I visited this church a number of years ago and since then have not had a chance to return. Some history on the church via Wikipedia. The village itself dates back before the Domesday Book where it has a mention and there is an old Manor next to the church
"The Church of England parish church of Saint Giles was built in the 12th century, its transepts were added about 1200 and the west tower and spire were added early in the 14th century.The building is Grade I listed.The tower has a ring of four bells. Roger Landen of Wokingham, Berkshire cast the second bell in about 1450. Robert Eldridge of Wokingham cast the treble bell in 1592. Henry I Knight of Reading, Berkshire cast the tenor bell in 1608. Abraham II Rudhall of Gloucester cast the third bell in 1719. For technical reasons the bells are currently unringable. St Giles' has also a Sanctus bell that Ellis I Knight of Reading cast in 1639.
Gilbert Sheldon held the living of the parish for a time in the 17th century. Sheldon also simultaneously held the livings of Hackney, Ickford, Buckinghamshire and Oddington, Oxfordshire. After the Restoration of the Monarchy, Sheldon was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury in 1663"
St Giles church as you can see is old
Along with the porch which you can see is made of a wood frame with Wattle & Danube though in this case it looks like plaster
The porch shelters the old Norman Doorway
Above the spire looks very chunky bing supported by huge butresses
Left this was the first time I had encountered sheep in a churchyard
Left the North wall of the church and Right the area between the buttresses
Above one of the huge buttresses supporting the spire
St Giles Church
Left a gap in the wall showing part of the older church. Right the door on the North side of the church
Views along both North & South sides of the church
Over the road is the new cemetery of churchyard extension, at the time of my visit it was quite over grown. I have ever intension of returning for some internal views of the church because they look to be well worth returning for but you can see some in the link to Oxfordshire Churches
May you have a peaceful Weekend
5 comments:
Great shots
Looks nice but a bit neglected at the same time - but maybe that impression is enhanced by the sheep :) On the other hand, perhaps the church is just the right place for a flock of sheep! (thinking of "the Lord is my Shepherd" etc)
Love.
...Bill, what history there is with this fine church. Looks like the sheep are part of the maintenance crew!
Wow, those are huge buttresses. Love that they have sheep keeping the grass in shape.
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