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A Norman church and the churchyard cat

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:34 pm
by jewel
Whilst having a stroll today we stumbled on this rather lovely ancient church which was a delight.
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The thick walls have withstood the fierce eloements since the ninth century
The ancient doorway is Anglo-Norman 1050-1140, builtos gritsone and sandstone, and occupies a truly lovely position looking out to sea, in fact in the graveyard are buriedthe bodies of 4 river pilots drowned escorting ships.

The font dates to 1665, and the bell was made by William Blews and sons of Birmingham, the inscription on the waist reads in half-gothic "presented by W.James Thompson, Barrow-in Furness January 1878"
The pulpit and west gallery are early 18th century.

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It was a place of true solitude, tranquility and peace, a real oasis of calm in an otherwise troubled world.
And keeping watch was the graveyard cat............................... :)
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Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:05 am
by LovelyLadyLux
WOW - fantastic photos and love the tidbits of history. I can't imagine how strong and stury those building are. It is amazing how they've lasted.

Most buildings here are lucky to make it 100 years and those are only the ones that are very solidly built. This church is absolutely fantastic Jewel. Thank you for sharing........EXCELLENTE! :) :clap:

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:58 am
by denisegr
That's lovely it brings me to mind of this church I used to visit with my Nan somewhere in the lake district as a child. it was absolutely tiny with its little grave yard, happy days.

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:20 am
by Horus
Great post Jewel with a nice bit of history to complement the photo's :) Some of these old churches are really interesting and this one had some nice stained glass windows as a bonus. :)
I bet there aren't many mice in that church :lol:

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:13 am
by jewel
Thanks for the positive comments.......it was a very special place, and no I didnt see a mouse, not even a church mouse!! :D

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:46 am
by Grandad
Nice report and pictures Jewel :)

I love the contrast, as with most old churches, of the aged and weathered exterior contrasting with the clean and welcoming interior. :)