The first of my visits this year was to two churches near Oxford, the first was All Saints Wytham which was a church I have thought about visiting for a while. The church is old which dates back to the 12th century though most of it was rebuilt in the 1800's. History on the church is sparse but if you click on the link above you can read the Berkshire History account of it and though Wytham is now part of Oxfordshire it used to be in the northerly part of Berkshire. This visit too place on a very cold an frosty morning.
This is the way into All Saints Wytham which at the time of the photo was locked, lucky the noticeboard on the left has the churchwardens name and phone number on it so after a quick phone call the churchwarden came along and kindly opened it for me, don't let the arch fool you it was built in the 19th century
And this is All Saints Church which looks very dark but then the sun is coming up and you are looking at the north side of the church, the sun might creep above the tree in winter. The place must look a lot brighter is the summer months
The east end of the church
North east looking west
Only photo I can get on the south side as the grounds are private
Looking east from the path
Along the west boundary wall towards the tower
Looking towards the east end boundary of the churchyard
Looking back west
The west wall of the churchyard with graves and tombs
back along the path going north
Finally a view of the north side towards the west wall, the entrance arch is to the right
The porch leading to the church
Inside we look down the nave
The chancel arch looking to the altar
The altar with cover
Looking across the chancel from the south
The altar cross
Looking to the back of the church and the balcony there
Pulpit with floral display
In the pulpit you look down into the nave
The font is under the balcony at the back of the church
Organ over to the right of the chancel arch
The east window is quite beautiful
The stained glass windows are some of the nicest I have seen
The figures in the glass typical Pre Raphaelite
Lancet window in the chancel
The stained glass in it could be 14th or 15th century
This one I think has 14th century glass in it
The King in the glass may feature Richard II
The stained glass is quite stunning
Another window showing old glass inserts
The top section showing a figure
the bottom a phoenix or eagle
The coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth II
Memorial to Richard Hall
Benefactors plaque
Royal British legion flags
Between is this memorial plaque
couple of more memorial
The corbels that support the hammer beams all have carved faces on them
every one different
This one shows it's arms as well
Near the altar are a few tombs
Belonging to local familys
one has a brass on it
On the north wall of the chancel you can see some older memorials
these two most likely husband & wife ten years apart
All Saints Banner at the back of the church
The hammer beams have coast of arms on them
each coat different
I wandered around looking at each not know who they belonged to
View of the church looking back showing the hammer beams and braces
As I left the church I walked past this roll of Honour in the porch
I will leave you this week with a shot of the floral display by the east window which had a beautiful perfume to it.
Till next time I wish you all a peaceful weekend.
Take care
