We arrive in the village of Esholt and make a little detour to see Esholt Old Hall and the church. The Old Hall (on the left) is a Grade II listed medieval manor house, dating back to the 16th century. Adjoining it is an old barn, now converted into an attractive home with its main entrance through the huge arched barn doors.
The little church of St Paul is tucked away at the bottom of the lane, overshadowed now by a huge old yew tree. We often find yew trees in church yards and some of them may be over 1000 years old. These long-lasting evergreens had pre-Christian spiritual significance, linked with life, death and protection of the soul on the journey to the next life and this then became linked with the Christian concept of resurrection.
The church was built originally as a private chapel for the family who owned the Esholt estate. It is now a parish church. It is unadorned inside, apart from some simple, patterned stained glass.
Hi Jenny - wonderful and how lovely to see the medieval buildings - lucky people who live in the barn. The church is perfect isn't it - simple, clean lined .. but that door tells of stories past ... lovely photos - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe simplicity of the church makes it all the more appealing inside.
ReplyDeleteIt may be unadorned but that church is lovely, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful ancient buildings.
ReplyDeleteI love the simple beauty of the church.
ReplyDeleteLove that stone façade AND that wonderful studded door.
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