St Laurence's, Shotteswell
Situated at Warwickshire's south-eastern fringe on the slopes of Edgehill, Shotteswell is an idyllic and secluded place, set away from the main road with a sense that the present era has left it largely untouched. Most of its buildings are constructed from the delightful honey-coloured local ironstone and the ancient church shows this off well. St Laurence's dates back to the 12th century and Norman work is still visible within, although the exterior has been much altered since. The sturdy tower bears a short spire and has belfry windows clearly renewed in the Victorian period, though happily the remainder of the church shows far less evidence of such interventions.
The interior betrays the church's antiquity, with the north arcade of the nave retaining its low Norman columns and arches (the south side is Gothic of a century or two later). There is a real sense of history in this church, a rustic charm which has been left unmodified by later restorers. Much of the woodwork here is ancient and quite special, including the screen and pulpit on the north side, and the astonishing sequence of Flemish Renaissance carvings now serving as a reredos in the chancel. The windows are entirely clear glazed, which at least admits plenty of light.
My introduction to Shotteswell church was more unusual, arriving for the first time only to find to my surprise two former colleagues working on the roof, so naturally moments later I was up there with them. There church was having much work done at the time and Norgrove Studios releaded almost the entire glazing in due course. (I even helped out latterly on one or two occasions). The spire was restored too (I got to ascend the tower and have a chat with the masons too) and on a few occasions a charming couple connected with the church treated we three glaziers to lunch in their lovely garden nearby. Good times, good place.
St Laurence's is normally open to visitors during daylight hours, as happily are most of the churches in the Edgehill area.
St Laurence's, Shotteswell
Situated at Warwickshire's south-eastern fringe on the slopes of Edgehill, Shotteswell is an idyllic and secluded place, set away from the main road with a sense that the present era has left it largely untouched. Most of its buildings are constructed from the delightful honey-coloured local ironstone and the ancient church shows this off well. St Laurence's dates back to the 12th century and Norman work is still visible within, although the exterior has been much altered since. The sturdy tower bears a short spire and has belfry windows clearly renewed in the Victorian period, though happily the remainder of the church shows far less evidence of such interventions.
The interior betrays the church's antiquity, with the north arcade of the nave retaining its low Norman columns and arches (the south side is Gothic of a century or two later). There is a real sense of history in this church, a rustic charm which has been left unmodified by later restorers. Much of the woodwork here is ancient and quite special, including the screen and pulpit on the north side, and the astonishing sequence of Flemish Renaissance carvings now serving as a reredos in the chancel. The windows are entirely clear glazed, which at least admits plenty of light.
My introduction to Shotteswell church was more unusual, arriving for the first time only to find to my surprise two former colleagues working on the roof, so naturally moments later I was up there with them. There church was having much work done at the time and Norgrove Studios releaded almost the entire glazing in due course. (I even helped out latterly on one or two occasions). The spire was restored too (I got to ascend the tower and have a chat with the masons too) and on a few occasions a charming couple connected with the church treated we three glaziers to lunch in their lovely garden nearby. Good times, good place.
St Laurence's is normally open to visitors during daylight hours, as happily are most of the churches in the Edgehill area.