Churches

Churches are our most visible reminder of past ages. Many of the parish churches that dot the countryside have not changed significantly, externally, for hundreds of years.

Inside, it is different. Before the Reformation, church interiors were a riot of colour with every available surface covered with paintings, illustrating stories from the Bible or saints' lives. For richer parishes, there were statutes in niches, stained glass and relics.

This decoration was swept away by the Reformation – walls were whitewashed, rood screens replaced with the Royal Arms, and pictures of saints with boards listing the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer.