St.Botolph, Eastwick
Named for such a Saxon saint, this church just north of the spreading blight known as Harlow may well have been an old foundation, but the church that stands locked in a dank and unloved graveyard presents a harsh face to the world. Most of what we see was the work in 1872 of that most unexciting of Victorian architects, Sir Arthur Blomfield. Only bits of the fifteenth century tower remain to hint at older work within.
I've been here several times to try my luck, but the church is always locked and no keyholder notice on show. This is a shame despite the exterior as there are at least two items inside that would be worth a look; there is a late thirteenth century Purbeck effigy of a knight, and there is an ornate chancel arch of the same period that even excited Pevsner. This church lies in between Hunsdon , which took months of e-mails before I could get in, and Gilston, where the key is next door. Best practice and worst; I know which one I'd be happiest having lottery funds for restoration.
Named for such a Saxon saint, this church just north of the spreading blight known as Harlow may well have been an old foundation, but the church that stands locked in a dank and unloved graveyard presents a harsh face to the world. Most of what we see was the work in 1872 of that most unexciting of Victorian architects, Sir Arthur Blomfield. Only bits of the fifteenth century tower remain to hint at older work within.
I've been here several times to try my luck, but the church is always locked and no keyholder notice on show. This is a shame despite the exterior as there are at least two items inside that would be worth a look; there is a late thirteenth century Purbeck effigy of a knight, and there is an ornate chancel arch of the same period that even excited Pevsner. This church lies in between Hunsdon , which took months of e-mails before I could get in, and Gilston, where the key is next door. Best practice and worst; I know which one I'd be happiest having lottery funds for restoration.
