March 2014:
GLENTHAM with CAENBY, St Peter and St Paul.
SS
Peter & Paul is a large, light and airy church which is part of
the Owmby group and also the Springline group of churches. This makes
it one of thirteen churches in the joint benefice.
We were welcomed by the churchwarden who said the main part of his job was keeping the church in good repair. They hold two services per month at present.
We were welcomed by the churchwarden who said the main part of his job was keeping the church in good repair. They hold two services per month at present.
Church of Sts Peter and Paul Glentham
Like many churches, this one has had architectural additions and removals over the centuries. The earliest parts of the church are the 13th C lancet windows in the walls of the west end. There is a 15th century priest’s door in the chancel, and a blocked door in the north wall of the nave. The four bells were actually cast in the tower in 1687. They are no longer able to be rung because of the great age and fragility of the frame and fittings.
The nave and aisles are 15th century, and the tower was built in 1756. There are fine Georgian box pews in the nave, with embroidered kneelers. Most of the pews have their own electric heater, a modern and welcome innovation.
The nave and aisles are 15th century, and the tower was built in 1756. There are fine Georgian box pews in the nave, with embroidered kneelers. Most of the pews have their own electric heater, a modern and welcome innovation.
Glentham High Altar and Box Pews
The vestry was a mortuary chapel for the Tourney family. There are two headstones in the vestry commemorating some of the family. Near the south door, which still has a medieval sanctuary ring, there is a stone effigy of Molly Grimes, thought to be Anne Tourney. This effigy was washed by local maidens each Good Friday with water from a local spring. They were given a shilling each in return. The name Molly Grimes is thought to be a corruption of Malgraen, a word for the washing of holy images. The practice ceased in 1832 when land providing the payment was sold off.
Acknowledgments : Max Kirchen and PhilStanyon for photographs . Judy Mcloughlin for text
Acknowledgments : Max Kirchen and PhilStanyon for photographs . Judy Mcloughlin for text
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