Friday, 31 December 2010

Day 2: Lifton, St Mary's Church - Quinequennial Inspection

Pevsner's Guide lists this church as building located in an 'small and otherwise unremarkable village'. Paul and I travelled across Devon to the Cornish border, in the Mini stocked with the regular thermos of coffee and toast arriving at 10am uncertain of what we might find on arrival.

Straight up onto the roofs. The roofers were on site for us clearing the gutters, Jim and Tom were just finishing so we were guided as to the best places to gain access tot he roofs.

Up the tower we went, looking into the bell chamber and the ringing room on the way.


Four beautifully craggy pinnacles greeted us on the tower roof. I was thankful for a less than windy day! The church is almost entirely granite and being so high as of 12th century this stone has weathered to a spectactuar texture enhanced by the  style of carving of the time.
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It was a relief to get inside and start the interior inspection. The ground was frozen and although slightly warmer inside our energies were starting to wain by the time we'd done the 3rd round - ceilings and walls, windows and doors followed by monuments.
This stone tablet hung some what ominously over the main entrance and requires immediate attention.

We replenished with lunch in the local pub before finishing with 3 walks round the building and grounds inspecting the churchyard, pathways and walls in order.
Job done. Back to the Heighway studio for a whisky and the writing up!