Monday, 19 February 2018

A Walk on the South Side

The last time we cut through the back of the churchyard I noticed some of the grass round the South side had been cut to make a path all round the church. That is the first time I have been able to get close on that side. For many years the old part of the graveyard was fenced off as sheep were allowed to graze there.  Then for a few years it just went wild with long grass and weeds.

I was able to see two old doorways which are now sealed.
One on the South side near the East end:

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The other at the West end which would have opened into the base of the tower:

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I was also able to get closer shots of the grotesques and gargoyles on that side:

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One of two stone carved crosses at the East end of the roof:

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Some of the grave stones, like this one, have fallen over:

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The few stone tombs are well weather worn:

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A look back at the newer part of the churchyard with its Snowdrops and Winter Aconites:

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5 comments:

  1. The Weaver of Grass19 February 2018 at 19:52

    Reminds me of Grey's Elegy on a country churchyard John.

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  2. mick21 February 2018 at 03:34

    Very interesting post but as with a lot of posts from your part of the world I am left with more questions than answers! So if you don't mind here are a few of my questions. Why would those old church doorways be sealed? Very interesting old church yard with all the old stone tombs and tomb stones. Do you have any idea of their age? Who is responsible for the up-keep? or do things just gradually disintegrate and become lost among those beautiful spring flowers. I can't remember seeing an old church yard like that - and certainly no church of that antiquity - this is a very young country compared with England.

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    Replies
    1. Midmarsh John2 March 2018 at 09:44

      Mick: My guess is the side doorway was sealed when the church was extended. It would have originally allowed the vicar direct access to the altar. Not sure about the tower one but possibly sealed when a porch entrance was built on the North side in the 19th Century.
      As to gravestone ages, so many are badly weathered but I intend to have a closer look round in the Summer.
      Upkeep of the general area is up to the church and parishioners. Individual graves are mainly up to family members but of course some families die off or move away.
      There has been a church there for over 700 years. The present building was started in the 13th Century with the tower added in the 14th Century.

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  3. Ragged Robin21 February 2018 at 10:38

    Super post and photos - I always find it fascinating to see blocked doorways and the grotesques and gargoyles are fine examples :) Lovely too to see the aconites and snowdrops.

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    Replies
    1. Midmarsh John2 March 2018 at 09:45

      RR: Thank you. Old building are always fascinating.

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Thank you for visiting. Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Any comment, or correction to any information or identification I get wrong, is most welcome. John

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