Wooden Cross Grave Stone in grounds of St Marys Church Steeple Ashton
St Mary the Virgin church, Steeple Ashton, is an extraordinary building, described by author Simon Jenkins (England's Thousand Best Churches) as a 'fairy castle). It is perhaps one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. Hang on, scratch the 'perhaps'; it IS one of the finest examples of this style of medieval architecture. It is an architectural gem, and has been awarded a Grade I listing as an historic monument. The church consists of a nave with clerestory, chancel, north and south aisles, north and south porches, and a four-stage western tower embellished with crocketing and pinnacles. The church is first recorded in 1281, in terms that suggest it was in existence long before then. The embattled tower dates from the early 15th century. It was originally topped by a huge spire reaching 186 feet above the ground. The spire was struck by lightning in 1670, and again the following year, killing two workmen, and it was never replaced. Around the roof line are carved a number of fabulous gargoyles and other grotesque beings. The nave is extraordinarily bright and well-lit, with large clerestory windows creating a sense of spaciousness. There are fragments of medieval stained glass. According to a local tale the glass was broken in 1643, when Sir William Waller stabled his horses in the church following the Battle of Roundway. Within the church is the Hay Library of ancient books, the gift of a previous rector. The stone vaulting of the chancel, chapels, and aisles is wonderfully performed in the lierne style. Strangely enough the nave is done in wood. The aisle vaulting is supported on shafts descending to niches set into the wall thickness.
Size: 3744px × 5616px
Location: Steeple Ashton Wiltshire England UK
Photo credit: © Neil Setchfield / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ashton, basic, burial, church, cross, dead, funeral, grave, grounds, mary, marys, religious, rip, simple, st, steeple, stone, tomb, wooden
