Now, normally, I would not be one for creeping around in old graveyards or church grounds, but when I passed one by that caught my attention, I just had to take a look. I just love rooting around old places. Their unique architecture, lines, weathering and seclusion. They also provide opportunity to reflect and evaluate on not only past times, but what lies ahead.
Sometimes we forget the lessons from the past, the creativity and skill of craftsmen in an age gone by.
Are we living longer these days? It would seem not... Almost all the gravestones I saw were of people aged well into or over their 60's, 70's and 80's!
This particular church, St Micheal's, was built in the 1520's! Such skill and dedication for such a structure back then, with limited technology is truly great. Still standing proud too.
The memories that are triggered as i meander around, are that of a 1970's HORROR film.
Looking at the time weathered stone, with clean lines and bold symmetry, you get a realisation of strength and dominance of how this type of building was designed to stand on the landscape.
Each and every church in England tells a story and captures key historical moments throughout it's life. Here, amongst the Stained glass windows, is a small but encapsulating depiction of how
this location was held
In-Seige during the English Civil War, between the Roundheads and Royalists.
Some depictions (below) are obiously of a religious nature and cannot be interpreted by modern-day me! Their detail can however be appreciated.
Evey Norman church is not complete without the great spectacle of a stained glass 'end-piece' window, and now, a beautiful organ.
For such a small and now forgotten corner of England, this particular church holds great historical treasures and detail at every turn, including this large wooden wall with intricatly carved door panel (notice the heart shaped door handle). Full of illustrious detailed carvings, looking around I wonder if such human skills have been lost, or is about to be lost to technology. Will we ever be able to feasibly recreate such structures with todays resources?
A ray of hope and sanctuary for many throughout the ages.
As I explore further, my eyes are drawn towards a familiar depiction of
Pegasus & Bellerophon, the symbol of British
AIRBORNE FORCES, no doubt paying homage to all Paratroopers that have fallen in conflict.
Finally, at the entrance/exit, stands a
Stepped Mounting Block, which used to provide the elderly, women or young riders an opportunity to easily mount/dismount their horses or carts during a pre-industrial age.
Examples of these Norman churches can be found all across England. Many of them are like this one too. They all encapsulate history, creativity and skill within the fabric of their walls. A combination of which is well worthy of exploration.
'Look into the past for lessons that can be learned for the future'
