Nestled in the beautiful English countryside near Honiton, Devon, lies the charming Church of St. Nicholas. With a history stretching back centuries, this church offers a unique blend of architectural styles and a warm welcome to all.
While the current building dates back to the mid-19th century, the site itself has been home to a place of worship for much longer. Intriguingly, the church's Norman font, adorned with mysterious figures, hints at an even older religious presence.
Step inside St. Nicholas and be greeted by the elegant Decorated Gothic design. The recent tower rebuild adds a touch of modern resilience to this historic structure. Interestingly, the original tower fell victim to the vibrations of wartime machinery stationed nearby!
The church is more than just beautiful stonework. The congregation is known for its friendliness and strong sense of community. Whether you're a local resident or simply passing through, you're warmly invited to join their Sunday services or spend a moment of quiet reflection in the church, which is open daily for prayer.
St. Nicholas also boasts some unique traditions. They hold a special service commemorating the Battle of Britain, alongside an annual American Memorial Service honouring those who served in Dunkeswell during World War II.
So, if you find yourself exploring Devon's stunning countryside, be sure to add St. Nicholas Church, Dunkeswell, to your itinerary. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and a chance to connect with a welcoming community.
I previously posted about the church of St Nicholas and the nearby Dunkeswell Methodist Church on the 4th October 2021. The pictures below are some I recently re-edited for inclusion on various products I have for sale on my Zazzle store. Please take a moment to check out my stores, they can also be seen on my Clickasnap account in a higher resolution.
These images can be purchased on various products including postcards, mugs and clocks on Colin's Picture This Zazzle store, and in various posters and wall art from the C_Green_photography Store. These also include different versions including black and white, sepia, 1974 and vendredi styles. The images can also be transferred on to many other products as per your requirements.
Clicking the images should open a link to my C_G_photography or Colins_picture_this Zazzle stores, links will open in another window. Please take a minute to check out my stores, photo4me and Clickasnap profiles.
All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Oh, the serendipity of an unexpected layover! For an HGV driver like me, a delay often means a good book or a cuppa, but back on September 10th, 2015, in the quiet corner of Dunkeswell, it meant something far more enriching. Stranded until morning after an early arrival at the local airfield, I traded the rumble of my truck for the gentle thud of my boots on country lanes, embarking on an impromptu exploration that unveiled two fascinating pieces of local history: the unassuming Dunkeswell Methodist Church and the remarkably resilient St. Nicholas Church.
Dunkeswell: A Pilot's Paradise and a Church's Challenge
Dunkeswell, for many, is synonymous with its airfield. During World War II, this seemingly tranquil spot buzzed with the vital energy of the US Air Force and later the US Navy. Little did I know, as I set out, just how deeply this wartime legacy had etched itself into the very fabric of the local architecture.
The Quiet Watcher: Dunkeswell Methodist Church
My first encounter was with the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, a humble edifice perched at the top of Abbey Road, gazing down over the village. With its understated charm, it spoke of quiet contemplation and community spirit. Using my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, I captured its serene presence. Online, historical details are sparse, which only adds to its mystique. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the local community, a steadfast beacon through generations, silently observing the ebb and flow of village life below. One can almost imagine the hushed sermons and hymns that have echoed within its walls for decades, providing solace and fellowship to its congregants.
St. Nicholas Church: A Tale of Resilience and Remembrance
A short walk further brought me to the more prominent St. Nicholas Church. This was where the history truly began to unfold, revealing a captivating narrative of destruction, rebirth, and poignant remembrance. Rebuilt between 1865 and 1868 on the foundations of an earlier structure, its very existence speaks to the enduring spirit of the community.
However, it was the story of its tower that truly grabbed my attention. Imagine this: the mighty roar of bombers taking off from the nearby airfield, the ground trembling with their power. It turns out, this very vibration, a symbol of wartime might, proved to be a silent assailant to the church's ancient stone. By 1953, the tower, seriously weakened and on the brink of collapse, had to be urgently demolished. This wasn't the work of bombs, but of the relentless, powerful pulse of progress and protection.
The current tower, rebuilt in 1953, stands as a testament to this remarkable story. But St. Nicholas isn't just a survivor; it's a keeper of memories. Inside, you'll find a moving tribute to the US forces who called Dunkeswell home during the war. A plaque and a book of remembrance stand as a permanent marker of their presence and sacrifice, a tangible link between a Devon village and the global conflict that shaped the 20th century. Even today, the church continues to hold regular services, its walls echoing with both contemporary prayers and the whispers of history.
A Journey Beyond the Load
My unexpected detour in Dunkeswell was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most enriching experiences are found when you step away from the planned route. What started as a logistical delay transformed into a journey through local history, a chance to connect with the quiet resilience of a community and the surprising impact of global events on a seemingly small corner of England. These two churches, each with its own story, offered a glimpse into the heart of Dunkeswell, proving that even a quick walk can uncover a wealth of hidden narratives. And all thanks to a postponed load!
Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!
All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Nestled amidst the tranquil landscape of Cumberworth, West Yorkshire, stands St. Nicholas Church, a testament to faith, resilience, and the passage of time. This unassuming Anglican church, part of the Diocese of Leeds, holds within its walls and grounds a rich tapestry of history, spanning nearly eight centuries.
What we see today is the third iteration of St. Nicholas, a structure born from the Victorian era's architectural fervour. But beneath its relatively recent facade, whispers of earlier incarnations resonate. Records suggest that the first church, a humble edifice, was erected around 1255, a time when medieval England was still finding its footing. Imagine the echoes of ancient prayers and the flickering candlelight illuminating the stone walls, a stark contrast to the modern world we inhabit.
The passage of time, however, demanded change. By the 17th century, the original church had succumbed to the ravages of time and was replaced by a second structure. Though details of this intermediate church are scarce, its existence bridges the gap between the medieval and Victorian eras.
In the 1870s, the current St. Nicholas Church rose from the foundations of its predecessor, a reflection of the architectural styles prevalent during that period. However, a crucial element of the previous church was preserved: its bell tower. This weathered sentinel, a silent witness to centuries of change, connects the present church to its historical roots.
Within this venerable tower reside three bells, their voices ringing out across the Cumberworth landscape. These are not the original bells, however. During the 1960s, a necessary restoration project saw the original bells melted down and recast, preserving their resonant tones for future generations. Each toll is a link to the past, a reminder of the countless services, celebrations, and solemn moments that have echoed through the valley.
Beyond the church's walls, the churchyard holds another fascinating piece of history: a set of remarkably well-preserved Grade II listed stocks. These wooden restraints, once used to publicly punish minor offenders, offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of local justice. Imagine the villagers gathered, witnessing the public humiliation, a stark reminder of the social norms and punishments of the past. The stocks, now silent and still, serve as a poignant reminder of the community's evolution.
St. Nicholas Church, Cumberworth, is more than just a place of worship; it's a living museum, a repository of local history. From its medieval origins to its Victorian reconstruction, and the enduring presence of its ancient bell tower and stocks, the church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. It's a place where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the present, inviting visitors to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of faith. Every stone, every bell toll, every weathered piece of wood tells a story, a story that continues to unfold in the heart of Cumberworth.
The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and ClickAsnap via the links below.
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
