APETHORPE. CHURCH : ST LEONARDS
I had looked forward to seeing inside this church since Chris Stafford sent me over some photographs of the magnificent Mildmay Monument, several photographs of which are included below. I made my first trip here just before Christmas 2006. This turned out to be one of the darkest, bleakest December days seen for some while. In hindsight, I should have turned around and come home long before I every reached Apethorpe!
Interior shots came out poor, and exterior shots were not helped by an aggregates lorry being parked right in front of the church. Not good. I re-visited on a glorious Saturday in mid February, which seemed more like mid April. Completely re-shot interior and exterior.
The South chapel of this church was built in 1621 to house the Mildmay Monument, regarded as one of the finest of the period. The effegies of Sir Anthony (diesd 1617) and his wife Lady Grace (died 1620) lie on a black and white tomb chest under a great canopy. In each corner stands a female figure representing the four virtues, Piety, Charity, Wisdom and Justice. Quite spectacular.
In this church there are stained glass windows going back to 1621. A photograph of the 17th Century stained glass windowcan be found by going to the Chris Stafford section of the site, and scrolling down to Chris' Miscellaneous Pictures. A representation of the Last Supper, which can be found in the chancel,is dated 1732.
Close to the Mildmay Monument is the tomb of the Lord Of The Manor, Sir Richard Dalton, who died in 1442. This would originally have been painted.
This church, unremarkable looking from the outside, is a delight and interest is carried on outside of the church gates. On the opposite side of the road, in a shelter protected by railings, is the remains of the old village stocks and the whipping post.
This village is a delight, and I strongly recommend a visit at some point if you are ever in the vicinity.
The two close up of the faces on the magnificent Mildmay Monument, as well as the effigy of the baby pictured right, are all kindly provided by Chris Stafford. As always, sincere thanks to Chris for these.
