St James Aston

 

 For a change I decided to visit some churches on a Saturday because I knew they would be open for the Stride and Ride event, the first one I stopped at was not open nor was the second I had hoped would be but this was the third and they were just opening up.

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"The Church of England parish church of Saint James was built in 1839^[ with only a low squat tower and one bell. Later a spire and second bell were added. The Gothic Revival architect Joseph Clarke restored the building in 1862, even though it was only 23 years old at the time. The architect HGW Drinkwater made further alterations in 1885–89. The present ring of six bells was cast by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough in 1883, the two original bells being taken in part exchange. Two brass plates in the church commemorate the names of local clergy and churchwardens at the time of the bells' dedication and benefactors who contributed to the cost, the balance of which was raised by public subscription. In 1992 the bells were restored and re-hung by White's of Appleton following two years of local fund-raising. In 1857 Aston, Cote and Shifford were made part of the ecclesiastical parish of Bampton Aston. It now forms part of the The Church of England parish church of Saint James was built in 1839 with only a low squat tower and one bell. Later a spire and second bell were added. The Gothic Revival architect Joseph Clarke restored the building in 1862, even though it was only 23 years old at the time. The architect HGW Drinkwater made further alterations in 1885–89. The present ring of six bells was cast by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough in 1883, the two original bells being taken in part exchange. Two brass plates in the church commemorate the names of local clergy and churchwardens at the time of the bells' dedication and benefactors who contributed to the cost, the balance of which was raised by public subscription. In 1992 the bells were restored and re-hung by White's of Appleton following two years of local fund-raising. In 1857 Aston, Cote and Shifford were made part of the ecclesiastical parish of Bampton Aston. It now forms part of the benefice of Bampton with Clanfield, which also includes the parish of Lew"

Bright sunny day so I needed a filter on the lens. The spire

Heading around to look at the west end

Around to the north side The lens hood is showing in the corners

north west end looking at the spire

 

 The east end with both north and south transepts

Looking west at the churchyard from the path

Hood problems again with this wide shot of the churchyard looking west

 The churchyard looks huge in this shot from the north side

This headstone really struck me

Commonwealth war grave of Bombardier of W.S Brogden

Churchyard looking east

Fenced chest tomb and headstones

Inside looking towards the back

Towards the narrow chancel arch

 

 

Down the nave towards the chancel

The altar is now set up in front of choir stalls

The old altar still in the narrow chancel

New altar

The old altar with east window

Simple wood candle holders frame the altar

The triple east window stained glass is quite stunning

Wine glass pulpit

where you get a nice view from high up

Looking out the south transept which is where you come in

The north transept is where the organ is along with vestry and kitchen

The windows in the church have stained glass inserts

All with a small plague to someones memory

Either side of the south transept you find more windows with stained glass panels

A bookshelf is below one on this side no doubt for local people to borrow the books from

As you walk in the church there is a funeral byre which has a display board on it

 The font which is also in the south transept

There were not many memorials to be found other than this one to Albert and Alice Townsend

There was a display of old photos of the church which was good to see

 

Memorial to Ellen Reed

I wonder about the other 150n sittings, did one have to pay for them

The Rolls of Honour written by hand

The organ over in the north transept

At the back of the church this little teddy waits for someone to give him a hug

Till Next time I wish you all a wonderful weekend