alabaster

Scenes from another field trip--this time with the stained glass group, to two rural parish churches in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Still not entirely sure where this is, but it's the general midlands of Eng. We got lost en route and drove around lots of winding back roads for a while. When we finally arrived we looked at protective glazing on windows. I got a little preoccupied with taking pictures of graves and alabaster tombs, so those are the photos you'll get here...

Church of St. Mary and All Saints, Checkley.
Staffordshire.

Sadly I cannot remember whose tomb this is.
But it is alabaster. I have a thing for alabaster.


I also love old graffiti.




Puffy sleeves, yes please.


Are there any stains on your alabaster feet?


Coat of arms with shells.


Some SG for good measure.




Marble and words.


Then we went into the graveyard.


A certain shade of green.


Elizabeth.




I'm really into taking pictures of bare trees lately.
Makes me feel all macabre.


Then on to the Church of St. Mary & St. Barlock, Norbury.
Derbyshire.


The chancel is a sight to behold.
Unfortunately couldn't get good pictures sans people.


A bit o' glass. Pretty grisaille dating to the fourteenth c.


But the main attraction.


Fifteenth-century tomb of Elizabeth & Ralph Fitzherbert.


Magnificent headdress on E.


And her hands show how medieval ladies wore rings high
up on their fingers. This meant they were rich and didn't
have to do work, so those rings would stay on.
Someday I will bring back this trend.


The detail in R's hair and collar is astounding.


Funny little creature at his feet. A sheep, perhaps.


And speaking of feet, these shoes are amazing, esp. the spurs.


And the tomb of Nicholas Fitzherbert, also fifteenth c.


Swirled hair.


The details.


The sun and rose collar shows loyalty to the reigning
House of York.


Mourning ladies decorate the bottom portion.


Des soeurs.


Then we went outside.


I took more grave pictures.






Roots climbing the church walls.
xx