St James Sevenhampton was the first of the churches I visited in Wiltshire and is near Swindon back in June. I must admit it was the second one that was on my list but the road leading to the first was closed to traffic and the diversion out of my was so I went for the easy option. To be honest it was not a church I would have considered if it was not for the fact Ian Fleming was buried here and visiting would then add closure to seeing the Family graves at Nettlebed. There is very little history on Wikipedia but here is what is written on the church :-
"The Church of England parish church of St James (also recorded as St Andrew) was built in 1846 by W. Pedley, in the Early English style. Its churchyard has the grave of Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond series of novels."
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The arch on the gate leading to the churchyard
The church bell tower with access door at the base
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East end
South side from the south east of the churchyard
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Put my wide angle lens on for this shot hence the sloping ends
West end and porch
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The porch with gate
The gate did open but the door was locked
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A few of the features around the church
The churchyard on the north side
Graves along the south west end of the church
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Looking at the east end of the churchyard with some of the local inhabitants in the fields
Looking east along the south of the churchyard
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Wide angle to take this view
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Tried to get a shot of the headstone but the grass was focused on
This is the grave of Ian Fleming which is easily seen s you come to the church
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Final look at the church as you walk away
Till next time may you have a peaceful weekend
Impressive photos of this beautiful church!!
ReplyDeleteThank you the church did look nice just a shame it was no open
DeleteThe wide angle west end shot is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteThank you William, I have a new wide angle on order
DeleteWas this his parish then, at the time of his death, or did he have another connection here? Looks a very pleasant church. You will have to invest in a Pevsner or two as they give such incredible detail about historic buildings, esp. the chuches in a county.
ReplyDeleteYes it was, though when he was younger he only live a few miles away from where I do and the rest of his family are buried at Nettlebed
DeleteLovely photos of an interesting church especially with the Ian Fleming grave. The lavender surrounding it is really lovely. A shame you couldn't get inside and I hope you can in the future.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is much chance of going back to see the inside unless I happen to be around there again
DeleteHi Bill, I find these church visits fascinating! Truly, this is something to be enjoyed in the UK that is missing over on our continent. Your photos are excellent and I love the way you zoom in on interesting details. And very interesting to see Ian Fleming’s grave. Thanks for sharing another church visit! Have a good week ahead. John
ReplyDeleteThank you John I love finding the little details on churches you would normally miss. We are lucky to have so many older churches in the UK and I was very pleased to see Ian Flemings grave was there, I have coem across quite a few authors graves now
DeleteVery interesting to hear about the Nettlebed connection. Thank you for sharing your visit to churches further afield from where you live. Wishing you a peaceful week.
ReplyDeleteWhen I realised I was near I had to visit to link the resting places of the family
DeleteInteresting post. Sometimes I use an app called SKRWT to straighten sloping walls a bit.
ReplyDeleteI'll remember that and see if I van find it for my laptop
DeleteLovely small church, I love the cows wandering around in the background. Really interesting to see Ian Fleming's final resting place. I like the view as you walk away.
ReplyDeleteI wanted those in the phot to show how rural it was
DeleteWhat a beautiful church. The cows in the background did make me smile.
ReplyDeleteMade me smile as well
ReplyDeleteBilly - how pretty it is to have the flowers and shrubbery framing the gate! I love the close-up of the "shields", especially the one with the crossed keys. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
ReplyDeleteMust admit I don't normally come across a gate like that with shrubbery by it generally a wall or fence
DeleteThe second shot with the funny light is quite lovely. Also the details of the crests. And big fan of Ian Fleming so that gave me a buzz...
ReplyDeleteHe certainly had an interesting life
DeleteAnother beautiful old church! I love the details and that graceful arched gate
ReplyDeleteThank you Kym
DeletePretty structure and great photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery gothic looking
DeleteHow interesting to see Ian Fleming's grave! Somehow it surprises me that the church is less than 200 years old. I always assume churches are much older than that.
ReplyDeleteMost are but the Victorians built quite a few, next weeks is old
DeleteSuch beautiful buildings! Thanks so much for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot and for sharing your snaps.
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