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Bledington lies between Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton. The River Coln flows through a broad village green overlooked by picturesque Cotswold houses, small bridges that cross the stream add to an idyllic, timeless view.
The existing church dates from the 1170s although it may be of Saxon origin.The east and west nave walls date from this Norman period as does the tub font and a rare early bellcote. A south aisle was added in the early 13th century and a little later the chancel was extended. The church was owned by Winchcombe Abbey and shared in the wealth generated by the wool trade towards the end of the 15th century. It was at this time that the battlemented tower was raised on arches within the western portion of the nave, the west wall rests on the original Norman work. Of greater interest are the wonderful Perpendicular north windows of the nave and the clerestory adding height to the church and yet more light. These windows have whole panels and many fragments of stained glass from the 1470s including a series of donors with their names inscribed and the date 1476. There is also a tiny chantry chapel with glass from 1490, this has a very fine 'Coronation of the Virgin' and six Apostles in the tracery above, all under a beautiful stone canopy. Many fragments of wall painting survive throughout the church and all is wonderfully conserved and presented.
I used paper clips to hold the strips on while doing the stab stitches. Worked pretty well for pieces that went across the page. Less secure for shorter pieces.