As promised in the last post a few more photos of St Nicholas.
A church has probably existed on the site since Saxon times but the present Norman church dates back to 1165. It is a Grade 2 Listed Building made of Red Sandstone. The church was extended in the 15th century and the church tower added in 1460 by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. It was planned to add a spire but this never happened.
The 16th century porch was rebuilt in 1800.
West Door
The font is 12th century Romanesque and dates back to when the church was built. It was re-discovered in 1895 after being buried under the Nave floor, perhaps at the time of the Reformation.
The church heaters high on the wall were keeping the church warm and also adding rather a rosy glow to some of the photos!
The wall paintings surrounding the 12th century windows are medieval and were restored in 1972.
The Millennium Window - the money to purchase this window was raised by parishioners.
Norman chancel arch
The East Window
Medieval glass?
Memorial for William Wakefiled.
Chancel Arch and Screen
This flagstone commemorates Sarah Ford, mother of Samuel Johnson.
Due to the Christmas Trees I couldn't get photos of all the features but if you do want to see more of the church please see here for a post on a visit to the church a few years ago.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330
I love the millennium window. A good blend of traditional and modern which is very pleasing to the eye {well, I find it pleasing} Do you have an opinion whether a spire would improve the building, or not? Curious minds and all that.
ReplyDeleteRustic Pumpkin - Thank you and I agree the Millennium Window is superb. As to the spire that is a difficult question - although spires are often superb architecturally. I suppose I would say that if one had been added centuries ago it would look fine but I definitely wouldn't want one added now.
ReplyDeleteBy coincidence I went back to St Alphege's earlier this week (after the Cafe Rouge farce!!) and there the spire does stand out as it is built in different stone to the tower. Will do a post soon and you will see what I mean :)
What a fascinating interior and you managed to capture quite a few features away from the trees. I like the font and the wall paintings around the windows. Interesting about Sarah Ford being commemorated there too:)
ReplyDeleteRosie - Thanks so much. It is amazing the connections you can find in different locations re: "famous" people. I think it was you I had a discussion with re: The Lunar Society some time back? Have managed to get a second hand book on them :)
ReplyDeleteAn interesting font. I wonder if there are any smiling carved faces from 12C as they always look so miserable to me. Love the stained glass windows.
ReplyDeleteYes it was me. The book I have is by Jenny Uglow, I also have one about the Wedgwood family and the Darwin connection. I find that period of time and the history of all the members of the Lunar Society fascinating:)
ReplyDeleteMidmarsh John - Thanks so much. Yes you are right about 12th century carved faces! If I ever find a smiley one I will post it :)
ReplyDeleteRosie - Thanks again - yes the book I bought must be the same as it is by Jenny Uglow. I haven't read it yet but look forward to reading more about the Lunar Society. Interesting about the Wedgwood Family and the Darwin connection :)
There are some fine details on the font.
ReplyDeleteCherryPie - Thank you. The font is rather good :)
ReplyDelete