Still ay Witham on the Hill, but here, on the opposite side of the Green to the stocks seen in yesterdays photo is this interesting church with a very long history.
Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 is a church on this site, thought to be of Saxon origin and almost certainly built of wood. Thie oldest parts of the current church date to the late 12th century, when the first stone church was erected. It would have been a relatively small building. As the centuries progressed, north and south aisles were added, the roof was raised in height to create a clerestory and a tower was built. The 12th century builders would not recognise the building as it is now.
The result is a mixture of styles and ideas all reflected in the one building.
I was made very welcome by a woman who was working in the grounds when I arrived there. She took me into the church and pointed out some features. I also found a well written short history of the building online when we got back to York.
This church represents evolution over centuries, much as many village churches do. The amazing thing is how large it is for such a small settlement, although there would once have been many more farm workers before mechanisation of agriculture began.
I enjoyed my visit, although it was a rather dull day for photos.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It was such a shame that the day I visited Witham on the Hill was quite dull. The lovely limestone of some of the buildings looks lovely in sunlight.
Ian
Thank you Vesna, I'm glad that you like it!
Ian