St Thomas (head restored)
Detail of a north aisle window depicting three of the Apostles with accompanying scroll, suggesting the original full set of twelve would have represented an Apostles' Creed (elements of nine figures survive). Three of these early 16th century windows survive out of a probable set of four, but are so heavily restored that at first glass they appear mostly Victorian. All the heads are restorations (aside from parts of two) and much else besides (including the quarries above and below and one of the figures is entirely new) but around 30% or more of the original glass remains in most cases so a fair impression of the original scheme can be gained.
St Michael's church stands on high ground overlooking the village of Hamstall Ridware, approaching entails a long walk from the road across a field, the spire beckoning us onward and upward. Arriving at the churchyard gate it becomes clear that the church wasn't the only grand ancient building here as a jagged stump of brickwork is glimpsed that represents the last remains of the former Hamstall Hall becomes visible immediately behind the churchyard. The church itself appears to be mainly 14th century with some modification to windows, tower and spire in the following century. The body of the building is unusual in showing no structural difference between nave and chancel, the aisles continue eastwards to embrace both as a single unit and the clerestorey above is unbroken.
Within it becomes clear that this is a church with much of antiquarian interest. The central aisle is a long unbroken space flanked by a series of low regimented arches revealing the more mysterious and intimate spaces of the aisles on either side. Much of the woodwork is old, from the roof to some of the furnishings too, but most unusually the altar reredos incorporates two late medieval painted panels (not in situ, probably originally part of the lost rood screen). Neither are of high quality but are of great interest nonetheless. On the south side of the chancel is a canopied late medieval monument with a tomb chest adorned with painted shields. The north aisle contains a series of three windows of early 16th century date depicting the Apostles; they are so heavily restored that only around 30%-40% of the glass is original, the rest being 19th century reconstruction (including all the heads aside from parts of two of them) but enough remains to give a sense of their effect.
Hamstall Ridware church was one of my favourites of the day and a high point to finish on in every sense. I did however find it 'locked' on arrival and was bitterly disappointed, however after staying a while in the churchyard I noticed someone approaching so decided not to leave until after they arrived in case they had the key. The gentleman was indeed coming to the church but assured me it should be open and just requires a bit of a knack to get the door open, which he then managed to do (I'd tried a few times but was afraid to force it any harder) and as he was preparing music for the Sunday service he kindly let me have time to explore and get my photos before locking up. I believe the church may be open more regularly in summer months, but that door may require some perseverance!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Michael_and_All_Angels...
St Thomas (head restored)
Detail of a north aisle window depicting three of the Apostles with accompanying scroll, suggesting the original full set of twelve would have represented an Apostles' Creed (elements of nine figures survive). Three of these early 16th century windows survive out of a probable set of four, but are so heavily restored that at first glass they appear mostly Victorian. All the heads are restorations (aside from parts of two) and much else besides (including the quarries above and below and one of the figures is entirely new) but around 30% or more of the original glass remains in most cases so a fair impression of the original scheme can be gained.
St Michael's church stands on high ground overlooking the village of Hamstall Ridware, approaching entails a long walk from the road across a field, the spire beckoning us onward and upward. Arriving at the churchyard gate it becomes clear that the church wasn't the only grand ancient building here as a jagged stump of brickwork is glimpsed that represents the last remains of the former Hamstall Hall becomes visible immediately behind the churchyard. The church itself appears to be mainly 14th century with some modification to windows, tower and spire in the following century. The body of the building is unusual in showing no structural difference between nave and chancel, the aisles continue eastwards to embrace both as a single unit and the clerestorey above is unbroken.
Within it becomes clear that this is a church with much of antiquarian interest. The central aisle is a long unbroken space flanked by a series of low regimented arches revealing the more mysterious and intimate spaces of the aisles on either side. Much of the woodwork is old, from the roof to some of the furnishings too, but most unusually the altar reredos incorporates two late medieval painted panels (not in situ, probably originally part of the lost rood screen). Neither are of high quality but are of great interest nonetheless. On the south side of the chancel is a canopied late medieval monument with a tomb chest adorned with painted shields. The north aisle contains a series of three windows of early 16th century date depicting the Apostles; they are so heavily restored that only around 30%-40% of the glass is original, the rest being 19th century reconstruction (including all the heads aside from parts of two of them) but enough remains to give a sense of their effect.
Hamstall Ridware church was one of my favourites of the day and a high point to finish on in every sense. I did however find it 'locked' on arrival and was bitterly disappointed, however after staying a while in the churchyard I noticed someone approaching so decided not to leave until after they arrived in case they had the key. The gentleman was indeed coming to the church but assured me it should be open and just requires a bit of a knack to get the door open, which he then managed to do (I'd tried a few times but was afraid to force it any harder) and as he was preparing music for the Sunday service he kindly let me have time to explore and get my photos before locking up. I believe the church may be open more regularly in summer months, but that door may require some perseverance!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Michael_and_All_Angels...