Kingstone Lisle is the next village in line along the ridgeway and not far from the Blowing stone which legend has it that King Alfred blew into it to gather the Saxons to battle the Danes. Some history from Wikipedia
"The nave and chancel of the Church of England parish church of Saint John the Baptist was built in about 1200. The chancel windows are each 14th-century Decorated Gothic. Some 14th-century stained glass survives in a south window of the chancel. Around the east and north windows of the chancel are 14th-century murals of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. The church is a Grade II* listed building.
St John's parish is part of the Ridgeway Benefice, along with the parishes of Childrey, Letcombe Bassett, Letcombe Regis, Sparsholt and West Challow."
You first view of the church shows it sat just off the road in it's own grounds
Though there is no churchyard as such to see or any headstones on the North side
Above the West end of the church and then heading around to get a view of the South side
After walking to the East end I discover a sign telling you the area I had just stood to take the photo of the South side was on Private Property so I apologies for that, I hope they do not mind. From here I went off to the porch
And went inside to get some photos of the church
Some neat carving sits on top of the screen
The East window and Altar in the chancel
The Stained glass east window
The Stained glass East window showing the Crucifixion and I think the good Samaritan
On either side you can view the some of the 14th century wall paintings of St Peter & St Paul
On the North wall in the chancel is a small lancet window surrounded by more wall paintings
The top of the window is a painting showing the head of I presume John the Baptist
To the side are more paintings
The martyrdom Stone of St John the Baptist
The beautifully carved pulpit with Sounding board above.
Left a view of the nave from the pulpit
High on one wall is a funerary hatchment
Above the door is this Royal coat of arms of George III
Nearby is a wall painting of the lords prayer
At the back you can see this plaque which seems to be listing the tithes of the parish
Left a memorial to Albert Divett Rickman
Right a memorial to Major Stuart Hamilton Rickman who died in the early months of the First World War
Above yo can see some 14th century stained glass
Right one of the stained glass window in the church
Couple more superb stained glass
Above I noticed this small window in the church which looks to ebe 14th century. One of the things that stood out in the church were the carved ends on the pews
All the carvings were different
My guess would be 17th century
They were a superb record of who ever carved them
The font with I noticed a figure of the good shepherd on top
At the back is a small organ
The chancel has choir stalls
The chancel lookg to the screen
I will leave you with thsi view of the nave looking from the screen
Till next time I wish you a wonderful weekend
It's quite a beautiful church inside.
ReplyDelete...the stained glass windows and wood cravings are beautiful. The interior like many that you have shared looks like what we see in Episcopal church.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure no one minded you taking a photo on private property. The stained glass is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous little place! There's so much history and beauty all together.
ReplyDeleteHistoric and a strong-looking building.
ReplyDeleteI just love all the churches where you are, they are so packed with history. So much work looks like it's gone into the sides of the wooden seats.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting church Bill. So much to appreciate in the wood carving, the ancient stained glass, the wall paintings and the memorials. The rendering on the outer walls is unusual. Those clipped trees, I presume yews, must take some work to keep trim and they look good. Thank you bill. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteSt John's is quite plain on the outside Bill but oh wow it sure makes up for it inside. The windows and other details are absolutely wonderful and so beautifully shown here ✨
ReplyDelete