The Revd Writes…
Last year saw the publication of Churches of Hertfordshire by David Gouldstone. This is a must have guide for anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage that our parish churches hold within them. The book is no detailed architectural guide but rather sets out to whet the appetite of anyone willing to spend a couple of hours immersing themselves in discovering the stories portrayed in ancient stone and monument. The author picks out forty-three churches from across the county with which to encourage the intrepid pilgrim. “The county’s churches are similar in that they are often overlooked and underappreciated, yet they afford many pleasures for anyone who takes the time to look.” Of the forty-three churches, fifteen are within the Deanery of Buntingford and four of the churches mentioned are within our own benefice, only Cottered has been excluded. This says much about the special qualities of the country churches in North and East Hertfordshire.
David Gouldstone’s style of writing might be described as relaxed; whilst well-written it has a cheeky sense of fun. “My first visit to a Hertfordshire church was in 1957… I paid little attention to the tracery and tympana… perhaps forgivably in the circumstances, the occasion being my baptism.” His tongue-in-cheek approach translates into the mini guides he presents for each church - focusing on one or two features rather than a detailed history. Commenting on the thirteenth-century monument to the knight, William de Lanvellei in St Mary’s, Walkern he writes, “… grasping the hilt of his long sword (which extends down to his feet), apparently in the act of drawing it with hostile intent. It is the stuff of nightmares.” Describing the different designs on the font at Holy Trinity, Throcking he pens the following, “One flower has a face with a gaping mouth and, apparently, a protruding tongue, like a louche ancestor of Little Weed from the Flowerpot Men.” It is a delight to read.
What David Gouldstone can’t capture is the way in which all our churches will be dressed to celebrate the feast of Easter. The sombre purple of Lent gives way to the white and gold for vestments and altar cloths. Beautifully crafted flower arrangements will announce the season of resurrection; a reminder that in these troubled times we continue to believe that life is stronger than death. Music will be played and sung, and prayers and worship will be offered in thanksgiving to God for the gift of love manifested in the example of Jesus shared amongst us.
And church doors will be open for all to enter the sacred space that has sheltered and given sanctuary to generations who have gone before.
You are more than welcome to pop in!
Happy Easter
God Bless
Mark
Churches of Hertfordshire by David Goldstone is published by Amberley publishing ISBN 9781398119291