This 19th-century church boasts a striking tower and spire, rising 120 feet into the air, and features a blend of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural styles. The exterior's warm, honey-colored stone is complemented by a tranquil, cloister-like atmosphere within, where visitors can admire intricate stone carvings, stunning stained-glass windows, and a beautifully crafted wooden roof.
You can feel and breathe l'air du temps. Beautiful, beautiful and peaceful
What a Norman gem of church. We were lucky to be there as the local school was visiting, the church was full of life and music.
This is a great addition to any day in this area, but is also worth the visit just on its own. Take your time to tour the church, find the crenellations in the pillars the images of the devil alongside those of God.
By any measure, this is a very impressive parish church. Started in 1120 and still having most of its original Norman stonework, it is one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country. It was partly renovated in the 1630s and again, fairly sensitively, in 1859-1862 by George Gilbert Scott although at that time an opportunity to preserve medieval wall paintings was missed, with one exception, which you can see in the pictures. Competition from several nonconformist chapels in the village in Victorian times ensured that there was only enough cash for Gilbert Scott to do the essential renovation tasks, thereby perhaps saving the church from over-zealous interference with its Norman character. Traces of the original three apses can be seen at the east end, inside and outside, and adorning the massive pillars which support the tower at the crossing are some amusing carvings, see the pictures attached. The nave has circular piers four feet in diameter topped with many-scalloped capitals and the arches are heavily decorated with zig-zag patterns. Above is a clerestory with properly Norman windows on the north side but pointed-arch windows on the south side said to date from 1220. The later date may have been due to the church not being finished until then by when fashions had changed or perhaps because of a fire which made necessary the rebuilding of the south side. According to Pevsner the wall passage around the clerestory, familiar from cathedrals and large collegiate churches, is unique amongst parish churches. Again according to Pevsner, the west front's two tower facade is unique amongst parish churches. Gilbert Scott added steeply pitched slate roofs, known locally as the "pepper pots", to the western towers making the church even more distinctive but they were removed, not without some opposition, in 1955. Unfortunately, an attractive tithe barn stands only a few yards away from the west front, making it difficult to appreciate fully its unique, although unfinished, nature. With its many round arches, windows and doors this church is quintessentially Norman with a Romanesque plan and is rightfully grade one listed. It is a valuable part of this lovely English village and stands next to Melbourne Hall by 'The Pool', all conspiring to create a delightful corner of England.
Beautiful building. Interesting display of their use of solar panels. Don't miss the pool just behind the church for a lovely walk
Stunning 'mini cathedral' both inside and out with an amazing history and location right next to a large pond
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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You can feel and breathe l'air du temps. Beautiful, beautiful and peaceful
What a Norman gem of church. We were lucky to be there as the local school was visiting, the church was full of life and music.
This is a great addition to any day in this area, but is also worth the visit just on its own. Take your time to tour the church, find the crenellations in the pillars the images of the devil alongside those of God.
By any measure, this is a very impressive parish church. Started in 1120 and still having most of its original Norman stonework, it is one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country. It was partly renovated in the 1630s and again, fairly sensitively, in 1859-1862 by George Gilbert Scott although at that time an opportunity to preserve medieval wall paintings was missed, with one exception, which you can see in the pictures. Competition from several nonconformist chapels in the village in Victorian times ensured that there was only enough cash for Gilbert Scott to do the essential renovation tasks, thereby perhaps saving the church from over-zealous interference with its Norman character. Traces of the original three apses can be seen at the east end, inside and outside, and adorning the massive pillars which support the tower at the crossing are some amusing carvings, see the pictures attached. The nave has circular piers four feet in diameter topped with many-scalloped capitals and the arches are heavily decorated with zig-zag patterns. Above is a clerestory with properly Norman windows on the north side but pointed-arch windows on the south side said to date from 1220. The later date may have been due to the church not being finished until then by when fashions had changed or perhaps because of a fire which made necessary the rebuilding of the south side. According to Pevsner the wall passage around the clerestory, familiar from cathedrals and large collegiate churches, is unique amongst parish churches. Again according to Pevsner, the west front's two tower facade is unique amongst parish churches. Gilbert Scott added steeply pitched slate roofs, known locally as the "pepper pots", to the western towers making the church even more distinctive but they were removed, not without some opposition, in 1955. Unfortunately, an attractive tithe barn stands only a few yards away from the west front, making it difficult to appreciate fully its unique, although unfinished, nature. With its many round arches, windows and doors this church is quintessentially Norman with a Romanesque plan and is rightfully grade one listed. It is a valuable part of this lovely English village and stands next to Melbourne Hall by 'The Pool', all conspiring to create a delightful corner of England.
Beautiful building. Interesting display of their use of solar panels. Don't miss the pool just behind the church for a lovely walk
Stunning 'mini cathedral' both inside and out with an amazing history and location right next to a large pond
