The Church of St Mary Magdalene at Essendine was originally the chapel to a castle that once stood on this site. It appears to have been a very early Norman bailey later developing into a strongly fortified manor. Sadly, the church is now all that remains, although the moat of the castle is still clearly visible. The setting of this pretty little church is one of the most idyllic in Rutland. The church is slightly unusual in that there is no tower or spire. It dates from c1130 and has a notable Norman tympanum over its south door, this features Christ in majesty, surrounded by angels and said to be the oldest in Rutland.
There are some very fine stained glass windows. The windows are modern and Christ in majesty is in the chancel whilst a depiction of the annunciation is particularly striking. Here the archangel Gabriel, holding a lily to symbolise purity and truth, one vivid red wing outstretched, instructs the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to the Christ child.
The church is open daily for visitors.
There is parking on the residential road at GZ. The cache container is a medium sized clip lock box with room for swaps and trackables.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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