In many of the country churches I visit they are simply screened by a bit of curtain, others have doors, and some churches don't appear to have a vestry at all.
This particular church was built in 1363, but was badly damaged during the Civil War, the small portion which remains was restored in 1889. I have a healthy curiosity so I needed to know what lay beyond the curtained door, I took a peep... and I am so pleased that I did. This is the most interesting vestry I have seen.
A small fireplace, for the vicar to warm himself by, a mirror to check his appearance, and a holy statue. It all seems so right, so well used. There was even an old kettle - necessary for making that reviving cup of tea.
A lot of junk was in there too, bits and pieces used throughout the church year.
I took my photograph and left, but this small room was the nicest part of the church, it had a wonderful atmosphere. The main part of the church was beautifully furnished, sumptuous even, but it felt empty
I also enjoy exploring right around the churchyards - this little door leads directly into the vestry, what a beauty.
Moving on...
This next vestry is in another small country church located on a hill, just above a tiny hamlet and adjacent to a fine country estate. Outside, the churchyard monuments show just how wealthy some of the parishioners were.
Hidden behind a curtain ... two safes...perhaps one was for the Parish Registers and the other for church plate. It was a junked up, messy kind of area again and that is exactly how it felt. The interior of the main church shows that lots of money has been spent on it - and yet it does not have the feel of a well-loved church.
This monument is in the vestry - hidden, forgotten, dirty, dusty and covered in cobwebs. So sad.
The chancel of the church dates from before 1384, with many additions over the years.
Regrettably, the church was "restored" by the Victorians.
Perhaps that accounts for the loss of atmosphere.
How about this cute, if somewhat dangerous, little staircase which leads to the bell tower.
This wonderful Norman arch reputedly comes from the ruins of nearby Calceby church - a recycled archway!
I still haven't found a church which can match All Saints' Church at Saltfleetby - but I shall continue looking.
What an interesting church. Some things certainly looks to be from the 1300s.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Hello Elna, I love these old country churches, they are always a patchwork quilt of additions, that is part of what makes them so charming.
DeleteI wonder if I would have the nerve to open the vestry door. What a charming vestry interior at your very old church.
ReplyDeleteHello Joanne, I confess, I did knock and call "Hello"...just in case. Most of these lovely buildings are infrequently visited, many never have a service held in them these days. Such a shame.
DeleteWhat an adventure, we love to prowl old historical graveyards...such fun!
ReplyDeleteHello Doc, I understand the appeal of old graveyards, I have always loved exploring them, trying to decipher the inscriptions, etc.
DeleteI love old churches - especially their quirky interiors! You never know quite what you're going to find when you open a door...! Jx
ReplyDeleteHello Jan, The last one we visited refused to let my husband out of the door, he really struggled. Luckily I had no such problem, it opened at the first turn...
DeleteThose steps leading to the tower wouldn't have met code here in the States. The vestry would have had to install a handrail. :-)
ReplyDeleteHello Revrunner, They would, indeed! I am amazed that they have survived the Health and Safety Code here, but thank goodness they have.
DeleteI love seeing the architecture and learning about the necessities of a Vicar:-D
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, I find these wonderful old buildings endlessly fascinating. I'm delighted you enjoyed this little glimpse of the areas we don't normally see.
DeleteMy interest would have been peeked as well having a chance to view something from the1300's . . . I wish I was there to explore with you.
ReplyDeleteHello Lynne, You are just going to have to come and visit, I have so many wonderful places to show you!
DeleteI, too, love to nose around. If it isn't locked, then I assume I can enter.
ReplyDeleteHello Bonnie, I am so grateful that these beautiful buildings are generally left unlocked so we are free to explore and enjoy them!
DeleteThere seem to be many many churches in your area for you to explore and us to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hello Jane, Lincolnshire has a great many churches, mostly rural. I have found some really delightful ones on my rambles, some beautiful, others less so, my favourite ones just have a really nice atmosphere.
DeleteYou are absolutely right. Often the most interesting part of a church is the junk filled vestry. Out here that is certainly the case; you never know what you might find!
ReplyDeleteHello Cro, Another advantage of living in the sticks - the freedom to explore and enjoy quiet rural churches. Fascinating places.
DeleteI don't know much about churches.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the vestry, but never known exactly what it was.
Have to admit I've never cared enough to ask.
So thank you, I've learned something today.
Hello River, I know very little about churches, too. Luckily for me this part of the country has many hundreds of them dotted around and most are left open for visitors to explore and enjoy. The history of some of them is quite amazing.
DeleteTruly amazing places!
ReplyDeleteThese church men are busy today. I just finished reading another blog post about the rector's buns.
Hello Mitch, I have great hope for the rector's buns, if he is willing to share his recipes. It will be the Village Show for 2013 before we know it!
DeleteI found your observation about Victorian restorations quite interesting. I'm not sure what years were considered the Victorian era, but it must have been a long time. In the US, our "eras" are condensed to mere decades..."Oh, that is sooo eighties!" Although we have Colonial or Revolutionary periods, almost anything after the 1900's is designated by the decade. I guess that might indicate our flighty, changeable national character.
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Sparrow, Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1901...many years. A great number of the churches which I show you have been 'restored' by James Fowler of Louth. He was an architect with a strong interest in church buildings. He meant well, is the best that I can say. (Some places had a lucky escape, they are usually the ones I most enjoy!)
DeleteSo that's what a vestry is. Thank goodness for your curiosity. Enjoyed the church visit (I especially like the door with the ornate hinges and the monument.)
ReplyDeletejanet
Oh, Elaine....my favorite photo is of the outside door to the vestry. Everything about the photo is beautiful. I love the color of the stone walls and the little piece of iron fencing. The door itself, with the interesting shaped hinges, is a work of art. The tall green grass completes the photo....worth framing!
ReplyDeleteI love that you peek behind curtains, and open doors that are ajar to discover things! Good for you! Makes things much more interesting! I never knew what a vestry was...we don't have them in my church...but I knew the word had something to do with clothing. I think the photos you posted are delightful. I like things with character, and charm, and history!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine,
ReplyDeleteLovely post and photos!
I remember in Colyton church in Devon, where my grandfather was the churchwarden, the vestry being a place of mystery. Only certain people were allowed in to it and, in those days, certainly no women or children...being a rather inquisitive little girl, I was desperate to see what lay inside however I was told by the vicar’s wife that God himself guarded the door to the vestry...
My church in the village is so very beautiful with a little flight of steps and doors with amazing curlicued iron hinges manufactured by the village blacksmith whose forge was just 10 strides away from the church lych gate. I love the social history which is integral to be found by looking just a little bit closer. Your comments and photos are so interesting.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! I love learning about something I would never know about on my own! Happy weekend to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post. You're brave opening those doors and peeking in. You never know what you might find. Sue
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