Another shot from our walk on Saturday, taken at St Hilda's Church, about a mile north of Thornton Dale, in a beautiful rural setting.
This is the first time I've been able to look inside the church. It is always nice to find a church to look around on a hot day. The thick stone walls keep the interior cool, so it is a good break from the heat. It was nowhere near as hot on Saturday as it is now, but it was still necessary to take care in the sun.
Most of the church dates from AD1050, with some parts dating back to as early as AD850. In the exterior walls are fragments of decorated stone from the earlier church, and there is clear evidence of other changes to doorways and windows.
The church made the national press in 2011, with an article in the Daily Telegraph about an infestation of bats in the church. It got so bad that it was impossible for the church services to be held there. The bats involved were a protected species, so couldn't simply be ejected. Eventually, with support from Natural England, new roosts were created for the bats and most were relocated, though there are still some in the building, although they can't get into the interior.
So, after an interesting look around the church interior, we were back out into the sun for a final walk by the tree lined beck into Thornton Dale. This was the view from the interior of the church, through the porch and into the churchyard.
Oh this really interests me as I have driven past that church many times and always wondered what it was like inside. I didn't know the story about the bats! That tree lined beck into the village is one of my favourite places in Yorkshire.
wow! To be able to walk into a church built in AD 850 and is still in this excellent condition and still hold a service is impressive! Wow! They sure build it to last a lifetime. Talk about taking a walk into history!
Which is the oldest building? And is it still in use?
Our oldest was build in 1666 (the Castle of Good Hope)
Only small parts of the walls of this building date back to AD850, most of the structure is Norman (AD1050) and it is very Norman in style, but it has survived well since then, although there have been changes since then.
What is considered to be England’s oldest continuously inhabited home is Saltford Manor House, Somerset. This Grade II listed building was built by the 2nd Earl of Gloucester in the 12th century (AD1148).
There are parts of buildings that are much older. Here in York some lower parts of the city walls date back to Roman times, although most of it is much later.
Ian
July 20th, 2022
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Which is the oldest building? And is it still in use?
Our oldest was build in 1666 (the Castle of Good Hope)
Great shot of this lovely gate and the nice view outside. Fav.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I was quite intrigued to finally have a look inside this lovely little church. Very basic in style but with some fascinating little features.
Ian
Only small parts of the walls of this building date back to AD850, most of the structure is Norman (AD1050) and it is very Norman in style, but it has survived well since then, although there have been changes since then.
What is considered to be England’s oldest continuously inhabited home is Saltford Manor House, Somerset. This Grade II listed building was built by the 2nd Earl of Gloucester in the 12th century (AD1148).
There are parts of buildings that are much older. Here in York some lower parts of the city walls date back to Roman times, although most of it is much later.
Ian