Church Micro 7092...Highnam
The Church of the Holy Innocents, Highnam
This is a micro cache with only a log book, so please bring a pen or pencil, and tweezers as the log is a tight fit. There are livestock grazing in the field, all dogs must be kept on a lead.
Consecrated in 1851, The Church of the Holy Innocents, Highnam was a memorial to Thomas Gambier Parry's wife, Isabella, and three of his children, who had predeceased her. Isabella, who having borne Thomas six children, finally succumbed to tuberculosis aged 32 in Bournemouth, just twelve days after she had given birth to the future composer Sir Hubert Parry. Thomas chose Henry Woodyer of Guildford for his architect, a school friend from his Eton days. Highnam Church was built and fully fitted, in only 21 months, with a complete set of stained glass, brass light fittings and all furniture.
The wall paintings, both figurative and decorative, are not only Gambier Parry's own design, but also his own work. The chancel arch scene represents the Judgement. The north aisle frieze scene was painted between 1870 and 1880 and is a procession of New Testament people who were "followers of God as dear children" (Eph. 5v.1), depicted as taking part in the Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem. Thomas also painted the nave roof and lantern in Ely Cathedral, and St Andrew's Chapel at Gloucester Cathedral.
This church attracts a lot of visitors each year. It features in Simon Jenkins book of Best Churches and Roy Strong's book A Little History of the English Country Church. The church was also described by Sir John Betjeman as the most complete Victorian Gothic church in this country. It recently appeared (January 2016) on the BBC's popular programme Great British Railway Journeys.
The inside of the church is definitely worth viewing, but is normally locked. However, the church is open from about the end of March to mid September most Sundays. Please see the church calendar at http://www.highnamchurch.org for open days.
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