St Mary's, Chickerell

[puddleshark]

Comments

[lnhammer]

In 1834, a north aisle was added, with the roof supported by cast iron pipes instead of pillars. At the same time the gallery was moved from the north wall and re-sited at the back of the church.

Wait, what? Between this and scrolling through those pics a few times, I still can't envision the layout of this thing.

Lovely, though.

[puddleshark]

Floor plan here if it's any help.

The nave started out long and narrow with a gallery along the north side wall, but they took down the gallery and widened the nave, adding an aisle along the north side and making the nave almost a perfect square... They then re-erected the gallery along the (newly widened) west wall.

[lnhammer]

Oh, okay -- squared it off, then turned the interior orientation 90° ...

[latestarter]

Thanks for posting. That brought back some memories. I'm not from the area but I went to the funeral of an elderly friend there in 2012, and he was buried in that churchyard alongside his late wife.

[puddleshark]

They chose a lovely church to hold the service in. One of those churches that feels ancient, but is still very light and welcoming.

[thoughtsbykat]

It's a beautiful church even with their renovations. I love the arches and the windows. I can appreciate the old oak that the pulpit is made of. The floral displays are gorgeous! Great photos!

[puddleshark]

It's a lovely church - that wide square nave makes it very light and welcoming.

[sartorias]

So lovely!

[puddleshark]

It is. I'm glad the 13th century chancel arch survived all the restorations and renovations - it's simple, and perfect.

[puddleshark]

I could have sat looking at the sunlight falling slantwise on that altar cloth all afternoon...

Yes, one of those churches that has a very peaceful and welcoming feel.