![]() We climbed a narrow spiral staircase to the see behind the clock and up a ladder in the belfry. The churchwarden was happy to show us around and we were fortunate to see part of the church rarely seen by visitors. On our second visit, on Sunday 18 February 2007, we were fortunate to find that the church was open as a service had just ended. Arthur Mee reports the story that Charles II stayed in a room at Lawton Hall and that he was Godfather at the Christening of the eldest son of the family. The exterior dates from the middle of the 18th century with a nine bay front and a Venetian window. It was built originally in the 17th century and inside there are two Jacobean fireplaces and 17th century staircalse. Lawton Hall can be glimpsed through the trees but my hand-held telephoto shot does not do it justice. The list of ministers goes back to one Edward in about 1180, followed by Richard de Mascy from about 1220 to 1250. The tower, built in two sections, is in the Perpendicular style. Inside there is a monument to John Byber, the rector from 1530 to 1555 his initials are on the tower. The church was badly damaged by fire in 1798 and the nave was rebuilt in brick in 1803. All Saints is built on a mound and has Norman origins as shown by the 12th century semi-circular archway on the south entrance which is obscured from view by the porch.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |