A beautiful picture of this Commissioner's Church of 1832-34 by Hayley and Brown. It is sad to hear that St Johns is to be declared redundant and sold.
It is built of Hammer-dressed buff sandstone with ashlar dressings, and has a Welsh slate roof. The church has a 5-bay nave, short chancel, west tower and small vestry at the east. Bays of nave, divided by set-back buttresses, have tall splayed 2-light windows with Y-tracery, under a continuous label mould. Embattled parapets. Nave ends in octagonal buttresses with pointed finials. Similar buttresses to chancel which has a triple lancet window. The four-staged tower has similar corner buttresses and on flanking walls. Rebated pointed west doorcase has a 3-light window with intersecting tracery above. 3rd stage has a clock and 4th stage louvred bell openings similar to nave windows. Embattled top.
The interior has galleries on three sides, erected in 1854, which have lancet moulded panels, and are supported on clusters of 4 thin iron columns.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Roman Catholic Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand
Following news of the earthquake this week, I was checking pictures of the cathedrals in Christchurch. I found this picture of the astonishing interior of the Blessed Sacrament Basilica. It was built 1901-5 to the designs of Francis Petre. Early reports say that the building has not been damaged to any great extent.
POSTSCRIPT The cathedral was shut after the September earthquake as a precaution , but the huge quake of 22 February 2011 brought down the two west towers, and cracks have appeared in the central dome. It was feared the cathedral was in imminent danger of collapse but hopefully now (April 2011) careful dismantling of the most dangerous sections which is likely to include the dome will mean stabilisation and reconstruction can be done and much of the cathedral can be saved.
Of course the Anglican cathedral, Christchurch, was also severely damaged and its landmark steeple collapsed. It is hoped the main church can be saved in any restoration and the city has vowed to rebuild the spire.
POSTSCRIPT The cathedral was shut after the September earthquake as a precaution , but the huge quake of 22 February 2011 brought down the two west towers, and cracks have appeared in the central dome. It was feared the cathedral was in imminent danger of collapse but hopefully now (April 2011) careful dismantling of the most dangerous sections which is likely to include the dome will mean stabilisation and reconstruction can be done and much of the cathedral can be saved.
Of course the Anglican cathedral, Christchurch, was also severely damaged and its landmark steeple collapsed. It is hoped the main church can be saved in any restoration and the city has vowed to rebuild the spire.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Jolo Cathedral, Philippines
What an odd looking building, discovered on a flickr search today because of news that this cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount Carmel was damaged yet again in a grenade explosion earlier today (10th January 2010) which damaged window panes. this is the fourth attack in under a year.
On 31st December 2009, a grenade also exploded in front of the Cathedral, wounding one government soldier guarding it. On October 27, a grenade was lobbed by an unidentified man at the back of the cathedral and the explosion damaged several windows and a homemade bomb was detonated in front of the cathedral in June 2009, killing six people.
For years, soldiers and policemen have been guarding the cathedral because of threats of attacks against priests and nuns. In 1997, Abu Sayyaf militants shot dead Sulu Bishop Benjamin de Jesus as he was walking in front of the cathedral.
On 31st December 2009, a grenade also exploded in front of the Cathedral, wounding one government soldier guarding it. On October 27, a grenade was lobbed by an unidentified man at the back of the cathedral and the explosion damaged several windows and a homemade bomb was detonated in front of the cathedral in June 2009, killing six people.
For years, soldiers and policemen have been guarding the cathedral because of threats of attacks against priests and nuns. In 1997, Abu Sayyaf militants shot dead Sulu Bishop Benjamin de Jesus as he was walking in front of the cathedral.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
St. Gregory The illuminator Armenian Orthodox Church
An astonishing modern cathedral in Armenia. I can do no better than quote the text provided by nersess on flickr.
The consecration of the foundations of the Cathedral of St. Gregory the illuminator in Yerevan City was carried out in 1996 by His Holiness Vazken I of blessed memory Catholicos of All Armenians. The construction works started in January 1997 according to the design of the honoured architect, Stephan Kyurkchian.
The Cathedral is a complex consisting of three churches: the Cathedral (Main Church) with 1700 seats and the Chapels of St. Drtad the King and of St. Ashkhen the Queen (both with 150 seats). The belfry with more than 30 arches and the court that will serve as a vestibule to all the churches are located at the entrance of the Cathedral. The halls for both the receptions and church-related activities are provided on the lower floor of the Main Church.
The Complex has been entirely built by the method of monolithic reinforced concrete construction; the orange tufa-stone from Ani, the historical capital of Armenia, has been used for the facing of the Cathedral. The consecration of the Cathedral - the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia - was carried out on September 23, 2001 by His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, and now, with its whole beauty and majesty, it is visible from the numerous corners of Yerevan.
The consecration of the foundations of the Cathedral of St. Gregory the illuminator in Yerevan City was carried out in 1996 by His Holiness Vazken I of blessed memory Catholicos of All Armenians. The construction works started in January 1997 according to the design of the honoured architect, Stephan Kyurkchian.
The Cathedral is a complex consisting of three churches: the Cathedral (Main Church) with 1700 seats and the Chapels of St. Drtad the King and of St. Ashkhen the Queen (both with 150 seats). The belfry with more than 30 arches and the court that will serve as a vestibule to all the churches are located at the entrance of the Cathedral. The halls for both the receptions and church-related activities are provided on the lower floor of the Main Church.
The Complex has been entirely built by the method of monolithic reinforced concrete construction; the orange tufa-stone from Ani, the historical capital of Armenia, has been used for the facing of the Cathedral. The consecration of the Cathedral - the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia - was carried out on September 23, 2001 by His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, and now, with its whole beauty and majesty, it is visible from the numerous corners of Yerevan.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Helena Cathedral
What a wonderful picture this is, and a surprise perhaps that this is the USA.
Begun in 1908 to the designs of A O Von Herbulis, the cathedral was not completed until 1924. The twin spires recall the Votive Church in Vienna, but the south tower had to be rebuilt after being almost destroyed in the series of earthquakes which shook Montana in 1935. Inside a wonderful series of stained glass windows, all made by F X Zetler in Munich, Germany.
Begun in 1908 to the designs of A O Von Herbulis, the cathedral was not completed until 1924. The twin spires recall the Votive Church in Vienna, but the south tower had to be rebuilt after being almost destroyed in the series of earthquakes which shook Montana in 1935. Inside a wonderful series of stained glass windows, all made by F X Zetler in Munich, Germany.
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
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).
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
St Pauls Church, Spalding
A peaceful view of this church built to the designs of Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1880, two years after the architect had died.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Hong Kong, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. This Gothic Revival style cathedral built in a Greek cruciform shape was designed by Crawley and Company of London. Construction started in 1883 and completed in 1886
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chichester Cathedral - A New Gargoyle
I had to add this picture to the blog. It shows what must be a recent embellishment to some part of this C12 cathedral, and is a continuation of an ancient tradition. I assume this chappie is some cathedral official architect or bishop. Does anyone know more?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Dar-es-Salaam cathedral
An interesting structure, the Catholic cathedral dedicated to St Joseph. Looks a little Baltic Gothic in design.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
...... and use it again!
And this is the Church of St John the Evangelist, Calder Vale (Oakenclough) in Lancashire. This church dates from 1863 and is by "Corrie" according to Pevsner in the BoE.
The stone differs but the design if not identical is pretty close to be copies. Does anyone know of any more churches by this architect? And if so do they look any different or was he a one design man (if indeed he designed it and not Mr Bonomi!!)?
The stone differs but the design if not identical is pretty close to be copies. Does anyone know of any more churches by this architect? And if so do they look any different or was he a one design man (if indeed he designed it and not Mr Bonomi!!)?
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