Location – This church is in an odd location in Westfields housing estate which is next to the N18. I’d advise using a map for this one. It is, however, located in the conveniently named 'Old Church Road.'
OS: R 557 568 (map 65)
Longitude: 8° 37' 29.23" W
Latitude: 52° 39' 38.76" N
GPS: R 57730 56795 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.
Description and History – This church is both wonderful and sad at the same time. In is wonderful in that this is a pre-Norman church that has survived and it is sad in that it is now part of a little green in a housing estate. The world has moved on and left this behind but it still stands in the middle of the modern world. It is so close to some houses that one wall is actually the boundary of someone’s garden. The first mention of this church is in 1201 but the huge building blocks and huge lintel stone betray its earlier and pre-Norman/pre-Romanesque origins. These churches are so rare that it is really wonderful to see one so well preserved. I can’t believe more isn’t made of this church. The window in the S wall has a medieval inscription which was inserted into this church in the early 20th century. The inscription came from a now destroyed nearby Franciscan church. Although it is sad to see it is nothing more than a garden feature now it is well maintained and cared for. However, some stabilisation work has been carried out which leaves a lot to be desired. They essentially propped it up with a brick pillar.
Difficulty – This is difficult to find and isn’t exactly where indicated on the OS map. You will not be able to see it from the main road. You have to go into a little cul-de-sac.
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It is nestled away in some trees.
The huge stones used to construct this church are typical of pre-Normal churches.
I really don't like the conservation efforts. That supporting pillar is awful.
But then again that wall is leaning forward so something needed to be done.
This is a really simple and lovely doorway.
The later medieval inscription.
View The Standing Stone in a larger map
