I’ve said before, here on this blog, that a day with a visit to an old church is always a good day. And a visit to two? Even better. Well, today was a many church day. And not just churches; a ruined Abbey gatehouse and a Cathedral, as well.
St. Giles, Holme
The churchical aspect of the day started with St Giles, in Holme. Locked, alas. But rewarding nonetheless – even if only on external perusal – in the glorious sunshine.
St. Andrews, Steeple Gidding
Then, a short while later, I enjoyed a quick look inside St Andrews, Steeple Gidding. A redundant Anglican Church, with lots of groovy gargoyles externally, that I’ve snapped before.
Locked, again! But a helpful local procured the key for me. So I was able to look around inside as well.
Initially I was a trifle disappointed with the insides. For one thing, to all intents and purposes, there’s no stained glass. Evidence of the crumbling fabric of old churches was also on display.
But if you linger and really look, most older churches will eventually start to yield interest. And so it proved here.
From the unusual and quite vivid green tiles in the floor, to the seven paintings in the arches behind the altar, and the beautiful wooden roofing, there’s stuff to arrest the eye.
So, thanks to JP, the helpful local, for allowing me access.
Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse
It’s rather sad to see the rather paltry and very dilapidated remains of England’s oldest Benedictine monastery. Owned and maintained by the National Trust, of which we are members, it’s currently shut.
St Thomas à Becket
From here I wandered over to the Parish church of St Thomas à Becket, via the graveyard.
I circumambulated the church, which peregrination was rewarded with some great prospects.
