At the time there was no church. The earliest parts of the current building date from the 13th century. The upper level and the tower are from the 15th century.
Built in the local orange ironstone, Beeby stands out from its neighbouring parishes because of its unique stumpy spire that looks as if it was sawn off by some huge hand.
There's a beautifully carved 15th century wooden screen surrounding a chapel in the south aisle.
There are also remaining wooden box pews - a rare survival because the Victorians were fond of ripping them out. These are thought to date from the 18th and early 19th century.
But some of the most interesting points date from the era of rector George Calvert who was incumbent from 1818 to 1865. He decided to brighten up the 14th century nave arches by adding carved corbels in various designs, including a serpent, a skull and crossbones, and an angel.
The east window is by Victorian artist Thomas Willement and was commissioned in 1843. The main figures in the window are Noah, Daniel, Job, Abraham, Moses and Elijah, with the
symbols of the Evangelists.
This has been a Five on Friday post. Please visit Amy at Love Made My Home to see more.
A fascinating post. I like the idea of box pews. I guess if you were a bit tired you could have a snooze without being seen :). B x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church. I love the carved serpent. I find such 'decorations' really beautiful and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your Five on Friday
It's not only the Victorians that rip out box pews. The church I attended in my home town had them. I think they must have been installed in the 19th century. About ten years ago they were taken out and replaced by chairs during a reordering of the church. That rector, George Calvert, sounds like a fascinating incumbent.
ReplyDeleteBeeby is such an unusual name. I enjoyed the tour around this unusual church!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely church, I like the squat little tower and the box pews, the carved screen is wonderful too also the later carvings. Thanks for sharing your visit:)
ReplyDeletedespite not being christian in any way shape or form I love exploring churches and cathedrals, especially looking out for the gargoyles and stone carvings. I really look forward to your five on friday posts they are always fascinating
ReplyDeleteLovely post - but then, I do have a penchant for churches. I've never seen painted box pews before and I think they look lovely. I assume that's modern? Thank you. x
ReplyDeleteSome great pictures and what an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteA really lovely church in spite of the square tower. The box pews look freshly painted. I like the light colour rather than dark stained wood. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard of Beeby. Love the name
ReplyDeleteA very interesting church, like the box pews.
ReplyDeleteThe spire is very unusual. I wonder if there was a reason for it being so short. The interior of the church is beautiful.
ReplyDelete