This is a revisit to the church and in truth I probably did not need to write a second blog but you always find something you missed when you go back. The main reason for going back was because I had managed to arrange a visit to the Harcourt Chapel which is normally locked
Some history from Wikipedia :-
The earliest known record of the Church of England parish church of Saint Michael dates from 1135, and the Norman nave and lower parts of the bell tower are certainly 12th century. In the 13th century the chancel, chancel arch and tower arches were rebuilt and the transepts and stair turret were added.
In the 15th century the upper part of the belltower was completed, the Perpendicular Gothic west window of the nave and north and south windows of the transepts were inserted and the pitch of the roof was lowered. St Michael's is a Grade I listed building. The central tower has a ring of six bells. Michael Darbie, an itinerant bellfounder, cast the second, third, fourth and fifth bells in 1656, which was during the Commonwealth of England. Richard Keene of Woodstock cast the tenor bell in 1686. Abraham II Rudhall of Gloucester cast the treble bell in 1722.
In the chancel is the Decorated Gothic late 13th- or early 14th-century shrine of St Edburg of Bicester. It was at the Augustinian priory at Bicester until 1536, when the priory was dissolved. Sir James Harcourt had the shrine salvaged and moved to St Michael's. The Harcourt chapel was added on the south side of the chancel, possibly by William Orchard. It includes the medieval tombs of Sir Thomas Harcourt and his wife, Lady Maud, daughter of Lord Grey of Rotherfield. St Michael's parish is part of the Benefice of Lower Windrush, along with the parishes of Northmoor, Standlake and Yelford
Not the church but Popes Tower which is next door which gained its name from Alexander Pope
North west view of the church
Looking north west with Popes Tower to the right
Around the south side of the church looking towards Popes Tower and the Manor
North east end
South east
Doorways around the church
Churchyard near the path on the north side
Could not say what this was, it has the look of the old font but may be the base of a preaching cross
One of the tombs which I think is classes as a bale tomb, there is another beside it
Fenced in family plot
Few old headstones falling over or sinking
North side looking west
Round the south east end
South side looking west
The War Memorial for Stanton Harcourt
Bale tombs under the yew tree
Inside now looking down the nave
Longer view of the nave
Nearer to the transept crossover arch
The High Altar in the chancel is used for the blessing during marriage services and services where there may be large numbers taking communion e.g. Inductions placing a new Rector in their role.
The new altar which is used for services today.
It was made by a woodwork class at the local secondary school led by their teacher who was a local parishioner.
The rood screen the chancel arch
Pre 13th century rood screen dated 1260 the holes are squints
The painting of a lady thought to be 15th century painting thought to be Queen Adeliza wife of King HenryI
The back of the rood screen
The pulpit which is not as old as the screen
From in front of the altar
Organ over in the north transept
Not much to see behind the organ which is used as a vestry but some very nice carvings can be seen
Love this one
The south transept chapel
On the North wall is an effigy is a niche of Maud de Grey, the paint on the wall is 14th century
Closer view of Maud de Grey
One of her head on the pillow
the shrine of St Edburg dating back to the 13th century
The top part of the shrine is Perbeck marble
The limestone base is a later addition
The painted north wall and Maud de Grey
Remnant of an older arch which has paint on it
Church brass can bee seen as well
Floor tombs
Elizabeth is buried here
King George IV coat of arms
This is where I have arranged to go, the Harcourt Chapel
The altar in the chapel and tomb effigies
The altar with the names of the Harcourt family
The fragment of fabric that you can see in the picture frame to the of the altar is also a tattered remnant of the standard. This framed fragment was donated to the Harcourt/Gascoigne family recently and installed in the chapel.
This is collage of the plaque the list starts in 876 and stops in 1922
Robert Harcourt who was standard bearer at the battle of Bosworth. The tattered remnants hang above
Could not tell you if it is his shield,
Roberts head and shoulders and I think his nose was broken off at sometime but you would not think it looking at him now
Sir Robert Harcourt with is wife Margret beside him
First time I have looked down on them
Head ans shoulders view of them
From behind
Quite a few memorials to see
They are really huge, this one is for Simon Harcourt
This is George Granville Harcourt
Edward Venables Vernon Harcourt who was an archbishop
The surround of his effigy
On top it has coronets
Just the outside of them
Above is another memorial Simon Earl Viscount Harcourt he was lord of the bedchamber of
King George II
Some of the windows have some I presume medieval glass
Tomb slab in the floor
one with brass on it
More recent memorial
William Earl Viscount Harcourt
This memorial dominates the south transept east wall
It belongs to Philip and Anne Harcourt it's dated 1688 is all I can make out due to it being written in Latin
Bit of light pollution with this one
The inscription written in gold leaf
I think it is rather magnificent
Family tomb
That it I leave you with this flower display. Sorry the colour of the photos was not as vibrant as in my old blog but at least I got a chance to see the chapel
Till Next time may I wish you all a peaceful week
You have certainly done this church proud with your photos. Loved the squints in the Rood Screen, and amazed by the painting of Queen Adeliza (haven't heard of her before). Some great tombs there too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great church to revisit as there is so much of interest there. It is a church I have thought of visiting although it is quite a way from me. Love the medieval glass and the stone carvings and the tombs are really interesting. Thanks for all the photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at the history packed into these small churches that have endured over time. Thanks for this visit, Billy!
ReplyDeleteThe flowers in the last picture are lovely. This church sure has a lot to see.
ReplyDeleteThis special gothic Bell tower is here not knowing... I know other gothic churches in Germany, Austria and so on. Very interesting building.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and for being part at MosaicMonday
Greetings by Heidrun