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Photos of Garway Templar churchSt Michael's church, Garway, is a lovely 13th century country church famous for its associations with the Knights Templar. The circular foundations of an earlier 12th century Templar church can be seen outside the nave. Inside, a beautifully carved Green Man decorates the original Templar chancel arch. A variety of strange carved crosses and other symbols embellish the exterior of the church.
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St Michaels, Garway, from the west. Here you can see the detached tower, built in the 13th century. |
The simple octagonal font is located at the west end of the nave. It is probably 13th century. A serpent, or eel symbol is incised onto the font. Another similar symbol is carved near the piscina in the chapel. |
Looking up the nave to the chancel arch. The arch is a survivor from the original circular Templar church on this spot. |
Detail of the chancel arch. This is composed of three orders. The outer is in traditional Norman style, but the remainder has a deistinct Oriental flavour - the result of Templar contact with Oriental influence |
Another view of the chancel arch |
On the left of the chancel arch is this wonderful Green Man carving. The carving is remarkbly well presrved, and very striking. |
Closeup of the Garway Green Man. The Green Man was common in medieval symbology, and is probably a remnant of much earlier pagan folk tales |
Column capitals, chancel arch. Here again you can see the Oriental influence brought to bear by the Templar builders of the church. |
The extremely simple medieval altar stone. The stone is marked with 5 consecration crosses signifying the five wounds of Christ |
In the south wall of tyhe south chapel is this 13th century piscina with shelf. |
The intriguing part of the piscina in the south chapel are the carvings which surround it. On the left is this figure of a fish. |
Above the piscina arch is this cup or chalice with wings, and a consecration wafer. |
Related:
Garway Templar church
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Survey map covering the Garway area (opens new window) |
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