On my way out of Lavenham, I drove past the most interesting church, and I just had to find a place to park, and walk back, explore and take pictures. It is the church of St. Peter and Saint Paul, and was built in the 1500s by the Earl of Oxford. According to Wikipedia, the church is excessively large for the size of the village and with a tower standing 141 ft high it lays claim to being the highest village church tower in Britain. The church is renowned for its Late-Gothic chantries and screens. I knew it was special!
I think that the thing that surprised me the most is that there is grass going all the way up to the doorsteps, and right along the edges of the walls.
I love the ironwork over the keyhole.
It still amazes me that these churches are used like all the rest... Bulletin board in the foyer, etc.!
I wonder when they stopped using the graveyard. All of the headstones seem very old, and the sarcophagi are empty. I'd love to find a caretaker to chat with...
What a beautiful surprise, to find such an amazing church out in the middle of the country. There are many more around us that I'd like to take a closer look at, although I think this one was extra-special.
P.S. For those who are newer readers, I recently updated my blog with two new pages: About Me, and How We Got Here, which explains how we became expats-- in case you wondered about any of those things!
Ariana,
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to be reading you here. Loved walking through this beautiful Cathedral with your eyes.
We spent 2 weeks in England last May with Finn (then 1) for a speaking trip. They've invited us back for 2013... maybe you'll still be there??
Hi Jonalyn,
ReplyDeleteIt's always so great when old friends find my blog and start tracking with us (or getting caught up on where we've been!)
We should definitely still be here next year-- at least that's OUR plan! Definitely figure a visit into your trip.
The History!
ReplyDeleteYes, Dana-- it seriously boggles my American mind!
DeleteThis is breath taking. I visited London twice and remember how moved I was when I went to Westminster Abbey. It was right before Easter. I love that you have the opportunity to see these beautiful buildings. It feels like you are in a Jane Austen novel...:)
ReplyDeleteHi Kimberly! I loved your comment about being in a Jane Austen novel-- that thought has definitely crossed my mind! It's so idyllic, I sometimes wonder if people who grew up here even know how lovely it is...
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