cbnewham
@parishchurches.org
FSA. Author. Photographer. IT specialist.
Church architecture & contents.
If you want to know what churches are open during the day then get my Keyholder for Parish Churches app (Android and Apple).
Bio:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Newham
Church architecture & contents.
If you want to know what churches are open during the day then get my Keyholder for Parish Churches app (Android and Apple).
Bio:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Newham
Slugs
Pevsner called it a "weird, grotesque idea" - and these shrouded effigies at Fenny Bentley (Derbyshire) certainly unsettle. Thomas and Agnes Beresford (d.1473 and 1467) lie completely wrapped in their burial shrouds on this strange altar tomb.
Pevsner called it a "weird, grotesque idea" - and these shrouded effigies at Fenny Bentley (Derbyshire) certainly unsettle. Thomas and Agnes Beresford (d.1473 and 1467) lie completely wrapped in their burial shrouds on this strange altar tomb.
January 15, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Slugs
Pevsner called it a "weird, grotesque idea" - and these shrouded effigies at Fenny Bentley (Derbyshire) certainly unsettle. Thomas and Agnes Beresford (d.1473 and 1467) lie completely wrapped in their burial shrouds on this strange altar tomb.
Pevsner called it a "weird, grotesque idea" - and these shrouded effigies at Fenny Bentley (Derbyshire) certainly unsettle. Thomas and Agnes Beresford (d.1473 and 1467) lie completely wrapped in their burial shrouds on this strange altar tomb.
Heaven and Hell
This amazing wall painting at Chaldon (Surrey, c.1170-1200) is one of England's most important medieval survivals - a complete medieval sermon in paint spanning the entire west wall.
This amazing wall painting at Chaldon (Surrey, c.1170-1200) is one of England's most important medieval survivals - a complete medieval sermon in paint spanning the entire west wall.
January 15, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Heaven and Hell
This amazing wall painting at Chaldon (Surrey, c.1170-1200) is one of England's most important medieval survivals - a complete medieval sermon in paint spanning the entire west wall.
This amazing wall painting at Chaldon (Surrey, c.1170-1200) is one of England's most important medieval survivals - a complete medieval sermon in paint spanning the entire west wall.
Holding Hands Forever
A magnificent brass lies in the church at Chrishall (Essex). It depicts Sir John and Lady Joan de la Pole (d.1379/80) holding hands beneath elaborate Gothic canopies - echoing their marriage vows in perpetuity.
A magnificent brass lies in the church at Chrishall (Essex). It depicts Sir John and Lady Joan de la Pole (d.1379/80) holding hands beneath elaborate Gothic canopies - echoing their marriage vows in perpetuity.
January 14, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Holding Hands Forever
A magnificent brass lies in the church at Chrishall (Essex). It depicts Sir John and Lady Joan de la Pole (d.1379/80) holding hands beneath elaborate Gothic canopies - echoing their marriage vows in perpetuity.
A magnificent brass lies in the church at Chrishall (Essex). It depicts Sir John and Lady Joan de la Pole (d.1379/80) holding hands beneath elaborate Gothic canopies - echoing their marriage vows in perpetuity.
England's First Bespectacled Scholar?
This gargoyle on Great Ponton's church tower (1519) may be one of the earliest representations of spectacles in English sculpture. Our scholarly figure peers through his glasses while holding pen and parchment - perhaps immortalising a real person.
This gargoyle on Great Ponton's church tower (1519) may be one of the earliest representations of spectacles in English sculpture. Our scholarly figure peers through his glasses while holding pen and parchment - perhaps immortalising a real person.
January 14, 2026 at 2:26 PM
England's First Bespectacled Scholar?
This gargoyle on Great Ponton's church tower (1519) may be one of the earliest representations of spectacles in English sculpture. Our scholarly figure peers through his glasses while holding pen and parchment - perhaps immortalising a real person.
This gargoyle on Great Ponton's church tower (1519) may be one of the earliest representations of spectacles in English sculpture. Our scholarly figure peers through his glasses while holding pen and parchment - perhaps immortalising a real person.
A Shepherd and His Dog Survive the Centuries
This 15th-century bench end at Shingham (Norfolk) still retains its original medieval paint - showing a shepherd with his faithful dog at his feet. The shepherd holds his crook and wears the practical clothing of a medieval countryman.
This 15th-century bench end at Shingham (Norfolk) still retains its original medieval paint - showing a shepherd with his faithful dog at his feet. The shepherd holds his crook and wears the practical clothing of a medieval countryman.
January 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM
A Shepherd and His Dog Survive the Centuries
This 15th-century bench end at Shingham (Norfolk) still retains its original medieval paint - showing a shepherd with his faithful dog at his feet. The shepherd holds his crook and wears the practical clothing of a medieval countryman.
This 15th-century bench end at Shingham (Norfolk) still retains its original medieval paint - showing a shepherd with his faithful dog at his feet. The shepherd holds his crook and wears the practical clothing of a medieval countryman.
Teaching the Virgin to Read
The great east window at All Saints, North Street (c.1410) contains one of medieval England's most touching images - St Anne teaching her young daughter Mary to read.
The great east window at All Saints, North Street (c.1410) contains one of medieval England's most touching images - St Anne teaching her young daughter Mary to read.
January 13, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Teaching the Virgin to Read
The great east window at All Saints, North Street (c.1410) contains one of medieval England's most touching images - St Anne teaching her young daughter Mary to read.
The great east window at All Saints, North Street (c.1410) contains one of medieval England's most touching images - St Anne teaching her young daughter Mary to read.
Countdown to Doomsday at All Saints, York
This unusual early 15th-century window at All Saints, North Street depicts the fifteen terrifying signs believed to herald the world's end - a medieval countdown to the Apocalypse.
This unusual early 15th-century window at All Saints, North Street depicts the fifteen terrifying signs believed to herald the world's end - a medieval countdown to the Apocalypse.
January 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Countdown to Doomsday at All Saints, York
This unusual early 15th-century window at All Saints, North Street depicts the fifteen terrifying signs believed to herald the world's end - a medieval countdown to the Apocalypse.
This unusual early 15th-century window at All Saints, North Street depicts the fifteen terrifying signs believed to herald the world's end - a medieval countdown to the Apocalypse.
When Modern Meets Medieval
This striking 1983 monument to Gilbert, 3rd Earl of Ancaster at Edenham (Lincolnshire) proves that church wall monuments didn't have to die with the 20th century.
This striking 1983 monument to Gilbert, 3rd Earl of Ancaster at Edenham (Lincolnshire) proves that church wall monuments didn't have to die with the 20th century.
January 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM
When Modern Meets Medieval
This striking 1983 monument to Gilbert, 3rd Earl of Ancaster at Edenham (Lincolnshire) proves that church wall monuments didn't have to die with the 20th century.
This striking 1983 monument to Gilbert, 3rd Earl of Ancaster at Edenham (Lincolnshire) proves that church wall monuments didn't have to die with the 20th century.
The Fight Between Good and Evil
This amazing font of c.1140 at Eardisley (Herefordshire) presents two dramatic scenes carved with remarkable vigour:
This amazing font of c.1140 at Eardisley (Herefordshire) presents two dramatic scenes carved with remarkable vigour:
January 11, 2026 at 7:34 PM
The Fight Between Good and Evil
This amazing font of c.1140 at Eardisley (Herefordshire) presents two dramatic scenes carved with remarkable vigour:
This amazing font of c.1140 at Eardisley (Herefordshire) presents two dramatic scenes carved with remarkable vigour:
The Cross of St Helena
Discovered in 1854 built into a chancel wall, this c.1200 reliquary cross at Kelloe (County Durham) tells St Helena's discovery of the True Cross. The scenes are as follows.
Discovered in 1854 built into a chancel wall, this c.1200 reliquary cross at Kelloe (County Durham) tells St Helena's discovery of the True Cross. The scenes are as follows.
January 11, 2026 at 10:27 AM
The Cross of St Helena
Discovered in 1854 built into a chancel wall, this c.1200 reliquary cross at Kelloe (County Durham) tells St Helena's discovery of the True Cross. The scenes are as follows.
Discovered in 1854 built into a chancel wall, this c.1200 reliquary cross at Kelloe (County Durham) tells St Helena's discovery of the True Cross. The scenes are as follows.
The Skulls in the Turret
In 1877, restoration workers at Elsdon (Northumberland) broke into the bell turret's spire. They found three horse skulls arranged in a triangle, carefully built into the stonework centuries before.
Why? Nobody knows.
In 1877, restoration workers at Elsdon (Northumberland) broke into the bell turret's spire. They found three horse skulls arranged in a triangle, carefully built into the stonework centuries before.
Why? Nobody knows.
January 10, 2026 at 5:50 PM
The Skulls in the Turret
In 1877, restoration workers at Elsdon (Northumberland) broke into the bell turret's spire. They found three horse skulls arranged in a triangle, carefully built into the stonework centuries before.
Why? Nobody knows.
In 1877, restoration workers at Elsdon (Northumberland) broke into the bell turret's spire. They found three horse skulls arranged in a triangle, carefully built into the stonework centuries before.
Why? Nobody knows.
The Donor Knight
One of the sixteen panels of glass in St Peter, Lowick (Northamptonshire). This wonderful glass, made in c.1310-30, depicts four kings and eleven prophets.
One of the sixteen panels of glass in St Peter, Lowick (Northamptonshire). This wonderful glass, made in c.1310-30, depicts four kings and eleven prophets.
January 10, 2026 at 11:14 AM
The Donor Knight
One of the sixteen panels of glass in St Peter, Lowick (Northamptonshire). This wonderful glass, made in c.1310-30, depicts four kings and eleven prophets.
One of the sixteen panels of glass in St Peter, Lowick (Northamptonshire). This wonderful glass, made in c.1310-30, depicts four kings and eleven prophets.
A Man in Serious Dragon Trouble
This 12th-century font at Thorpe Arnold (Leicestershire) depicts a dramatic battle scene - a Christian warrior with sword and cross-marked shield fights two dragons. One dragon, magnificently maned, projects a stream of fire and sprouts multiple heads.
This 12th-century font at Thorpe Arnold (Leicestershire) depicts a dramatic battle scene - a Christian warrior with sword and cross-marked shield fights two dragons. One dragon, magnificently maned, projects a stream of fire and sprouts multiple heads.
January 9, 2026 at 9:05 PM
A Man in Serious Dragon Trouble
This 12th-century font at Thorpe Arnold (Leicestershire) depicts a dramatic battle scene - a Christian warrior with sword and cross-marked shield fights two dragons. One dragon, magnificently maned, projects a stream of fire and sprouts multiple heads.
This 12th-century font at Thorpe Arnold (Leicestershire) depicts a dramatic battle scene - a Christian warrior with sword and cross-marked shield fights two dragons. One dragon, magnificently maned, projects a stream of fire and sprouts multiple heads.
Many of you ask about the monuments I share here.
After visiting 8,000+ churches over 30 years, I selected 365 of the finest for my book 'Country Church Monuments' - medieval brasses to baroque sculptures with their stories. All fully researched.
Penguin Random House 2022: tinyurl.com/6eb5j8jv
After visiting 8,000+ churches over 30 years, I selected 365 of the finest for my book 'Country Church Monuments' - medieval brasses to baroque sculptures with their stories. All fully researched.
Penguin Random House 2022: tinyurl.com/6eb5j8jv
January 9, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Many of you ask about the monuments I share here.
After visiting 8,000+ churches over 30 years, I selected 365 of the finest for my book 'Country Church Monuments' - medieval brasses to baroque sculptures with their stories. All fully researched.
Penguin Random House 2022: tinyurl.com/6eb5j8jv
After visiting 8,000+ churches over 30 years, I selected 365 of the finest for my book 'Country Church Monuments' - medieval brasses to baroque sculptures with their stories. All fully researched.
Penguin Random House 2022: tinyurl.com/6eb5j8jv
Long Sword
William Longespée (d.1226), 3rd Earl of Salisbury - illegitimate son of Henry II and half-brother to King John.
This early 13th-century effigy in Salisbury Cathedral shows him in mail armour with his shield bearing the distinctive six lions.
William Longespée (d.1226), 3rd Earl of Salisbury - illegitimate son of Henry II and half-brother to King John.
This early 13th-century effigy in Salisbury Cathedral shows him in mail armour with his shield bearing the distinctive six lions.
January 9, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Long Sword
William Longespée (d.1226), 3rd Earl of Salisbury - illegitimate son of Henry II and half-brother to King John.
This early 13th-century effigy in Salisbury Cathedral shows him in mail armour with his shield bearing the distinctive six lions.
William Longespée (d.1226), 3rd Earl of Salisbury - illegitimate son of Henry II and half-brother to King John.
This early 13th-century effigy in Salisbury Cathedral shows him in mail armour with his shield bearing the distinctive six lions.
Twins
St Mary, Fawsley (Northamptonshire) - the monument to Sir Richard Knightley (d.1534) and Lady Jane shows their children around the tomb base, including this remarkable pair.
St Mary, Fawsley (Northamptonshire) - the monument to Sir Richard Knightley (d.1534) and Lady Jane shows their children around the tomb base, including this remarkable pair.
January 8, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Twins
St Mary, Fawsley (Northamptonshire) - the monument to Sir Richard Knightley (d.1534) and Lady Jane shows their children around the tomb base, including this remarkable pair.
St Mary, Fawsley (Northamptonshire) - the monument to Sir Richard Knightley (d.1534) and Lady Jane shows their children around the tomb base, including this remarkable pair.
A National Treasure: England's Best-Preserved Medieval Wooden Effigy
St Andrew, Fersfield (Norfolk) houses the oak effigy of Sir Robert du Bois (d.1333), carved c.1340 and retaining its original paint.
St Andrew, Fersfield (Norfolk) houses the oak effigy of Sir Robert du Bois (d.1333), carved c.1340 and retaining its original paint.
January 7, 2026 at 6:26 PM
A National Treasure: England's Best-Preserved Medieval Wooden Effigy
St Andrew, Fersfield (Norfolk) houses the oak effigy of Sir Robert du Bois (d.1333), carved c.1340 and retaining its original paint.
St Andrew, Fersfield (Norfolk) houses the oak effigy of Sir Robert du Bois (d.1333), carved c.1340 and retaining its original paint.
Maiden's Garlands
These crown-shaped funeral garlands, also called virgin's crowns or crants, were carried before the coffins of unmarried women and then hung in churches. Made from paper flowers, ribbons and white gloves on wooden frames, they often bore the deceased's name and verses.
These crown-shaped funeral garlands, also called virgin's crowns or crants, were carried before the coffins of unmarried women and then hung in churches. Made from paper flowers, ribbons and white gloves on wooden frames, they often bore the deceased's name and verses.
January 7, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Maiden's Garlands
These crown-shaped funeral garlands, also called virgin's crowns or crants, were carried before the coffins of unmarried women and then hung in churches. Made from paper flowers, ribbons and white gloves on wooden frames, they often bore the deceased's name and verses.
These crown-shaped funeral garlands, also called virgin's crowns or crants, were carried before the coffins of unmarried women and then hung in churches. Made from paper flowers, ribbons and white gloves on wooden frames, they often bore the deceased's name and verses.
The font at Thorpe Salvin, unwrapped.
This remarkable 12th-century font at St Peter, Thorpe Salvin (Yorkshire) displays intricate 'Yorkshire School' carving across its circumference.
This remarkable 12th-century font at St Peter, Thorpe Salvin (Yorkshire) displays intricate 'Yorkshire School' carving across its circumference.
January 6, 2026 at 6:26 PM
The font at Thorpe Salvin, unwrapped.
This remarkable 12th-century font at St Peter, Thorpe Salvin (Yorkshire) displays intricate 'Yorkshire School' carving across its circumference.
This remarkable 12th-century font at St Peter, Thorpe Salvin (Yorkshire) displays intricate 'Yorkshire School' carving across its circumference.
Alien Skull.
This highly unusual death's head is on the wall tablet commemorating the 1st and 2nd wives of Stephen Chase: Philip (d.1721) and Elizabeth (d. 1739/40). St Mary, Great Brickhill (Buckinghamshire).
This highly unusual death's head is on the wall tablet commemorating the 1st and 2nd wives of Stephen Chase: Philip (d.1721) and Elizabeth (d. 1739/40). St Mary, Great Brickhill (Buckinghamshire).
January 6, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Alien Skull.
This highly unusual death's head is on the wall tablet commemorating the 1st and 2nd wives of Stephen Chase: Philip (d.1721) and Elizabeth (d. 1739/40). St Mary, Great Brickhill (Buckinghamshire).
This highly unusual death's head is on the wall tablet commemorating the 1st and 2nd wives of Stephen Chase: Philip (d.1721) and Elizabeth (d. 1739/40). St Mary, Great Brickhill (Buckinghamshire).
A hare riding a hound.
This medallion is in a tracery light of a south window in the chancel of St Sebastian, Great Gonerby (Lincolnshire). It dates from c.1320-50.
The hare wears a cloak and blows a shawm. The hound is baying.
This medallion is in a tracery light of a south window in the chancel of St Sebastian, Great Gonerby (Lincolnshire). It dates from c.1320-50.
The hare wears a cloak and blows a shawm. The hound is baying.
January 5, 2026 at 1:38 PM
A hare riding a hound.
This medallion is in a tracery light of a south window in the chancel of St Sebastian, Great Gonerby (Lincolnshire). It dates from c.1320-50.
The hare wears a cloak and blows a shawm. The hound is baying.
This medallion is in a tracery light of a south window in the chancel of St Sebastian, Great Gonerby (Lincolnshire). It dates from c.1320-50.
The hare wears a cloak and blows a shawm. The hound is baying.
Lion Versus Dragon
St Mary, Church Fenton (Yorkshire) preserves this remarkable effigy of an unknown lady, c.1330.
Found face-down as a paving stone during the 1844 restoration, the magnesian limestone carving survived in extraordinary condition.
St Mary, Church Fenton (Yorkshire) preserves this remarkable effigy of an unknown lady, c.1330.
Found face-down as a paving stone during the 1844 restoration, the magnesian limestone carving survived in extraordinary condition.
January 4, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Lion Versus Dragon
St Mary, Church Fenton (Yorkshire) preserves this remarkable effigy of an unknown lady, c.1330.
Found face-down as a paving stone during the 1844 restoration, the magnesian limestone carving survived in extraordinary condition.
St Mary, Church Fenton (Yorkshire) preserves this remarkable effigy of an unknown lady, c.1330.
Found face-down as a paving stone during the 1844 restoration, the magnesian limestone carving survived in extraordinary condition.
The Knight Who Never Was.
St Britius, Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) houses an unusual monument - a semi-effigial slab revealing glimpses of an armoured figure through apertures in the stone.
St Britius, Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) houses an unusual monument - a semi-effigial slab revealing glimpses of an armoured figure through apertures in the stone.
January 3, 2026 at 2:56 PM
The Knight Who Never Was.
St Britius, Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) houses an unusual monument - a semi-effigial slab revealing glimpses of an armoured figure through apertures in the stone.
St Britius, Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) houses an unusual monument - a semi-effigial slab revealing glimpses of an armoured figure through apertures in the stone.
"...and the Sun and Moon in the East window."
Following on from my previous post about Clare (Suffolk), here are the Sun and Moon in the East window. They were specifically mentioned by the iconoclast William Dowsing when he visited the church on the 6th of January 1643/4:
Following on from my previous post about Clare (Suffolk), here are the Sun and Moon in the East window. They were specifically mentioned by the iconoclast William Dowsing when he visited the church on the 6th of January 1643/4:
December 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
"...and the Sun and Moon in the East window."
Following on from my previous post about Clare (Suffolk), here are the Sun and Moon in the East window. They were specifically mentioned by the iconoclast William Dowsing when he visited the church on the 6th of January 1643/4:
Following on from my previous post about Clare (Suffolk), here are the Sun and Moon in the East window. They were specifically mentioned by the iconoclast William Dowsing when he visited the church on the 6th of January 1643/4:
"A good benefactor to this church"
The east window at Clare (Suffolk) displays coats of arms of donors who funded the 1617 rebuilding of the chancel. These panels show Sir Steven Somes, a knight and Alderman of London, and Sir William Clopton.
The east window at Clare (Suffolk) displays coats of arms of donors who funded the 1617 rebuilding of the chancel. These panels show Sir Steven Somes, a knight and Alderman of London, and Sir William Clopton.
December 31, 2025 at 11:47 AM
"A good benefactor to this church"
The east window at Clare (Suffolk) displays coats of arms of donors who funded the 1617 rebuilding of the chancel. These panels show Sir Steven Somes, a knight and Alderman of London, and Sir William Clopton.
The east window at Clare (Suffolk) displays coats of arms of donors who funded the 1617 rebuilding of the chancel. These panels show Sir Steven Somes, a knight and Alderman of London, and Sir William Clopton.