A path from the village street crosses a bridge and then through this lych gate with lots of texts and carvings.
Unusually, the outside of the church is plastered and painted white on this side
In through the porch
Into the light church that has a South aisle. The nave isn't used for services, there is a huge curtain in the chancel arch and just the chancel is heated to use for the congregation.
It looks as if this old stove is sometimes used in the chancel to keep everyone warm but there were electric heaters too.
The old coffin bier and extra chairs stored in the south aisle
Like nearby Helmingham church there are many painted texts.
Very little stained glass, just the red borders to some windows and a few pieces of older glass mixed in.
The pulpit and stairs to the long gone rood loft
These are what many people visit the church to see, probably damaged on purpose during the reformation
Much more HERE on Simon Knotts' church site.
Thanks for comments yesterday, I think I'll resell the shelving, it's not going to last long outside with or without drainage and waterproofing.
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I would feel anger at the desecration of the Misericords too. Lovely font, quite unusual. Hanging those curtains called for some strong arms . . .
ReplyDeleteI think it's a first for me to see curtains in the chancel arch
DeleteI didn’t know about Misericords, very interesting TQ
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Not very comfortable to perch on I think
DeleteHave you seen the misericords in the main church in Ludlow ? They are excellent . The little cafe there is very good too .
ReplyDeleteWendy
A long way from Suffolk!
DeleteIt's surprising to see the things that survived the Reformation.
ReplyDeleteSo much did survive, often hidden and then uncovered later
DeleteMisericords, meaning compassion, for aged and infirm monks, who can't stand for the long periods they did in youth. I wonder if the idea came from an arthritic old monk originally? I love that they seized the opportunity to carve interesting figures on the part that shows when it's closed up.
ReplyDeleteIt's odd to think that churches were once full of monks!
DeleteI'd say those seats look pretty good for being 700 years old!
ReplyDeleteThey've survived a lot
DeleteWonderful carvings and I like the windows with just a touch of color.
ReplyDeleteIt makes the church lighter when there is no coloured stained glass
DeleteI love country churches and this one is charming. The Misericords are so very old and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA few village churches had them but not all survived
DeleteWhat an interesting church. The Misericords are lovely and the lynch gate is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That gate is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious, but I find English Church buildings just fascinating. The architecture is just gorgeous.
The white plaster on the outside is so unique, and those old carvings really show the history of the place. It's a smart move to resell that shelving since the weather would probably ruin it before the season even ends.
ReplyDelete