I visited this church back in 2010 and had forgotten about it until now. I used to pass by it on my way home from work as the road it is on exits to the A34 and by chance decided to stop after having my car serviced at a dealer not far from the village.
The history I found comes from Royal Berkshire History
"Until the 18th century, North Hinksey Church was a mere chapel under the control of Cumnor Parish Church. The building is mostly of 12th century date, with a western tower added a hundred years later. It features windows of various periods and a fine mid-12th century south door with chevron ornamentation and animal head stops. The church was partly restored in Victorian times.
The stonework of the tower incorporates parts of the old font as well as the head of the 13th century preaching cross, the steps and shaft of which can be seen in situ in the churchyard. It is gabled and displays one hand of the figure of a Calvary. Internal features include a number of tablets with cherubim to the 17th century Fynmore family. Other than the manor, they owned the only estate of any importance in the parish, as well as the lucrative ferry across the Thames to Oxford."
My first view of the church after walking in the churchyard
Going nearer I noticed this little fellow run off
Above left the East end of the church and right the entrance porch
The tower looked quite different to what I had come across at the time
The stained glass windows I could see from the outside looked like the would be impressive to see inside
The churchyard also was full of headstones and memorials
with a few overgrown with ivy
The path was also edged with old miss placed headstones another thing I had not seen before
The stump of a preaching cross makes a good focal point in the churchyard
A final look back to the church on the edge of the village. I only stopped off for a short time and the door was locked so I could not get photos of the inside which was probably for the best as back then I never had a tripod like I use now. There is also a church of the same name in the next village of South Hinksey which I hope to visit when I return to see Botley Commonwealth War Cemetery nearby so I will see if I can get some photos of the inside of both churches them
May I wish you a peaceful weekend
6 comments:
...Bill, thanks again for taking me on a peaceful journey.
Terrific shots, as usual
Great masonry work! Love that anchor!
Beautiful church made of stones!
That stone with the anchor is really unique. Love the wildlife too!
All that wonderful mellow stone, with the deer as a bonus. I wonder what fascinating sea-faring stories lie behind that choice of headstone!
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