St Bartholomews from the east. To the right is the chapel, to the left, the chancel. The latter is 13th century, the former was added in the 14th century. |
Much Marcle church from the south east. |
One final view of the south side of the church. To the left you can see the old yew tree, thought to be at least 1500 years old. |
An old worn preaching cross stands outside the south porch of St Bartholomews. |
Within the yew tree which stands outside the south porch is set a bench. How many trees can you sit inside? |
One of the prizes of Much Marcle - the effigy of Walter de Helyon, which stands in the north aisle of the nave. |
The marvellous colours on Walter de Helyon's tomb are the result of a restoration in 1971, but they closely approximate what the original monument must have looked like. |
Closeup view of the face of Walter de Helyon's effigy. The effigy is made of solid oak, covered with gesso. |
Walter de Helyon's effigy gives us a wonderful picture of dress in the mid 14th century. At his waist, de Helyon wears a belt, sword, and wallet. You can just make out the gilded buttons of his jerkin in this view. |
Many medieval tombs show the effigy with its feet resting upon a dog. Walter de Helyon's tomb follows this tradition. |
The tomb of Blanche Mortimer, Lady Grandison, stands in the chancel of Much Marcle church. It has been called one of the finest examples of medieval craftsmanship in any parish church in the land. |
Coats of arms line the base of Blanche Mortimer's tomb. |
