I found this church after looking on a map for churches that I wanted to visit in the area, it was not far from another I discovered I had missed so I took the opportunity to visit the church. I found some history on Wikipedia
"Oare boasts the earliest documented history within the parish. In 638, King Edgar gave Oare Chapel to the Abbot of Abingdon, a gift witnessed by Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury. Ten hides of land (around 1200 acres) accompanied it.
A monastic grange was built by the abbot at which he could rest on the arduous journey between Abingdon and Winchester.
The grange was where Oare Farm House now stands. All that remains of
the original is a very fine garden wall. The pond beside the church was
formerly used by the monks and prior to hold carp for their Friday meals. The grange was pulled down during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII, leaving the little church for the people. Oare became a chapel of Chieveley at that time."
The church is found through these gates
Looking along the path leading to the church
Above the West end of the church.
Left the Southside of the church
Going around to the North side
Above the North door still in place
Left the East end
Above the East end and going around to the South side
The end stop on the North door
Above another end stop from the South door
The South churchyard
Looking across to the West end
Above three of the headstones at the West end
Right a headstone that took my eye beside an older one
An angel keels between two crosses
Above the angel looks like a child and I would think watches over one
The crosses either side are similar and belong to the same family vault
I will leave you with a view of the church. Sorry I did not get inside but the church was locked. I know were to get the key so will endeavour to return.
Till the next time I wish you a pleasant weekend
Both the church and graveyard feel old, and full of memory. But quite appealing. You've captured it all beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThat tiny cross, that the Ordnance Survey use to denote churches with neither a tower nor a steeple, really does disappear amongst the other details on a map, doesn't it. You've discovered a real little gem there.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about that more than once I have had to double check, good job I keed a full set of maps on my laptop
DeleteMy eyes may be deceiving me, but are the walls dressed with knapped flint? The Taylor family have some very nice stones, is the black one granite? Sorry, I seem a bit fixated on stone, today!
ReplyDeleteIt's quite common on churches in this area to see knapped flint
DeleteInteresting photos.
ReplyDelete...such a lovely little church. I like the bell tower.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful church.
ReplyDeleteI love old cemeteries.
Bill, I really like watching your photos and getting to know interesting places.
Greetings from Poland.
That's a sturdy wee church Bill, built to last!
ReplyDelete