Church Crawl, Saturday, 15th July
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.
