The East Yorkshire area group met on the 30th September for a fascinating tour of four ancient churches in the East Riding , followed by afternoon tea in Hotham.
Trustee Jane Hedley tells us about the day:
“16 friends of the Trust met for coffee at All Saints, North Cave, where Jane Crease began her excellent tour. The church has been patronised for many years by the Metham family, and we saw a window dedicated to a son who had died from Diabetes, the year before insulin was discovered. The alabaster Metham effigies had been mutilated by the Roundheads. The church has a very wide chancel arch and side aisles with no transepts. The East window is by Douglas Strachan, whose work we would see again at Hotham.
All Saints North Cave All Saints chancel
Our next church was St Nicholas, Newbald, a Norman treasure and dubbed “Cathedral of the Wolds” The doorways are exceptional and Pevsner calls this church the most complete Norman church in the East Riding.
At Nicholas South Door
Here at Newbald there are transepts but no side aisles.
Jane Crease pointing out features of Newbald Tower.
Our next stop was the enchanting church of All Saints Sancton, with its unique lantern topped 15th century octagonal tower. An unusual Catholic burial ground is situated in the graveyard, and their memorials are in the church. The last catholic mass was held here in 1570. Much work is being done to restore this church and increase community use. The hand pumped organ has 300 pipes and is one of the last ones by Kirkland still in use.
All Saints, Sancton Eagle lectern
All Saints chancel
Our last church was St Oswald’s Hotham with its unusual short tower. This church has a squire’s gallery, complete with fireplace. There are 6 excellent windows, designed by Douglas Strachan and installed during WWII which was highly unusual.
St Oswalds, Hotham.West end arch.
St Oswald’s altar and riddle curtains
Next we had a fabulous tea at the home of Jackie Davies, and a huge thank you from everyone to her and Jane for this tour. We are all looking forward to the next one.
A magnificent tea awaited the group.