St Denys, Evington
St Denys's church in Evington sits in a fairly rural setting on the edge of the village (which itself nowadays sits on the outer fringe of Leicester's suburban sprawl). It is a mainly 14th century building with a simple west tower and spire and some elaborately traceried windows in the north aisle (that at the west end is unusually ornate for such an inconspicuous position). Later alterations are apparent with the chancel, which is clearly a Victorian rebuilding, whilst from the south side of the church a glazed annex leads to modern parish rooms built in the early 21st century.
Within the church is spacious and well kept and also enlivened by some interesting glass, the chancel east window having an unusual design of angels around an ornamental cross, whilst in the south aisle some rich Victorian medallions compete with a vibrant early 20th century window with St Michael at its centre. The most significant pieces here however are the surviving 14th century traceries in some of the north aisle windows which include censing angels and heraldry.
I was made welcome here by the kindly people on duty and one gentleman drew my attention to the new glass installations in the recent extension, escorting me further into the function rooms to make sure I didn't miss another piece in there. I hope I didn't cause any offence when I edged back to the door after a few minutes, such moments can get a bit awkward when time is limited (especially ride and stride day as planned itineraries get harder to fulfil with each passing hour and only one day when so many churches are open).
I particularly liked St Denys, a lovely church which isn't likely to be open outside of services, but well worth a look if one is lucky enough to find otherwise.
St Denys, Evington
St Denys's church in Evington sits in a fairly rural setting on the edge of the village (which itself nowadays sits on the outer fringe of Leicester's suburban sprawl). It is a mainly 14th century building with a simple west tower and spire and some elaborately traceried windows in the north aisle (that at the west end is unusually ornate for such an inconspicuous position). Later alterations are apparent with the chancel, which is clearly a Victorian rebuilding, whilst from the south side of the church a glazed annex leads to modern parish rooms built in the early 21st century.
Within the church is spacious and well kept and also enlivened by some interesting glass, the chancel east window having an unusual design of angels around an ornamental cross, whilst in the south aisle some rich Victorian medallions compete with a vibrant early 20th century window with St Michael at its centre. The most significant pieces here however are the surviving 14th century traceries in some of the north aisle windows which include censing angels and heraldry.
I was made welcome here by the kindly people on duty and one gentleman drew my attention to the new glass installations in the recent extension, escorting me further into the function rooms to make sure I didn't miss another piece in there. I hope I didn't cause any offence when I edged back to the door after a few minutes, such moments can get a bit awkward when time is limited (especially ride and stride day as planned itineraries get harder to fulfil with each passing hour and only one day when so many churches are open).
I particularly liked St Denys, a lovely church which isn't likely to be open outside of services, but well worth a look if one is lucky enough to find otherwise.