10/12/2023
Our ancient churches are all around us. They have been central focal points for our societies going back a thousand years. And beneath or beside our oldest churches are often the remains of even earlier places of worship.
Many Anglo Saxon churches were built of wood and have not survived but the Normans that followed from 1066 were prolific builders thought to have built 7000 churches throughout the country, as well as castles and cathedrals including the Tower of Londons White tower and Durham Cathedral to name but two of hundreds of their well known buildings that are in use to this day.
Many churches have been updated over the years especially during the Victorian period. Whilst this saved many churches it also destroyed a lot of the earlier architecture.
These ancient buildings have more history within them than many other buildings that are open to the public. Buildings that charge an entrance fee.
Currently many of these buildings are being adapted to meet the needs of society with Toilets and meeting rooms and improved heating.
But others are closing down or falling into disrepair. Church Charities helped but local communities help maintain many churches that would otherwise disappear from our landscape.
There is something very sad about and ancient church covered in Ivy and in a state of collapse.
So how can we stop the loss of these really important buildings, never forgetting they were built for people to worship, to get christened, Married or for end of life services.
They are still central to our lives. When tragedy strikes the community still gathers in the local Church.
Encouraging more visitors is a good start. Understanding a bit more about when and how they were built and what the important features are makes each and every visit a joy.
My focus here is Ancient churches on the Isle of Wight, the place of my birth. There are 20 churches with Anglo Saxon (449AD to 1066) or Norman features. I do not go into a lot of detail but hope reading or looking at the photos with Post Code details will encourage more to visit. Buy their guild books and have a good look around. You will be surrounded with history going back so many generation and so many changes in our society.
Maybe you can plan to see a couple with a lunch in between, its great way of spending time on this special Island.
