Photos of Barnstaple Church

Barnstaple in Devon has a very interesting church and despite us not able to go inside as it was closed, the church courtyard was fascinating. Here are some of the photographs of the church and if you click here, then you can see more photographs in higher resolution.

Barnstaple Church has a history going back to 1107 AD. Bloody hell, just imagining this makes my hair hurt. Its almost as far back from now to the origins of this church as the church to Jesus. Now that’s a loooooooong timeline. So you enter from the market into this narrow passage way.
 

And you see this door with the most amazing hinge. Fascinating and signs of beautiful ironmongery artistry. On top is a shield with what looks like two keys and a sword. I didn't get the reference anywhere but I guess it belongs to the original fellow who gifted the church land. And on two sides of the arch, there are 2 heads carved into the base of the arch. Presumably for people who had gifted money or stuff?



Lovely tall stained glass window

As you enter into the courtyard, on the right hand side quadrilateral, you see this little garden. And then in an alcove, there are many tombstones, some dating back to the early 16th century.

Check out the skull and crossbones. I didn't get the reference, but given that there is an hourglass on the right, I guess it means that with the passage of times, we are all dead. Here’s a close up.


 
 
 

I guess the graves are long gone and only the headstones were kept. Rather sad end, i thought.

Moving on, there is this great little sundial on top of a door. Although with the damn weather, fat lot of good it does, eh? So its cloudy by wet and miserable o’clock, eh? grumbles.

Here’s the spire, built in 1389AD! go figure.

And it has a library, called as Dodderidge Library dating back to 1667. Now this is what I love, really tried to get inside but failed miserably. Apparently there is a fine collection of books inside dating back hundreds of years.

Then on the lower left quadrilateral, there is another chapel called as St. Anne’s Chapel.

 
 

In the middle of the quad, there is this fascinating circular history. Made in 2000AD, in a circular fashion, the panels talk about the history of the church.

The pillar in the middle has a beautiful wrought iron lamppost. It should be beautiful in the night when its lit I presume. Moving closer to St. Anne’s Chapel, it was a cute little building but the descriptor plaque had rubbed away so didn't get to read about any history I am afraid.

But the guttering is paved with gravestones.

 

Extraordinary or what?

A short bell tower, which is now looking a bit sad…



On the lower right hand side of the quad, is this building, looks like the residence of the priest or something.

And here’s the famous steeple. Its bent about 1/4th from the top. Some say its because of lightening then again, it could just be the heat of the sun on the lead roof.

Leading off to the right is Church Lane. Beautifully cobbled streets.







 

Looks like there is a charitable house in here for poor children.

And a ex-school dating back to 1659 on the right hand side which is now a tea house and restaurant.  It was nice wandering around these mouldy old buildings, I must admit. It did speak to me. Lovely place.