Tuesday, October 20, 2009

St. Mary, Bicton, Devon

The medieval church lies in ruins on a slightly different site. This one sits on the lawns in the formal gardens at Bicton House (now College). It was built to the designs of John Hayward, c1850. The ruins were given a chancel like building by Pugin, which is in fact a mausoleum for the Rolle family. This picture is awesome, and the setting is rather unique.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

St Peter's Church, Pontardawe, Glamorgan

Another view of this very unusual church.

St Peter's Church, Pontardawe, Glamorgan

I first saw this church some 13 years ago, driving up from the motorway, where it took my breath away. OK so it is Victorian, but I have never seen such a tall slim tower topped by such a tall spire. Sadly that day I did not have my camera with me.

Built 1858-60 at the expense of W M Parsons, local iron master, who insisted that the spire be taller than his factory chimneys (which have long disappeared). Architect was J H Baylis, and the spire reaches 197 feet (60 metres).

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Church in a snowstorm


DSCF6813
Originally uploaded by Matthew Garrett
The church of All Saints, Blackheath, London - taken during the snowfall in London at the start of February by Matthew Garrett.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Pirton Church, Worcs


St. Peter's
Originally uploaded by flash of light
Here is another example of the work of Flash of Light.
I wish I could tke pictures like this, I am please to just get a decent snap out of the many I take. My pictures rarely have perfect exposures of building and sky.

Churches in the Landscape #4

Among the colleagues I have on flickr is "Flash of Light" who takes some absolutely awesome pictures, and some of them include churches. He has an ability to really make me sit up and look anew at some very familiar churches. Such is this church, belonging now to the Churches Conservation Trust at Croome d'Abitot in Worcestershire which stands in parkland attributed to Cpapability Brown. The church is renowned for the many elaborate monuments inside to the Coventry family.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Myeongdong Cathedral

Another astonishing cathedral in Korea - it is a surprise that this church is not in France! Handsome Gothic revival.

Jeondong Cathedral


Jeondong Cathedral
Originally uploaded by Marmot1974
An unexpected find - the photographer Marmoy1974 says "Designed by a French priest, the cathedral was completed in 1914."
Certainly it is quite French in appearance.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Rangoon, Burma

Now of course Yangon, in Myanmar.

This is the Anglican cathedral in Rangoon designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Seemingly transplanted from England - but note the adaptation to the tropics in the porte-cochere at the base of the tower to shelter worshippers from the rain.

Although the foundation stone had been laid in 1886 by the then Viceroy of India Lord Dufferin, due to a shortage of funds it took 9 years to complete the church vestibule. The spire was added in 1913 and the bell tower installed in the following year.

During the Japanese Occupation of Rangoon, the cathedral was used as a brewery! After liberation, the chapel was dedicated to the British/Indian 14th and 12th Armies who fought in the Burma Campaign

Friday, December 19, 2008

Churches in the landscape #3


Sutton veny church
Originally uploaded by
chippy1920
An absolutely stunning shot of a church I know well, My picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/churchcrawler/388464188/ ) includes the comment "Visitors to the area south of Warminster can hardly miss Sutton Veny as the replacement church can be seen for miles around, thanks to its superb central tower and spire. The church was built in 1866-68, and the architect was J.L.Pearson. " This picture by chippy1920 shows what I mean.