...is what the Bishop reported, when he visited the Augustinian Priory which used to stand on this site. It was dissolved in 1534 and the stone was used to build the pretty little church of St Peter. The bell is said to be the refectory bell from the priory.
 |
| Just Click to Enlarge! |
As you can see, it is thatched. One of only a few left in the country and the only thatched church in Lincolnshire. When it was built in 1611 it had a tiled roof, but in 1672 a Church Warden (Richard White) thatched it, and took the tiles as payment. I don't know why that happened, perhaps the roof tiles were leaking - or perhaps he was simply an early wheeler-dealer!
 |
| 1898 view of interior, English Heritage |
By the late 19th century the church was in a very dilapidated and run down state so a corrugated iron church was built nearby... and the old church was used only for funerals or the occasional wedding. By 1962 the corrugated church was also in a poor state of repairs, so they finally decided to renovate St Peter's Church.
It is a very small church set nicely back off the road. The site is well sheltered and screened and there are the remains of a moat around part of the site, probably part of the original priory.
The sun was shining as I made my way to the door - it is a quite plain door,
which shows the wear and tear of many years, lovely. I like the very simple ironwork too.
So, it was with a tingle of anticipation and delight that I turned the door handle...to find I was greeted by
this rather less than beautiful interior. It is having all manner of renovation work done to it, not all, I fear is sympathetic. We can only wait to see what happens, I hope it turns out to be a minimally invasive renovation. I'll keep you posted.
It is a very small church set nicely back off the road. The site is well sheltered and screened and there are the remains of a moat around part of the site, probably part of the original priory.
The sun was shining as I made my way to the door - it is a quite plain door,
which shows the wear and tear of many years, lovely. I like the very simple ironwork too.
So, it was with a tingle of anticipation and delight that I turned the door handle...to find I was greeted by
this rather less than beautiful interior. It is having all manner of renovation work done to it, not all, I fear is sympathetic. We can only wait to see what happens, I hope it turns out to be a minimally invasive renovation. I'll keep you posted.
Hi Elaine....what beautiful stone work on the exterior! At least it is being worked on. I'm with you...I hope they don't loose the original look.
ReplyDeleteHello Meggie, I will return there in a couple of months, with fingers crossed, and I hope to be able to show you how gently they have treated the renovations. It is really tiny, but my goodness do those stones have tales to tell.
DeleteOh I love the little stone churches, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, I'm really pleased you like them, I have many more I would enjoy sharing with you.
DeleteIt's good that they are preserving up the old church but not all remodeling is a good idea. I smiled at the quote from the old Bishop that debts and drinking were sins. I suppose that was the justification for debtor's prisons. I'm glad that idea went out of style!
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Sparrow, They mended their ways after his visit, but only slightly, a further report showed that they still didn't observe The Silence correctly, nor did they care properly for the sick...! Once order is restored I will visit with the camera and show you how well (I hope) they have done. I'm just off to do some sinning...there is a glass of wine with my name on it.
DeleteIt was a pretty stroll getting there; hope the interior comes along quickly.
ReplyDeleteHello Joanne, The setting is lovely, a perfect backdrop for a small wedding/christening party. It still serves the local community so they won't want to be kept waiting too long.
DeleteI was kind of surprised with the interior, looks too new, too fresh. But at least it's being kept.
ReplyDeleteHello Janet, Thank you for calling by! I think damp may have been causing a big problem and they have had to do some remedial work on that - I'll check again in a few weeks and let you see the results of their labours.
DeleteThat is a truly beautiful church!! I hope the renovations go well!
ReplyDeleteHello Judy, I have great hopes that it will be beautifully, and carefully, renovated, we'll see in a few weeks. I will post about it when I have the photographs.
DeleteI think English people are very patient. In North America, we are so quick to level any building that's in disrepair rather than wait and see if someone will rescue it. I'm glad your lovely little church is being taken care of.
ReplyDeleteHello Jenny, I wonder whether it is patience, or inertia. Sometimes it is red tape and restrictions with plans and proposals having to go before committee after committee, each with their own point of view. It can take many years to obtain permission.
DeleteI don't think I've ever seen a thatched church. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteHello Cro, I'm so pleased you like it. It is worth seeing for the outside alone, although I am looking forward to seeing what they have achieved inside..
DeleteGoodness - what a shock when you opened the door! Here's hoping that they manage to keep the 'spirit' of the church through this restoration. Jx
ReplyDeleteHello Jan, You are so right! I had wandered around taking photographs, enjoying the weather and the beauty of the building, the wood of the worn old door...then I turned the handle and eeek!
DeleteI don't think I would have ever entertained the thought of a thatched church; don't know why. An interesting look for a church. I agree with you, the inside renovations look a bit iffy.
ReplyDeleteAs always a good post. Thanks.
Hello SAS, That old churchwarden has a lot to answer for! It is charming though, and the roof was only re-thatched in 2008 so it is in beautiful condition.
DeleteLet's hope they do a really good job on the renovations - either way, you can be sure I will post about it.
It will be interesting to see what it looks like inside once it's finished.
ReplyDeleteHello EG CameraGirl, I will be down there with my camera, clicking away, at the first opportunity!
DeleteLike everyone, I can't wait to see the progression of this renovation. Usually, I thought they work from the inside out, but then, keep us on our toes. XOXO
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, I hope that the next time I turn the door handle to that church, there is a sensitively restored interior. Fingers crossed!xx
Delete