Just by chance ....

Saturday, 02 April 2011 21:30

One of the gems to see from Lechlade is Inglesham Church - a short walk from the Inglesham Junction with the Thames and Severn Canal. We chatted to a lady dog-walker who suggested we visit, although she was not sure it would be open.

Inglesham Church

There has been recent work done on the inside and unlike other churches we have recently visited it was open .....

St John the Baptist church is now in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust and is only used for services a few times a year. The 13th century Grade I listed church has Anglo Saxon origins; the current building was built about 1205. It was beloved of William Morris from Kelmscott, further downstream. He cared enough to make sure it was repaired during 1888-9 and a brass plaque commemorates his work.

Painted Creed in the north aisle

Conservators have been working here for 21 years. It is slow painstaking work. The remains of the coloured paintings on the walls are being stabilised, they have been over-painted many times over the years. The centuries can be traced clearly and the following photos will take you on a journey.

From the earliest days of the church the Saxon preaching cross is on the south side of the church yard - just seen in the first photo above.

The 13th century paintings, nave and arches 

The north door is 14th century

The font is from the 15th century

The box pews and screens are from the Jacobean 16th century

In the Chancel is a stone carving of the Madonna and Child (just seen in the photo above). It is possible this could be from the time of Edward the Confessor.

John could not resist the 17th century pulpit! He looks almost "at home", but needs the clerical vestments of the time to look really authentic!

John declaiming from the Pulpit

The communion rails are 18th century; the chancel paintings are amazing. The niches and aumbrey are really distinctive.

Chancel and altar

The 19th century William IV coat of arms are in the church.

Then in 1979 the church was declared redundant. That could have seen the 20th Century marking the end of the story for this wonderful little church, but thankfully the Churches Conservation Trust has not only extended its life, but enhanced its value.

So that completes the run of centuries. As we left we couldn't but help marvel that the church still survives and is loved enough to be kept open and be restored.

For more photos - clickety click to our album