This is a second visit to St Mary the Virgin. I first came across it when I went to find a pillbox along by the river. I had to follow a footpath which went past the church so popped in for a look, that was a few years ago. This time I had been down to the local recycling center and took the opportunity to go back for another visit.
A verse from scriptures is carved in the gate sides
After going through the gate you are greeted with this view of the church with the war memorial over in the left
The churchyard is quite full of old headstones though it is not on a slope it's me taking the headstone virtical
The entrance to the church is through this wonderful old wooden porch.
One of my reasons for going back was because after I published my blog on Ipsden church I emailed the link to the vicar who was pleased to see it featured and asked if I had visited the other church he looked after in North Stoke, well who am I disappoint I hope I do the church justice.
Now be amazed
Normally I would take a photo just in the aisle near the door but I felt the font should be in it as it was so simple.
Look down at the floor and you can see it is original quarry stone tiles with beautiful wooden pews along with candle holders
I think this is the first church I have seen with candle holders like this in
But the pulpit with the canopy on has to be the icing on the cake, you can picture a old vicar from the past preaching fire and brimstone from it
If you look at the chancel arch here and look at the top of the photo
You can see this wonderful old heraldic coat of alms on the wall between the beams
Going through the arch brings you to the chancel which looks superb
The altar and chancel window though I'm sorry the photo does not do justice to the window
This is the chancel looking from behind the altar rails, note the old choir stalls
Looking out of the chance arch down the nave.
Even the choir stalls have candle holders.
The real gems in this church are the wall painting you see on the walls
They are on either side and around the chancel arch. I forgot to take photos of the ones round the arch but you can make them out in the previous photos
Beside the chancel arch is the church war memorial to the men from the village who lost their lives in the wars
Further along are other memorial
There are also some nice stained glass windows in the church
The lectern looked unusual until then I noticed the older spindle incorporated into it, this was a last moment photo taken hand held.
Some the words are lost to time
This tomb has a yew tree at each corner and is now becoming covered in moss
The two crosses here look like they are in a family plot now overgrown
Going out into the churchyard you can wander round the older graves
Some sinking and leanig over
Others hidden under branches but still readable and in good condition
This one was interesting as it showed a cannon on the top and has an anchor on there as well. It belonged to a Lieutenant Tho Greenhood who died at the age of 72
This tomb has a yew tree at each corner and is now becoming covered in moss
This tomb has been covered in ivy
The two crosses here look like they are in a family plot now overgrown
Taking Part in Cemetery Sunday &Taphophile Tragics
Have a peaceful Sunday
