Grotesque, Beeby
Beeby was once a larger settlement but today has dwindled to only a handful of houses, it comes as no surprise then to find the church had become redundant, but has happily been vested in the Churches Conservation Trust who continue to maintain it.
The most striking aspect of this attractive ironstone church is its handsome late medieval west tower, distinctively crowned with the 'sawn off' stump of an intended spire (which it seems was never finished). The remainder of the building is mostly of 14th century date with later adjustments (such as the addition of a clerestorey), though the chancel is an early 19th century rebuild in brick, and seems a little undersized for this otherwise fairly grand building.
Within there is the slight sense of sparseness associated with retired churches but plenty of interest to enjoy. The woodwork is a surprising mix, with late Georgian box pews on the south side of the nave and and an extremely 14th century wooden rood screen, partially restored but retaining its fine tracery forms (of which a further section can be seen in the south aisle). There is a rather charming font (13th century with a later bowl and cover) and a profusion of quirky carvings added as part of a major restoration in the early 19th century.
Beeby church is happily generally kept open for visitors during the day, one of the admirable aims of the Trust who preserve our heritage and keep it accessible for all to enjoy.
Grotesque, Beeby
Beeby was once a larger settlement but today has dwindled to only a handful of houses, it comes as no surprise then to find the church had become redundant, but has happily been vested in the Churches Conservation Trust who continue to maintain it.
The most striking aspect of this attractive ironstone church is its handsome late medieval west tower, distinctively crowned with the 'sawn off' stump of an intended spire (which it seems was never finished). The remainder of the building is mostly of 14th century date with later adjustments (such as the addition of a clerestorey), though the chancel is an early 19th century rebuild in brick, and seems a little undersized for this otherwise fairly grand building.
Within there is the slight sense of sparseness associated with retired churches but plenty of interest to enjoy. The woodwork is a surprising mix, with late Georgian box pews on the south side of the nave and and an extremely 14th century wooden rood screen, partially restored but retaining its fine tracery forms (of which a further section can be seen in the south aisle). There is a rather charming font (13th century with a later bowl and cover) and a profusion of quirky carvings added as part of a major restoration in the early 19th century.
Beeby church is happily generally kept open for visitors during the day, one of the admirable aims of the Trust who preserve our heritage and keep it accessible for all to enjoy.