St Bartholomew Oare

I found this church after looking on a map for churches that I wanted to visit in the area, it was not far from another I discovered I had missed so I took the opportunity to visit the church. I found some history on Wikipedia

"Oare boasts the earliest documented history within the parish. In 638, King Edgar gave Oare Chapel to the Abbot of Abingdon, a gift witnessed by Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury. Ten hides of land (around 1200 acres) accompanied it.

A monastic grange was built by the abbot at which he could rest on the arduous journey between Abingdon and Winchester. The grange was where Oare Farm House now stands. All that remains of the original is a very fine garden wall. The pond beside the church was formerly used by the monks and prior to hold carp for their Friday meals. The grange was pulled down during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII, leaving the little church for the people. Oare became a chapel of Chieveley at that time." 

The church is found through these gates

Looking along the path leading to the church

Above the West end of the church.

Left the Southside of the church

Going around to the North side

Above the North door still in place


Left the East end

Above the East end  and going around to the South side

The end stop on the North door

Above another end stop from the South door

The South churchyard

Looking across to the West end

Above three of the headstones at the West end

Right a headstone that took my eye beside an older one

An angel keels between two crosses

Above the angel looks like a child and I would think watches over one

The crosses either side are similar and belong to the same family vault

I will leave you with a view of the church. Sorry I did not get inside but the church was locked. I know were to get the key so will endeavour to return.

Till the next time I wish you a pleasant weekend

Friends Meeting House Wallingford

Walking along Castle street in Wallingford you probably would notice be forgiven that you missed  the small courtyard down this entrance. It belongs to the Friends Meeting House

But go though this passage

And you will come out in this peaceful surrounding with the meeting house  which was built in 1724

The small courtyard hear welcomes you to the place of worship

Inside you find benches that date to the mid 19th century. At the front you see the Ministers Gallery where originally the benches would have faced

The back of the meeting house with bookcase over on the right

This was the ministers gallery where they would speak or preach. aided by a sounding board over their heads that has now been removed. The elders would have sat on the bench in front

Over opposite the entrance door is another door taking you to the garden outside, note the locking bar that not doubt has been there since it was built. The key here on the hook looks like it may well be just as old

It fits this door lock of the same age now painted over many times

Out side a row of headstones that were saved from the old meeting house in Warborough before it was demolished. The meeting house was along Quaker lane that still exists today

The garden outside is a pleasant place to be and a place you can sit and contemplate

You look upon the meeting house

Going back to the front courtyard and towards the wardens cottage built in Victorian times

I notice a well trod doorstep. I wonder how many people have trodden on it over the years.

Before I go through the passageway out to the street I turn around for another Look

And leave you with the view of the Friends meeting House and I feel grateful for the chance of visiting. If you want to know more then visit Mid Thames Quakers

Till Next time have a Peaceful weekend

St Peter Woolhampton

These photos were taken back in 2011 and I had forgotten I had visited the church until I looked at the map for churches I needed to visit around that area. I realised I visited an Abbey and church just along the road so a quick look though my archive showed I had. 

The first church there was built in 1291 and restored in 1869 and there is a nice history written about it on St Peters church website

The church is part of the Benefice of Aldermaston & Woolhampton which comprises of six churches  Aldermaston, Beenham, Brimpton, Midgham, Wasing and Woolhampton, so far I have visited one other which means four more to visit that are not on my list.

The entrance to the churchyard, well tow one an odd looking type that I have not seen before

Getting nearer you get a good view of the church and porch

In the churchyard you can see the village war memorial

The churchyard does go back quiet a way

Above an entrance to what looks like a transept

Far end of the churchyard is a kissing gate entrance. Nearby is a family vault

 

inside is the grave of Captain R.D.M.Gurowski

The grave of WO 

G Humphries is in the churchyard

The Norths side of the church looks very busy with a chapel and vestry

The front of the church at the West end you can see this family vault

I will leave you with this view of the Spire
till the next time I wish yo a peaceful weekend