of office of the Exchequer, which the inscription records he was Lord Baron of the Court of the Exchequer.
Wide nave and equally wide aisles make the interior exceedingly spacious. This spacial feel is increased by the Victorian clerestory and steep-pitched main roof. In comparison the chancel is much lower, and the dominant east window is also C19 and recalls the west window of Tintern Abbey in the valley below. The church posesses a number of monuments from the C14 onwards. Most famous is the Dean Miner brass, set on an altar tomb with two more conventional brass figures of the mid C15. There is also an incised slab with the figure of an Archer, complete with bow, and probably C17. Several tomb chests with effigies, many sadly worn or damaged. In an odd outer south chapel Sir Edward Probyn d1742, a standing monument, largely architectural and inscription, but with a rather smug-looking bust of this gentleman with long curly wig. I think the middle bit (sarcophagus to his nephew John Probyn d1773) has been inserted between bust and epitaph. The bust is shown wearing chain of office of the Exchequer, which the inscription records he was Lord Baron of the Court of the Exchequer.
A mainly Forest Crawl - 2a
ALL SAINTS, NEWLAND, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
I have never been here before, and for some reason I thought it was in another part of the Forest, not where it is high up in the hills on the eastern side of the River Wye. This is the self-proclaimed Cathedral of the Forest, a large and most unusual church. The tower is bulky and in outline impressive with a good parapet and pinnacles to finish it all off. Yet bizarrely the bell openings are all placed a little higgledy-piggledy. [continued]
I have never been here before, and for some reason I thought it was in another part of the Forest, not where it is high up in the hills on the eastern side of the River Wye. This is the self-proclaimed Cathedral of the Forest, a large and most unusual church. The tower is bulky and in outline impressive with a good parapet and pinnacles to finish it all off. Yet bizarrely the bell openings are all placed a little higgledy-piggledy. [continued]
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