Bear in mind that the small door opens out on to a ledge which is about 2 feet wide. You most certainly would not want to climb out of it unless suicidal.
Inside - I am told - there is a series of beams which could have supported a floor at some point, and the space has to be accessed by a ladder. The tower is the oldest part of the church, and probably dates from the 11th or 12th century (update - English Heritage reckons it is 13th century), possibly older before alterations. The 17th or 18th century bells are below the space up there.
Any ideas?
Can't possibly imagine but what a pretty little church it is Tom.
ReplyDeleteI have some ideas, but I will save them until others have theirs.
DeleteThank you for your blog Tom, I especially like your puzzles.
ReplyDeleteI suggest that that little door, is for some unfortunate soul to climb into from the outside. They would have to check the bells/rope and bearings.
For example, it's not unknown for a bell to be stuck in the upright position.
Are you making sure that there is no movement in the tower?
Perhaps it was to facilitate some rebuilding of the tower many centuries ago.
ReplyDeleteAs a lookout post in troubled times while the villagers huddled in the church...or for throwing buckets of water onto the roof if it caight fire.
ReplyDeletecaught
ReplyDeleteDid bell-ringers of old hang out of the opening with a hand-bell?
ReplyDeleteI think the door facilitates some aspect of church maintenance. I'd like to know what exists inside the oak door. The church looks nicely maintained.
ReplyDeleteMy surmise was more sinister, and so I'll keep it to myself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Susan. Could it be to facilitate putting equipment there from the outside, perhaps needed to install the bells?
ReplyDeleteIt is directly above the ridge of the roof so maybe scaffolding from there. By its position it would be more use for entry than exit.
Isn't there anyone local (vicar?) who could enlighten you?
Access to the tower roof and the bits and bobs (technical term) on the top.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts were the same as 'No Roots'. In my own church, we have access to our bells. It is done from the inside of the church, via a set of narrow but steep stairs, which leads you up to a heavy door to finally reach them.
ReplyDeleteWas there a flag pole on the roof
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely little church ..... an unusual tower as well ? Have no idea what the door is for but handy if you wanted to jump ? XXXX
ReplyDeleteSorry if this is a duplicate - having trouble leaving a comment. I think it could be an ancient look out. The area is prone to rapid flooding, so the Lord of the Manor could be told about the state of his land and the peasants.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit knackered tonight, so I will respond to all these soon.
ReplyDeleteI think that the small doorway has something to do with the hanging and maintenance of the bells. Perhaps the top section of the tower is a later addition to the building and workmen could enter and exit through this doorway without disturbing the original structure.
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