Infancy of Christ, Thurnby
East window of the south aisle by Wippell of Exeter, 1929.
St Luke's at Thurnby sits on high ground and is distinguished externally by its two-toned central tower, the dominant feature of the church and the result of separate building phases in the 13th and 15th centuries respectively. The rest of the building that surrounds it however appears to be almost entirely the result of rebuilding in the 1870s. There is however more left of the medieval building within than one might expect, as indicated by the small piece of Norman chevron molding reset within the porch.
Within the medieval nave arcades are revealed with their quaint carved heads between the arches. View of the space beyond is somewhat restricted by the heavy pillars that support the tower (of 12th century date) while the chancel beyond it is entirely of the Victorian period but attractively finished in a more costly manner than usual. There is a mixed collection of stained glass of various dates, the best being the large window by Wippell's at the east end of the south aisle.
This seems to be a well used and well loved church, and most of the people I met here were very welcoming. One lady I'd spoken to did seem a bit suspicious though and after telling me (not asking) to sign the book of condolence for the Queen seemed confused by me loitering for photos in the chancel, but I simply answered a rather demanding 'Are you all right?!' with a straight forward 'Yes' and that was that, but it did leave me feeling a little awkward.
The church won't likely be kept open outside of service times so best to visit for a service or like me time your Leicestershire churchcrawls to Ride & Stride day in September!
Infancy of Christ, Thurnby
East window of the south aisle by Wippell of Exeter, 1929.
St Luke's at Thurnby sits on high ground and is distinguished externally by its two-toned central tower, the dominant feature of the church and the result of separate building phases in the 13th and 15th centuries respectively. The rest of the building that surrounds it however appears to be almost entirely the result of rebuilding in the 1870s. There is however more left of the medieval building within than one might expect, as indicated by the small piece of Norman chevron molding reset within the porch.
Within the medieval nave arcades are revealed with their quaint carved heads between the arches. View of the space beyond is somewhat restricted by the heavy pillars that support the tower (of 12th century date) while the chancel beyond it is entirely of the Victorian period but attractively finished in a more costly manner than usual. There is a mixed collection of stained glass of various dates, the best being the large window by Wippell's at the east end of the south aisle.
This seems to be a well used and well loved church, and most of the people I met here were very welcoming. One lady I'd spoken to did seem a bit suspicious though and after telling me (not asking) to sign the book of condolence for the Queen seemed confused by me loitering for photos in the chancel, but I simply answered a rather demanding 'Are you all right?!' with a straight forward 'Yes' and that was that, but it did leave me feeling a little awkward.
The church won't likely be kept open outside of service times so best to visit for a service or like me time your Leicestershire churchcrawls to Ride & Stride day in September!