Another Church on the Hill…..

In Derbyshire and no doubt in many villages, the Parish Church is located on high ground above the village. Many of the relatively newer churches were built on such sites as a sign to others that the village was of some note.  Often the churches were ornately constructed to further illustrate the  wealth of the community…even constructing bigger church towers and spires to emphasis the point.

But much older churches are built on sites that afforded clear views of the surrounding countryside as a means of early defence.  Of course many such sites were also places were religious ceremonies and worship had taken place for centuries before a church was constructed.

One such church is that overlooking the village of Tissington.

Saint Marys is a Norman construction.  Built in the early 12th century on a site that is believed to have been a place of Celtic and Saxon worship.  Not the most pretty of buildings, however the construction is solid from local local stone.  There are few windows, all are small and located high above the ground, that and its stout tower indicates that perhaps the church had to also provide a defensive role….a place of safety.

The few windows also make the main nave very dark and one can imagine that by candle light it was far from a welcoming building…..

The darkness of the interior was much enhanced when a sanctuary was added in which the alter is located together with large stained glass windows.  A refreshing burst of much needed light….

I did suggest that Saint Mary’s was not the most pretty of buildings, indeed its squat tower and solid walls are rather stark.  But it is that location on the hill, surrounded by trees that gives Tissington Church its very individual beauty.

Footnote:

In addition to standing guard over the village, Saint Mary’s is also located above the main village Well. 

This is Hall Well and one of several wells arround the village.  The bounty of these wells is celebrated each year on Ascension Day with a service in the Church followed by a procession to each well in turn to Bless them.  To add to the occasion each well is ‘Dressed’ with floral tributes depicting religious texts. The ceremony is known as ‘Well Dressing’.  Click on this link and it will take you to a blog of one such event in the neighbouring village of Youlgrave.

  https://davidoakesimages.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/weekly-photo-challenge-culture/

1st October

© David Oakes 2013