St Peter's, Gaulby
St Peter's church at Gaulby is one I'd long wanted to see ever since being intrigued by seeing a photo of that distinctive 18th century tower crowned by those bizarre spiky pinnacles (a unique fusion of Baroque, Gothic and Chinese elements in terms of design!). It took me a long time to finally see it for myself, but seeing that tower basking in the sunshine was a sight that didn't disappoint.
The medieval church here was mostly rebuilt in 1741 (under the direction of William Fortrey who later had neighbouring King's Norton church similarly replaced) with John Wing the Elder of Leicester as architect. The old chancel remained more or less unaltered but remarkably the nave was rebuilt in a sympathetic style, and with its tall Perpendicular-style windows it could easily be mistaken as late medieval work. This approach however changed radically in the building of the tower at the west end, which is entirely Baroque in character more typical of its age, aside from the fact it is crowned with four of the most fanciful pinnacles ever conceived, the effect akin to a Gothic parapet crowned by mini-pagodas at the corners! It is a unique design and something really rather special.
The interior by contrast lacks the excitement of the exterior, it is quite an austere space and has lost its 18th century furnishings to 20th century re-ordering (the attractive baluster font however remains). The old chancel beyond seems by contrast dark and mysterious, largely thanks to some of the windows having been blocked in and the east window containing a rich display by Burlison & Grylls, the only stained glass in the church (though actually the first coloured window I'd seen on this trip!).
Gaulby church (also called 'Galby in Pevsner) used to be open for limited times during Summer pre-Covid but I'm not sure of the arrangement now. I feared another 'porch only opening' upon my arrival here as the register for Ride & Stride was set up ready in there, but happily a note on the inner door claimed 'it was safe to enter here' and the door yielded accordingly, making me very happy as it was the second of my 'must see' churches on this itinerary.
St Peter's, Gaulby
St Peter's church at Gaulby is one I'd long wanted to see ever since being intrigued by seeing a photo of that distinctive 18th century tower crowned by those bizarre spiky pinnacles (a unique fusion of Baroque, Gothic and Chinese elements in terms of design!). It took me a long time to finally see it for myself, but seeing that tower basking in the sunshine was a sight that didn't disappoint.
The medieval church here was mostly rebuilt in 1741 (under the direction of William Fortrey who later had neighbouring King's Norton church similarly replaced) with John Wing the Elder of Leicester as architect. The old chancel remained more or less unaltered but remarkably the nave was rebuilt in a sympathetic style, and with its tall Perpendicular-style windows it could easily be mistaken as late medieval work. This approach however changed radically in the building of the tower at the west end, which is entirely Baroque in character more typical of its age, aside from the fact it is crowned with four of the most fanciful pinnacles ever conceived, the effect akin to a Gothic parapet crowned by mini-pagodas at the corners! It is a unique design and something really rather special.
The interior by contrast lacks the excitement of the exterior, it is quite an austere space and has lost its 18th century furnishings to 20th century re-ordering (the attractive baluster font however remains). The old chancel beyond seems by contrast dark and mysterious, largely thanks to some of the windows having been blocked in and the east window containing a rich display by Burlison & Grylls, the only stained glass in the church (though actually the first coloured window I'd seen on this trip!).
Gaulby church (also called 'Galby in Pevsner) used to be open for limited times during Summer pre-Covid but I'm not sure of the arrangement now. I feared another 'porch only opening' upon my arrival here as the register for Ride & Stride was set up ready in there, but happily a note on the inner door claimed 'it was safe to enter here' and the door yielded accordingly, making me very happy as it was the second of my 'must see' churches on this itinerary.