St Lawrence, Beeston St Lawrence

I had driven past this church several times over a period of a couple of years and thought how intriguing it looked. I felt it deserved a visit, so finally one day I stopped which was difficult to say the least as this church stands on the side of a busy main road. It has no carpark and very little verge to pull onto however there is a little country road about 30 seconds past it which has space for one vehicle to pull into.

I walked back to the church and entered the churchyard from the little gateway that opens onto the small grass verge right beside the main road. I approached the beautiful little church along the rough stone pathway. The gorgeous round tower loomed above me.

I entered the church wish to my amazement was unlocked. The old door swung open and to my surprise I was greeted with very little inside. Some of the pews at the rear of the church has been removed and it appeared some restoration work was being conducted on parts of the floor. It was evident that while still consecrated this building was not longer used for active worship. The walls were all white washed and looked very fresh. The vaulting of the ceiling looked as though the local landowners or benefactors from the near by hall had mirrored the ceiling from one of their ballrooms.

It is a real shame this building is no longer used for regular worship as I think it would make a magical and awe inspiring place to hear hymns ring out in praise of God.

St Mary's Haddiscoe

So here we have St Mary's Haddiscoe, and what an amazing treasure this is. I was told about this church by a family member and so decided when out that way one day to take a look. As I approched it, it sat atop the hill like a beacon of peace and hope to all around it.

As I mentioned above St Mary's sits on a hill and when you approach it, it looks very impressive with its round tower and checkerboard pattern around the top. From reading the information in the church itself, it is belived the tower and almost certainly the base dates from the Saxon period.

As you approach the doorway, their is a stone carving depicting possibly a saint. Whoever it is, the carving is very impressive giving some idea as to the wealth or pride this parish had for their faith.

Again inside this church does not cease to amaze with the remains of wall paintings that are still visible today. The carved stonework continues throughout the building and it is very impressive how decorative this church is. The ironwork on the door into the church made me feel like I was entering a building from Lord of the Rings, an elven house or a Gondorian hall.

Again the clerstory windows beautifully shaped, reminding me of a four leaved clover.

When I visited Haddiscoe church, it was a bright, sunny day which made the building ooze with grandness but not in a pompous way. It showed how much pride the parishioners had for their place of worship. Even though the main road runs very close to the bottom of the hill, the church and the churchyard around it was very peaceful. I could have spent hours just wandering the site, enjoying the tranquility. It was a place of pure peace and beauty.

It is clear to see that this church is still a beacon to all as it is well maintained and cared for and is still in use for regular worship.