Church Micro 10279...Underwood Traditional Geocache

Part of the Church Micro series, this cache is located by St. Michael and All Angels Church on Church Lane/Westbourne Road in Underwood.

The Church is in the Gothic style and with a large tower. The entrance is by a heavy Oak door on the South elevation. This takes you into what was the Baptistery but is now an area with kitchen and toilet facilities. The entrance through into the Nave is via a wooden screen wall.

Passing down the nave, the impressive East Window captures the attention. It's symbolic figures and magnificent artistry portrays the deep meaning of sacrifice. In May 2000, Bishop Alan consecrated a new window on the south wall. This was a generous donation by Howard Smalley to commemorate his 60 years as a chorister at St. Michael and All Angels.

A solid Hopton stone is the base for the pulpit, which is octagonal in design formed of open woodwork, each panel having a main tracery of trefoil. The font in the Baptistery is a most elaborate piece of work, octagonal in shape, ornamented with trefoil set on a solid base of Broomsgrove stone.

The 58ft. tower, was made to receive a full peal of bells, but only one was installed when the church was built. The tower also houses clocks on all four faces. The wooden spire was only added after the consecration. This apparently was to enable Lady Cowper to see the church from her abode.

The church is Grade II listed by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport as it is a building of special architectural or historic interest. The lych gate, Built at the same time as the church (1890), was designed by J A Chatwin and is Listed Grade II separately from the church.