Ufford CHURCH : ST ANDREW
A beautiful Friday in mid July 2009. Summer was here in the UK for the first time in what seemed like several years. The sun shone, and it was possible to go out confident that you would not come home wet! This was the first day of what was to be a long weekend cycling in South Lincolnshire. The main objectives were simple, spend some time in an area that I like very much, take in the Morton street fair on the Saturday, and photograph a few churches at the same time.
I had started off the Friday with an early morning visit to Sutton, near to Castor, before heading off to Ufford. I had visited the church of St Peter at Ufford twice previously but had found the church locked on each occasion. I think that on those previous occasions I had just arrived too early as it was open this time. Good to see inside this church.
The church itself is an impressive sight, standing as it does on high ground on the edge of the village. Some veru impressive views to be had from the church grounds, looking out over the surrounding countryside. The church itself is very large, with a huge chancel. This church reminds me of that at nearby Maxey. Church grounds are well maintained but the gravestones are mostly pretty badly weathered. The tower is castellated and some pretty badly weathered gargoyles sit atop the tower. These have seen better days, many years of wind and rain no doubt leaving their mark.
As mentioned earlier, the church was open, and the definite highlight of the interior is definitely the memorial to one Dame Bridgett Lady Carre, which can be found on the north side of the church. Dame Bridgett has been reclining on her pillow, Bible in hand, since 1621. She had served both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Anne. Sadly, there is damage to this memorial with one finger on the left hand missing and damage to the face. A lovely monument though, with the inscription reading as follows....
Here lyeth buryed the body of Dame Bridgett, Lady Carre, widowe, daughter of Sir John Chaworth of Wiverton in the County of Nottingham, Knight, late wife of Sir William Carre of Sleaforde in the County of Lincoln, Knight. Who served the late Queen Elizabeth, of most famous memory, being on of the gentlewomen of her Majestie's Pryve Chamber of the space of five and twenty years, and afterwards served the nost renowned Queen Anne, wife of our most gracious Sovereign King James for the space of fourteen years; being the residue of her life, and dyed the 18th day of april, being the age of 79 yeaarrs. The which said Lady Carre out of her love to her dear sister Katherine, wife of George Quarles of this town of Ufforde, esquiere, hath caused her body to be here interred. 1621
Also worthy of note here is a delightful stained glass window featuring a depiction of Christ. Not sure of the age of this window, but I would guess that it is quite modern. A very fine piece of work.
A few nicely carved bench ends are also to be seen, featuring a series of grotesquely carved faces, some with tongues stuck out in typical medieval gesture.
An enjoyable 45 minutes spent here, a late breakfast taken, and then off to next point of call, neighbouring Uffington.
