This quaint Grade II listed redundant roadside church dates from the 13th century, with additions and alterations made during the following century. Deterioration occurred in the following centuries and by 1871 only the chancel had survived. This was restored in 1889 by Hodgson Fowler. The church was declared redundant in July 1973. It is now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Architecture
Exterior
All Hallows is constructed in ironstone and limestone with a slate roof. Some former openings have been blocked by brick. Its plan consists of the chancel, with a west porch which was added in the 1889. At the east end is a single bellcote. The porch has a flat roof, and it incorporates a 13th-century doorway. This has a pointed arch and its decoration includes some dogtooth carving. It is built against the blocked chancel arch, parts of which are still visible, including the ends of the nave arcades. The chancel stands on a plinth, and its north wall is blank. At the east end is a late 14th-century three-light window that was restored in the 19th century. The south wall of the chancel contains a priest's door, now blocked with brick, above which is a two-light window dating probably from the early 14th century. To the east of this is another similar window.
Interior
The outlines of the chancel arch are also visible on the inside of the west wall. On each side of it are recesses incorporating re-used 13th-century masonry. In the south wall is a sedilia and in the sanctuary is a piscina, both of which have ogee heads. On the sanctuary floor are Minton tiles. The ceiling dates from the 19th century and is decorated with Latin inscriptions praising the Virgin Mary. The font dates from the 15th century and was formerly in a church at Low Toynton in Lincolnshire. It consists of an octagonal bowl with panels containing carvings of angels, other figures, a Tudor rose, and other flowers. The base is also octagonal, and the stem incorporates carvings of saints. At the base of the altar steps is a ledger slab to the memory of a 14th-century priest. This has a Latin inscription around its margin, and is carved with a cross fleury and a chalice.
In the churchyard is a cross base dating probably from the 14th century. This was also restored by Hodgson Fowler. It is constructed in limestone and sandstone and consists of a square base with an octagonal shaft. It has been set on 19th-century octagonal steps, and the shaft has been extended, with a carving of the Crucifixion at its summit. It has been designated as a Grade II listed building.
The church used to seat around 128 people, but now there are only 4 pews remaining.There is a service held there each year on an afternoon in early June when the church is packed and the singing raises the roof. There are only a few seats in the church so worshippers bring their own!
The Church is normally open each day for visitors to enjoy the lovely building and the peace and serenity it offers
so do have a look around whilst looking for GZ.
I thank Canon Ian Robinson, who is responsible for the Church, for allowing us to visit one of his lovely churches. Please be respectful whilst searching for Church Cache hides. There is no need to dig, tear, climb anything in the graveyard!
You are looking for a 3" tube. Contains a log, but please bring a pencil. Please cover with a leaf afterwards.
If anybody would like to add to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
To view the church micro stats & information page, please click here.