The church of St. Margaret of Antioch. It's in a tiny hamlet, sadly has fallen into disrepair and is no longer a place of active worship. The church is thought to have been built before the 12th century and may be harbouring medieval wall paintings.
It is due to be studied by conservation experts, who consider the church to be remarkable and of an importance way beyond its humble appearance. It has a bit of a skeleton in the cupboard, too, in 1637 the Rev. Arthur Alvery was unfrocked and deprived of his living for allowing cock fighting in the church chancel! 
The church was of course locked when we visited, but I look lots of photographs through the cobwebby windows. It was a sad and neglected-looking sight. Let's hope that the conservationists can work some magic.
It will be my job this summer to encourage people to raise sponsorship money in a Bike 'n Hike tour around the historic churches in our deanery so that funds will be available to help preserve these wonderful buildings. I can't think of any greater motivation than to take in the story told in these photographs.
How hauntingly beautiful! Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness....beautiful pictures! So sad that beautiful old buildings are neglected and forgotton. I hope the fundraising does well.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures! I hope the fundraising goes well - it is so important to preserve our precious history.
ReplyDeleteOn another note - I got my stamps from Blade Rubber - So excited!