After walking round Pembridge I left B sitting on a bench and spent 10 to 15 minutes in the church. I really could have done with an hour or more! So it was a quick whizz round taking as many photos as I could and trying to remember what I missed on my visit several years ago.
In my haste I often forgot to hold the camera straight and cut parts off mythical beasts as you will see!
All that remains of the original Norman church built on the same site are two 12th century arches in the North and South Walls of the Chancel. Most of the present building dates back to around 1330 with construction taking 4 - 5 years. The Chancel, Transepts, Nave and Aisles are almost all in the "Decorated" style.
The Bell Tower is one of 7 Herefordshire detached bell towers. Structurally it is related to the stave churches of Norway. It is comprised of a stone ground storey with a high truncated pyramid roof. It was restored in 1898, 1957 and 1983/4. The tower was built in the 13th century and dendro dating gives the dates 1207-1214. The stone walls date from the 15th and 16th centuries. As far as I could see it wasn't open which was a shame as it is very impressive inside!
The North Porch is late 14th century with a stone ribbed and vaulted ceiling.
13th century stone font with a square bowl and 17th century cover.
The 19th century West Window shows 14 gospel scenes.
Sorry same window photo uploaded twice - I still can't work out how to delete photos!
The East Window made by Heaton Butler and Bayne in 1870.
One of the monuments comprises two pairs of limestone effigies c1350-75 on a double tomb chest. The pair to the East include a man wearing sergeant at law robes and his wife has a veil and wimple. The West pair consists of a man wearing a turban like hat and carrying a short dagger. A local historian Blount writing in 1675 believed these were the Gours - formerly Lords of Marston - a hamlet near Pembridge.
The pulpit and lectern are Jacobean and have intricate carvings by a Herefordshire craftman. There are panels with mythical figures and designs copied from nature. I was so annoyed with myself later that I hadn't taken more care with these photos but by now I was panicking over how long I had been and also getting a bit jittery about being in a building even though at that stage there was no-one else in there!
At the West end of the church there is an exhibition of the Pembridge Tapestries all made by local stitchers. Twelve separate panels depict the history of Pembridge from Domesday to the present day and also include some local mythology. Unfortunately the glass covering the panels of embroidery was reflecting the glass windows so I have only included a few pictures.
The North Door is made of solid oak with hinges and large square headed nails and a sanctuary knocker (which I failed to get a close up photo of!!).
I do very much regret not spending more time studying and reading the very beautiful tapestries and as always there were items I missed such as Coat of Arms, Masons' Marks, wall paintings, a reading desk with a carved wyvern 13th century, rood loft staircase, a 1721 brass candelabra, carved Jacobean altar rails and scratch dials on the exterior. I should have explored the exterior more as there are holes of shot from Oliver Cromwell's soldiers on the West Door. On the other side of the South churchyard hedge is a moat which once surrounded a castle. There is little doubt I will have to return.
There are still parts of the village we haven't explored and you can also walk along the River Arrow.
I hope everyone is staying safe and well.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera.
Reference: Pevsner Buildings of England Herefordshire by Alan Brooks and Nicolaus Pevsner - Yale University Press 2012.
A Walk Around the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pembridge, Herefordshire. Published by Pembridge Parochial Church Council. Written by Kath Aston with a contribution by Peter Klein
(Purchased on a previous visit to the church)
7 comments:
I don't think anyone in a rush doesn't cut their photos short, or do something to the composition, but along with our nervousness due to the pandemic it's a wonder anyone can hold a camera straight at all!
I don't think I've ever seen potted plants at a church before, but why not? Brightens up the entrance quite prettily.
I particularly like the glass lantern.
The tapestry is lovely. You'd love the Fishguard Last Invasion tapestry, inspired by the Last Invasion of British soil and the Bayeux Tapestry.
Treasure is enquiring after Timothy {and the Other One, as he calls Brother Benedict. I think this is in support of his pal and buddy!}
Rustic Pumpkin - Thanks so much. I often notice when I get home my stained glass photos are a bit wonky! There is a line on the camera screen you can use I must try and remember how to put it on. For some reason I felt really nervous in the church even though empty although another lady came in as I was leaving - maskless!!!!! :(
I think they have had the potted plant display for years certainly in each of our previous visits.
I liked the glass lantern too - really lovely.
By coincidence I was reading an article about Fishguard yesterday in Countryfile magazine and that mentioned the Last Invasion on British soil. I really do hope we can come to Pembrokeshire when this horrid pandemic is over - if it ever is!!!
Thank you to Treasure and lol re: the Other One!!!! Brother Benedict was left at home - still haven't plucked up courage to tell Timothy he is coming too! Timothy was there but left at the caravan. I do have a few pics which I will include in next couple of posts - he is having a tipple again in one of them!!! I am tempted to start taking him out again.
What a lovely church. Another added to our list of those to pay a visit.
The tapestry looks lovely and having seen the Fishguard one, I can recommend a visit. Should be nice and quiet in the winter. When we've been there, not a lot is going on - most folk going to or from Ireland on the Ferry tend to stay in their cars, as it isn't a busy town.
Even though taken in a hurry your photos are lovely. So much of interest to see and take photos of it's hard to know what to concentrate on when you are short of time. The carvings are super, windows too. I love the shape of the tower and I rather like those sheep in your last photo:)
Bovey Belle - Thanks so much. Hope you can visit the church and village one day.
I am beginning to think Winter might be the best time to visit the sea!
Rosie - Thanks so much. I agree it is difficult when you have so little time and sadly you are that busy snapping away you take nothing in :(
The sheep are cute :) they were there on our previous visits too so obviously a permanent feature :)
The church architecture is fascinating. I love the pictures you captured during your whirlwind tour of the church.
I too like to take my time when visiting a church, there is so much to see and learn about.
CherryPie - Thank you. I have been in the church once before but that was a brief visit too!
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