More info here on the Suffolk Churches website
 |
| Porch on right and vestry on left |
I think it's the most curious of all the churches I've been in so far, mainly because I spent all my time looking for "Ralph's Hole" without finding it. According to the book it looked like this
Well, I found "The Squint", a window without glass about 18 inches tall and now with a wooden lift out door closing it off , but I couldn't find anything like this photo, and when I got home and looked on the churches website it just says that the vestry - which I did go into - is still known as "Ralph's Hole", but no stained glass in the vestry.A mystery indeed.
Ralph Cantrell was the Lord of the Manor and had been a Catholic, so to avoid fines after the Reformation he built a chapel on the side of the church with a "squint" to see into the church so although he was technically IN church, he and his family could do their own thing out of sight.
The church seemed gloomy despite the bright sunshine and I didn't bother with many photos
Not the best of church visits - it felt remote and lonely there.
Back Soon
Sue
I'm guessing (from the beehive) that the gent in the red cloak might be St Ambrose? I enjoy reading your church 'reviews', I'm sorry this one wasn't as enjoyable for you as some of the others.
ReplyDeleteAh Thank you, I wondered if the beehive was significant.But no idea what's the connection with the church?
DeleteYou are braver than I. I postponed my planned expedition yesterday and stayed close to the fans. It's only delayed though, not cancelled, especially as I found an old, 'home produced' leaflet about Willingale's two churches, written by an old rector and paid the princely sum of something like 50p for it. Such a shame that a place that must have been vibrant one upon a time felt so sad and lonely.
ReplyDeleteThis was a couple of weeks ago. Much too hot to venture out yesterday
DeleteAh, I see. Yes, it was.
DeletePerhaps the reason the church seemed to be in such an odd place away from any habitation is because it was built at a crossing place where cross country routes for travellers crossed over.
ReplyDeleteWe had a church like that near our village. It was the main church for the village but was about2 miles from the centre.
Sue
It could have been on a much older religious site - the road is just a country lane looping round from one end of the village to the other
DeleteSuch a shame you didn't find Ralph's Hole, quite the mystery.
ReplyDeleteIt was now the vestry but nothing like the photo in the book
DeleteBeing a bit of a closet church crawler myself I always enjoy your visits. It's funny how different ones make you feel I agree.
ReplyDeleteArilx
It didn't feel welcoming like some do.
DeleteDitto your feelings about these lonely and rather isolated churches. Peter used to take me but now that he is no longer here with me to do so I just don't go church exploring any more. This one reminds me of St Margarets at Shimpling, near Diss. The last one we visited together in fact. Interesting post. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePalgrave church must be the nearest Suffolk church that I want to see that is closest to you, maybe we could meet up there sometime
DeleteYes, that would be nice. Email me. The address is on the blog profile. I would like that.
Deletecallmemadam trying yet again to comment on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI think the picture in the church is of St Gregory, which would make sense. He's often pictured with a dove, as is St David.
Makes good sense of course!
DeleteWhat a lovely church, peaceful and calming and just ornate enough to be special ... if you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't seem peaceful, just lonely.
DeleteNever go there on a gloomy day!
ReplyDeleteNevertheless I think it's a nice and simple church building.
Thank you.
https://ruraltownliving.blogspot.com
It was a strange church visit
DeleteIt looks an interesting one, especially Ralph's Hole. I bet that caused a bit of argument when it was added on and changed the light in the church. I wondered whether the painting could be of St Gregory, given that he is the saint the church is named after. Some churches do have a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere while others feel sterile or less welcoming.
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to link up with Rachel to explore somewhere, it would be fun for both of you.
ps No email yet from your son. I don't get into town very often, but i am going in on Friday. I could send the first batch of books, if he lets me know his address.
sent him a message and then thought - why don't I just email you with his address
Deletewill take your email off the post
DeleteThanks, Sue. They will be sent snail mail (they are heavy), but I think he will find them interesting.
DeleteEnjoying your tour of the churches. Fascinating. I should probably do a post about ours down the road. Middle of nowhere and yet there is a church, now a home, with swimming pool on the top floor! An active church, two redundant manses. And 3 cemeteries. An ex school, better get researching! Thanks for setting me off.
ReplyDeleteIt looks looks plain and functional. Lovely and cool in churches at the moment. I like to wander into churches when out and about. Maybe the next one you visit will feel different. They are fascinating places. Full of stories.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy you sharing those ancient and wonderful churches. I would love to go in one of those someday and soak up the historic vibes and try to dream up what has happened in there over the centuries. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteAn interesting church but a picture doesn't often allow you to know how it feels when inside. The little octaganol one we visited last weekend was very welcoming and cosy inside.
ReplyDeleteThat church just seems really lonely to me. Thanks for sharing your church visits with us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.