Church of St Nicholas, Dunkeswell: A Historic Gem

Nestled in the beautiful English countryside near Honiton, Devon, lies the charming Church of St. Nicholas. With a history stretching back centuries, this church offers a unique blend of architectural styles and a warm welcome to all.

While the current building dates back to the mid-19th century, the site itself has been home to a place of worship for much longer. Intriguingly, the church's Norman font, adorned with mysterious figures, hints at an even older religious presence.

Step inside St. Nicholas and be greeted by the elegant Decorated Gothic design. The recent tower rebuild adds a touch of modern resilience to this historic structure. Interestingly, the original tower fell victim to the vibrations of wartime machinery stationed nearby!

The church is more than just beautiful stonework. The congregation is known for its friendliness and strong sense of community. Whether you're a local resident or simply passing through, you're warmly invited to join their Sunday services or spend a moment of quiet reflection in the church, which is open daily for prayer.

St. Nicholas also boasts some unique traditions. They hold a special service commemorating the Battle of Britain, alongside an annual American Memorial Service honouring those who served in Dunkeswell during World War II.

So, if you find yourself exploring Devon's stunning countryside, be sure to add St. Nicholas Church, Dunkeswell, to your itinerary. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and a chance to connect with a welcoming community.

I previously posted about the church of St Nicholas and the nearby Dunkeswell Methodist Church on the 4th October 2021. The pictures below are some I recently re-edited for inclusion on various products I have for sale on my Zazzle store. Please take a moment to check out my stores, they can also be seen on my Clickasnap account in a higher resolution.

These images can be purchased on various products including postcards, mugs and clocks on Colin's Picture This Zazzle store, and in various posters and wall art from the C_Green_photography Store. These also include different versions including black and white, sepia, 1974 and vendredi styles. The images can also be transferred on to many other products as per your requirements.

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Dunkeswell Methodist Church and the Anglican Church of St Nicholas, Dunkeswell, Devon

 These pictures of the Methodist church and St Nicholas were taken on the 10th September 2015. I was at the nearby air field to collect a load in my job as a HGV driver and upon arrival was informed I would be unable to load until the following morning, so with time to pass and nothing to do I went to explore the local area.

Dunkeswell Methodist Church

The first church I passed whilst walking towards the village was the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, located a short walk from the airfield at the top of Abbey Road the small church overlooks the village. Other than service information there isn't much available online regarding the history of the church. The pictures below were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera and can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.     

St Nicholas Church

The church of St Nicholas was rebuilt on the same site as an earlier structure between 1865-68, with the tower being replaced in 1953. The tower had been urgently demolished after World War II due to being seriously weakened and in danger of collapse. This structural damage had been caused by the engine vibration of the bombers taking off from the nearby air field which was home to the US Air Force and then the US Navy who have a plaque and book of remembrance in the church. The church still holds regular services today and has a number of references inside to the US forces that were stationed nearby.

The church was open when I passed so I got pictures of both the exterior and interior, they were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or alternatively on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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St. Nicholas Church, Cumberworth and its Enduring Legacy

Nestled amidst the tranquil landscape of Cumberworth, West Yorkshire, stands St. Nicholas Church, a testament to faith, resilience, and the passage of time. This unassuming Anglican church, part of the Diocese of Leeds, holds within its walls and grounds a rich tapestry of history, spanning nearly eight centuries.

What we see today is the third iteration of St. Nicholas, a structure born from the Victorian era's architectural fervour. But beneath its relatively recent facade, whispers of earlier incarnations resonate. Records suggest that the first church, a humble edifice, was erected around 1255, a time when medieval England was still finding its footing. Imagine the echoes of ancient prayers and the flickering candlelight illuminating the stone walls, a stark contrast to the modern world we inhabit.

The passage of time, however, demanded change. By the 17th century, the original church had succumbed to the ravages of time and was replaced by a second structure. Though details of this intermediate church are scarce, its existence bridges the gap between the medieval and Victorian eras.

In the 1870s, the current St. Nicholas Church rose from the foundations of its predecessor, a reflection of the architectural styles prevalent during that period. However, a crucial element of the previous church was preserved: its bell tower. This weathered sentinel, a silent witness to centuries of change, connects the present church to its historical roots.

Within this venerable tower reside three bells, their voices ringing out across the Cumberworth landscape. These are not the original bells, however. During the 1960s, a necessary restoration project saw the original bells melted down and recast, preserving their resonant tones for future generations. Each toll is a link to the past, a reminder of the countless services, celebrations, and solemn moments that have echoed through the valley.

Beyond the church's walls, the churchyard holds another fascinating piece of history: a set of remarkably well-preserved Grade II listed stocks. These wooden restraints, once used to publicly punish minor offenders, offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of local justice. Imagine the villagers gathered, witnessing the public humiliation, a stark reminder of the social norms and punishments of the past. The stocks, now silent and still, serve as a poignant reminder of the community's evolution.

St. Nicholas Church, Cumberworth, is more than just a place of worship; it's a living museum, a repository of local history. From its medieval origins to its Victorian reconstruction, and the enduring presence of its ancient bell tower and stocks, the church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. It's a place where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the present, inviting visitors to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of faith. Every stone, every bell toll, every weathered piece of wood tells a story, a story that continues to unfold in the heart of Cumberworth.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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