Category: Events

Somerset Churches Trust – Church Crawl, Saturday, 15th July, 2023
“How to Read a Church”
Hosted by Philip G Skelhorn

Churches and cathedrals were meant to be ‘read’ and to be able to do so is a rare skill, even among regular churchgoers. The purpose of this ‘crawl’ is to help the visitor to understand the richness and depth of Christian signs and symbols they find around them when they visit the churches of Somerset. Christian theology, Church history and Church architecture all have vital parts to play in the story of Churches and we will touch on these briefly as we go along but this is not about theology, history or architecture. It is an overview and introduction to the most common images, signs and symbols you will encounter when you visit these most beautiful of buildings.

The church of St Peter & St Paul, Charlton Horethorne (DT9 4NL) Listed Grade II*, this church was built in the 12th century although a place of worship probably existed here before the conversion of the West Saxons to Christianity in the 7th century. 14th century corbels, capitals, statuary niches and tomb recesses all contribute to the attraction of this ancient church.
Coffee on arrival here at 10.00 am for a start at 10.30 am.
Donations please.

Set in an elegant Edwardian building, the ‘Kings Arms’, Charlton Horethorne boasts traditional charm and period features. Lunch has been arranged for 12.45 pm were a ‘specials menu’ has been negotiated before moving to our second church visit of the day. Please confirm if you would like to take lunch here?

St Barnabas, Queen Camel (BA22 7NE) This is a magnificent church, listed Grade I with much to interest the image and symbol hunter. The
‘Rood’ screen is superb. This ostentatious work survived the reformation. The pulpit is of similar date c.1500 The roofs exhibit characters of medieval bestiary with the 35 bosses in the Chancel. Each beast is a metaphor for a liturgical incident, Unicorn, the nativity; Phoenix, the resurrection and the Eagle, the Ascension.
Afternoon tea here at 4.00 pm. Donations please.

Visits to three fine churches in North Somerset led by Andrew Foyle

We are privileged to have persuaded Andrew Foyle to lead this crawl.  Andrew is the author of two volumes in the Pevsner Buildings of England series: Somerset North and Bristol (2011) and Bristol City (2004). He studied architectural history at the University of Bristol and the Courtauld Institute of Art, winning the Hawksmoor Medal in 1998. Andrew now works as a freelance architectural historian based in North Somerset.

St Peter, Camerton (BA2 0PU)

We begin at 2.00 pm at the church of St Peter, Camerton, a large part of which dates from 1638, although the font is 300 years older and the first recorded vicar was in 1237.  Alongside the chancel is the Carew chapel containing an impressive collection of Carew tombs dating from that time (17/18 century) including recumbent effigies and kneeling children.  Look out for the stone carvings of a rhinoceros and an elephant.  During the Victorian era the church was enlarged and beautified, many fittings dating from 1891.92 including the rood screen

St Luke & St Andrew, Priston (BA2 9EF)

We then go on to St Luke & St Andrew, Priston getting there by 3.15 pm. On the face of it, a fine church of Norman origins with Norman arches beneath a central tower.  First recorded vicar in 1207 and south door from 1350-1400.  However, Pevsner says “All is confused by an illiterate Neo-Norman restoration” in 1860/61. Much original work was retooled.  Our leader will be able to elaborate.  Some striking modern stained glass.  A fine weathercock “1813, very big at 5 ft” in gold.

St Julian, Wellow (BA2 8PU)

We then go on to St Julian, Wellow getting there by 4.30 pm.  Originally built in 1372, this magnificent church remains remarkably unaltered since that time.  Externally, the “robust west tower is dominant” (Pevsner) and inside it is a “light and noble place aglow with bright windows” (Arthur Mee) and a high level clerestory.  The 500+ year old nave roof is supported on 40 wood and stone angels with hundreds of bosses.  14^th century benches with finely carved ends and poppyheads.  Rood screen painted and gilded.  Various effigies including a series of 12 “excellent small carved heads” (Mee).

Toilet facilities are available at all three churches.  Tea will be served at Wellow.  At Camerton there is a car park down the church drive alongside the Vicarage.  On-street parking at the other two churches.

Crawl organised by William Newsom

william@williamnewsom.co.uk              01963 441533

Church crawl meeting to be held at Wiveliscombe.  Meet at St Luke’s church Langley Marsh at 1.30pm  https://wiveychurches.org.uk/locations/st-lukes/

NB Parking at Langley is very restricted, and you will need to park in the road and walk back to the church.

We will then return to Wiveliscombe to visit the Congregational Church in Silver Street.

at 2.45pm and then on to St Andrew’s Parish church for 3.30pm and tea and refreshments.

Lift share possible – meet in Croft Way Car Park Wiveliscombe(TA4 2JP) at 1.15pm to share lift to the church. https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-wiveliscombe/croft-way-car-park/

There is another car park at North Street Taunton TA4 2LJ

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-wiveliscombe/north-street-wiveliscombe-car-park/  Car parking in Wiveliscombe use North Street or Croft Way.

For full details click here – SCT Wiveliscombe church crawl 1st April 2023