Barcheston - St Martin
Barcheston church is a delightful largely fifteenth century building in a secluded spot close to Shipston on Stour. It's most distinguishing feature externally is the leaning north west tower, which inclines dramatically to the west (and is sometimes referred to as 'Warwickshire's Pisa'!). The effect is somewhat alarming, but it has been this way for some centuries, having settled soon after it was built, as witnessed by the additional buttress propping up the west face; hopefully it will be staying put for the foreseeable future.
The church has more of a Cotswold appearance than one is normally used to seeing in Warwickshire, and would perhaps seem more at home if it stood over the Gloucestershire or Oxfordshire borders, very much a sign of how far south we are in the county.
The layout is quite irregular, the chancel is off centre and the south aisle is more of a seperate chapel only half the length of the nave. The first glimpse upon entering via the lean-to south porch is the view looking across to the north aisle, with it's very domestic looking windows (a post Reformation alteration, possibly to admit more light) and an arcade that seems to be leaning even more dramatically than the tower (where the arcade meets the tower wall there is a bracket 'propped up' by a carved 'helping hand', very apt and much needed assitance judging by the angle!).
The layout is quite irregular, the chancel is off centre and the south aisle is more of a seperate chapel only half the length of the nave. The first glimpse upon entering via the lean-to south porch is the view looking across to the north aisle, with it's very domestic looking windows (a post Reformation alteration, possibly to admit more light) and an arcade that seems to be leaning even more dramatically than the tower (where the arcade meets the tower wall there is a bracket 'propped up' by a carved 'helping hand', very apt and much needed assitance judging by the angle!).
The furnishings are not old with the exception of the fine 14th century font, carved with heads and ballflower ornament, which vividly illustrates the problems this church faces from damp by being virtually green with algae. The stone altar in the chancel also has an antique look to it, with it's series of small carved heads, but this is also probably the result of the damp conditions, as it is of 19th century date but looking prematurely aged.
The main items of interest however are the monuments in the south chapel, foremost being the 1550s alabaster Willington tomb with effigies, still very medieval in concept despite the date (and ruffs). There is a rather charming lion at his feet, and the couples' many children portrayed in relief as weepers an the tomb chest below, all looking very Tudor. Nearby is a small brass and a large incised slab to a layman, very worn and partially recut with a lozenge of late 17th century date superimposed over the figure's legs, (a rather insensitive form of recycling, and a new one on me!).
The main items of interest however are the monuments in the south chapel, foremost being the 1550s alabaster Willington tomb with effigies, still very medieval in concept despite the date (and ruffs). There is a rather charming lion at his feet, and the couples' many children portrayed in relief as weepers an the tomb chest below, all looking very Tudor. Nearby is a small brass and a large incised slab to a layman, very worn and partially recut with a lozenge of late 17th century date superimposed over the figure's legs, (a rather insensitive form of recycling, and a new one on me!).
The earliest stained glass here is found in a south chancel window where there are enamelled cherubs in the tracery that look late 17th
century (the main lights replaced with garish quarries c1810 - I restored this window at Norgrove Studios about 12 years ago).
Two windows (chancel east and south chapel east) have c1875 glass, in distinctively rich style, by the very prolific Hardman's of Birmingham,
There is further glass in the chancel from c1870 by Clayton & Bell, but the most interesting is the late Arts & Crafts west window c1931 by Donald Brook of nearby Long Compton. The subject is St Martin dividing his cloak for the beggar, and occupies only the lowest section of the window, the rest being filled with regimental badges.
century (the main lights replaced with garish quarries c1810 - I restored this window at Norgrove Studios about 12 years ago).
Two windows (chancel east and south chapel east) have c1875 glass, in distinctively rich style, by the very prolific Hardman's of Birmingham,
There is further glass in the chancel from c1870 by Clayton & Bell, but the most interesting is the late Arts & Crafts west window c1931 by Donald Brook of nearby Long Compton. The subject is St Martin dividing his cloak for the beggar, and occupies only the lowest section of the window, the rest being filled with regimental badges.
Unfortunately this fine church (one of the best in this area) is normally kept locked, my visits and interior access were both the result of work. I have also cycled here and failed to get inside on that occasion; I don't recall seeing a keyholder notice but have heard from a friend that the key can normally be got from the big house next door. It is worth persevering.
Aidan McRae Thomson 2012