Medieval Fragments, Longdon
Fragmentary elements of 14th century glass rearranged into a collage in the south window of the sanctuary.
St James's church at Longdon stands one the south eastern fringe of the village, hidden away from the road behind a lushly wooded churchyard and somewhat overshadowed on approach by tall trees. Behind them a handsome red sandstone edifice is revealed with a tall 15th century west tower, 14th century chancel and a late medieval south transept/chapel (built by John Stoneywell, Abbot of Pershore). On the other side of the church a much larger north transept grows like an over-sized limb from the north side and is an early 19th century addition. However despite all these later additions a substantial part of the 12th century Norman church still remains, which is much more apparent within.
The south doorway (itself Norman) brings the visitor into the nave where the focal point of the interior is the fine Romanesque chancel arch, a fine example of Norman carving with its distinctive chevron moldings. The church is surprisingly light and spacious, due in part to the eastern walls of the nave having been cut away for the south chapel and north transept (a handsome early 16th century arcade to the former, a slightly disconcerting yawning gap marking the latter!). The chancel beyond is dark and mysterious, largely due to the Victorian glass in its windows though some substantial fragments of original 14th century glass remain in the windows flanking the altar. At the west end is an intriguing font, with a Norman tub resting on a 13th century foliate capital (reputed to have come from Lichfield). There is further notable glass at the west end by Camm's and a striking more recent work in the transept.
Longdon church was happily open and welcoming when I called and is a joy to explore, an unusual church with much of interest to reward the visitor.
Medieval Fragments, Longdon
Fragmentary elements of 14th century glass rearranged into a collage in the south window of the sanctuary.
St James's church at Longdon stands one the south eastern fringe of the village, hidden away from the road behind a lushly wooded churchyard and somewhat overshadowed on approach by tall trees. Behind them a handsome red sandstone edifice is revealed with a tall 15th century west tower, 14th century chancel and a late medieval south transept/chapel (built by John Stoneywell, Abbot of Pershore). On the other side of the church a much larger north transept grows like an over-sized limb from the north side and is an early 19th century addition. However despite all these later additions a substantial part of the 12th century Norman church still remains, which is much more apparent within.
The south doorway (itself Norman) brings the visitor into the nave where the focal point of the interior is the fine Romanesque chancel arch, a fine example of Norman carving with its distinctive chevron moldings. The church is surprisingly light and spacious, due in part to the eastern walls of the nave having been cut away for the south chapel and north transept (a handsome early 16th century arcade to the former, a slightly disconcerting yawning gap marking the latter!). The chancel beyond is dark and mysterious, largely due to the Victorian glass in its windows though some substantial fragments of original 14th century glass remain in the windows flanking the altar. At the west end is an intriguing font, with a Norman tub resting on a 13th century foliate capital (reputed to have come from Lichfield). There is further notable glass at the west end by Camm's and a striking more recent work in the transept.
Longdon church was happily open and welcoming when I called and is a joy to explore, an unusual church with much of interest to reward the visitor.