After looking round the Roman City - it was time for lunch. I really should have taken a flask and sandwiches but I thought there was a tea room there (there wasn't!) so we had a hot chocolate and a flapjack from the Visitor Centre and ended up buying a cheese and onion pasty from the services later on the way home.
We did at one point consider travelling on to nearby English Heritage Acton Burnell Castle but as we were short of time we went a walk down the lane to see the nearby church.
Bindweed
Traveller's Joy or Old Man's Beard festooning the hedgerows.
There were a lot of blackberries and luckily I had a clean bag in my backpack and left D picking them while I went in search of the church.
The Church of St Andrew is an Anglo Saxon church in Wroxeter village constructed from stones looted from the nearby Roman city. The Domesday Book 1086 mentions a church here with four priests. The church was acquired by Haughmond Abbey in 1155 and a new chancel was added. The tower was built in stages from the 15th century onwards. More changes to the church buildings occurred between the 16th and early 18th century and in 1763 the original south aisle and porch were demolished and the present aisle and vestry were constructed. The present porch was built in 1870. The parish was unable to maintain such a large church and it closed in 1980 and in 1987 was put in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
The carvings on the tower probably came from Haughmond Abbey following its dissolution in 1539.
The Churches Conservation Trust run a scheme called "Champing" where you can stay overnight in some of their churches.
The Royal Arms dated 1765 (George II)
The font is probably the base of a Roman column.
A 14th century parish chest which would once have contained parish records and church plate.
This cupboard is made up of Jacobean and other panelling.
Stained glass by Morris & Co. 1902 depicting St Andrew (Patron of the Church) and St George.
This brass monument dated 1627 commemorates Thomas Alcock who founded a grammar school in Wroxeter.
The pulpit has Jacobean panelling.
Floor tiles - some look possibly Victorian and others a lot older.
There were several tomb chests in the chancel/sanctuary.
Tomb of Sir Richard Newport died 1570 and his wife Margaret died 1578 and who was daughter of Sir Thomas Bromley. Their 8 children are depicted on the sides of the tomb. It was probably made by the Royley workshop in Burton on Trent.
The alabaster tomb chests all have their original colouring.
This tomb is for Sir Thomas died 1555 and his Mabel Bromley. He was Chief Justice of England. The tomb was probably made by Richard Parker of Burton on Trent.
Memorial to the Rt Hon Thomas Newport
Tomb of John Berker died 1618 and his wife Margaret nee Newport.
Recess (behind the chest tomb), probably for a tomb, with ballflower carvings. Alongside is a large aumbry with traces of a 14th century wall painting of Christ in Majesty.
Ledger stones in the chancel floor
Looking from the chancel to the nave.
12th century chancel arch. At the base of the spier is a Saxon carved stone which I missed! I really should somehow find the time to read the church guide when in the church instead of just rushing round taking as many photos as possible!
East Window
15th century glass
West Gallery of 1772 altered 1870 and organ of 1849 by C Brindley much altered.
Ordance Survey Bench Mark
I then went in search of D who was still blackberrying and finally got round to reading some of the church guide when I discovered I had missed some Anglo Saxon carvings so back to the church we went.
During rebuilding in the mid 18th century a 9th century Anglo Saxon cross that had been in the churchyard was removed and built into the top of the south wall. The two carvings of a bird and a beast probably came from the cross.
One other thing I missed which I am still kicking myself about were two Roman columns used as gate posts for the gate into the churchyard
The Wrekin
Blackberries collected by D turned into an apple and blackberry crumble a day later.
*D photos taken by my son with the Canon SX50 bridge camera
Rest of photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera
Reference: Leaflet on St Andrew's Church
Another lovely church visit. Unfortunate there wasn't a tea room though at the Roman site. First rule of walking out the front door when going out into the countryside is make sure you have at least one good plastic bag on hand, for you never know what you may be foraging. The crumble looks delicious indeed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tour of the church, thank-you. I love the re-use of the roman column.
ReplyDeleteIt's orb weaver season!
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely church especially the stain glass windows. Will try and collect some blackberries before I go to Australia next week. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe church looks interesting inside. I like the carvings, tiles and windows also the tomb and bench mark. I was interested to see mention of a Parker from Burton-on-Trent. I have Parkers from Stapenhill which is an area of Burton in my family tree. The blackberry and apple crumble looks delicious:)
ReplyDeleteRustic Pumpkin - Thanks so much. I always try and remember that bag! useful for shells, pebbles, feathers, blackberries etc :) (although perhaps not all in same bag!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHart - Thanks so much - yes use re-use of column was a good early example of recycling :)
Simon Douglas Thompson - Thanks and yes they are back :)
Margaret Birding for Pleasure. Thank you and have a wonderful trip to Australia and a good weekend :)
Rosie - Thank you. If you return to the Roman City the church is worth a visit - about a 5/10 minute walk (parking not easy by church although there is a hotel nearby so perhaps you could sneak in there!!!). Interesting to hear about your Parkers - I wonder if there is a connection?
Some important burials in there. I was intrigued to read of the Oatley babies' deaths at just a few days old. I wonder was it a hemolytic problem? Poor little souls and the parents must have been distraught.
ReplyDeleteA really interesting church.
Bovey Belle - Thank you. It was an interesting church and as you say so sad about the babies' deaths so young. Possibility of hemolytic problems is an interesting thought.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that visited St Andrew's Church :-)
ReplyDeleteThere was a bit of a saga for me visiting the church. I finally managed it on my third attempt!
http://www.cheriesplace.me.uk/blog/index.php/2014/08/12/st-andrews-church-wroxeter/
CherryPie - Thank you. That lane is narrow so glad you weren't injured! Glad you managed to get there in the end and well done for rook rescue. At least you got a photo of the Roman columns by the gate!!!
ReplyDelete