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~ St.Michael & All
Angels, Knighton-on-Teme ~ |
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This old and beautiful church
stands in the site of a deserted village . It is Norman in origin,
though there has been a church here since Saxon times . A priest is
recorded being present in the Doomsday Book in 1086. The circular
churchyard is thought to be of Celtic origins. It contains a cross
which is medieval and has on it sculptures of the Crucifixion and
the Virgin Mary. Close by is a yew of immense girth which may date
from the time of Edward I . |
| The church itself is built from a local reddish
sandstone and also a grey sponge-like tufa. Weathering has occurred
over the centuries since the original rendering has gone, although
traces may be seen in the north and south nave walls. Nowadays the
church is topped by clay tiles, though almost certainly it
originally had stone tiles. The tower is cedar shingled dating only
from 1959 . The entrance is typically Norman with four small arches
, each different but all from one stone. |
| The Nave roof is 15th century , and
consists of molded and cambered tie beams . The nave itself has two
lights - single lancets of the 12th century as well as a modern
window beside the pulpit. There is also a window on the south-east
wall of the 14th century. The nave itself was extended in the 12 th
& 15th centuries when the bell tower was enclosed and the west
timber nave wall replaced the old stone one. This supported a
minstrel's gallery. The old box pews were replaced in 1883-4, as
part of a major restoration, the old doors being 'recycled' for use
in the vestry. The old north door was blocked recently and the
recess created contains the war memorial. |
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| The Chancel arch was constructed. 1n 1120,
probably from the original pillars of the old Saxon church . It is
flanked by a blind arcade of two arches. The Chancel itself was
built in 12th century and rebuilt in 14th and partly rebuilt in the
18th (north & west walls). Restoration was carried out in 1910
when the original materials were used. The Tower consists of heavy
timbers. cross braced and not connected to the surrounding walls.
There are two bells one dated 1625 - but recast in 1885 and a small
'ting-tang' . |
| Photographs &
text courtesy of Chris Rumbold |
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