The Churches Conservation Trust looks after 325 historical churches across England, no two are the same, and each one is outstanding and rich in history. The trust’s churches are listed buildings, some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and many include irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of history.
The interiors of these churches hold many unexpected surprises, such as ancient wall paintings, elaborate carvings, rich stained glass and opulent monuments. The aim is to let these buildings contribute to modern life; whether as a hidden gem to discover during a walk on the moors, a centre for people to meet, or even, in one case, the home for a circus school.
This Easter why not do something a bit different and spend some time in one of these hidden treasures? Below is a brief selection of events taking place at The Churches Conservation Trust’s buildings.
Open Weekend and Easter Egg Hunt at St Giles Church
Hidden gem, St Giles in Imber.
When: Easter egg hunt on 5th April 2015, 12pm – 4pm. The church is open from 3rd – 6th April 2015
Where: St Giles Church, Imber, Warminster, Wiltshire
£: Free
What is it?
St Giles, Imber, peeps out from rolling hills in the middle of Salisbury Plain and is all that remains of the ghost village of Imber. The village is now closed for most of the year, as it is used for military training purposes by the Ministry of Defence. The church is throwing open its doors over the Easter weekend and will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt for children at 12pm on Sunday.
This lovely 13th century church is a one of the UK’s most stunning hidden treasures. The 14th century tower has five pinnacles, and medieval wall paintings include a rare depiction of the Seven Deadly Sins and a set of 17th century bell ringing changes painted on the north wall of the tower.
More info: www.visitchurches.org.uk
Kids Easter Crafts at St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s in Northampton.
When: 1st April 2015 & 8th April 2015, 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Where: St Peter’s Church, Northampton
£: Free
What is it?
Emily, the Churches Conservation Trust’s heritage learning expert will be in St Peter’s on Wednesday 1st April and Wednesday 8th April with fun Easter craft activities for children.
The most outstanding Norman church in the country, St Peter’s stands in a pretty grass churchyard in Northampton town centre, beside the buried remains of a Saxon palace. This 900-year-old Norman church is filled with glorious carved treasures.
More info: www.visitchurches.org.uk
Easter Fun at St Edmund’s Church
St Edmund’s, Falinges.
When: 5th April 2015, 11.30am – 1.30pm
Where: St Edmund’s Church, Falinges, Rochdale
£: 50p per child
What is it?
Children and their families are invited to visit the beautiful Church of St Edmund on Easter Sunday and take part in some special Easter activities, including The Great Easter Egg Decoration Competition with prizes awarded for the best designs, and The Albert Hudson Royds Fact Finding Trail where finding all seven facts about the founder of the church will be rewarded with a yummy Easter egg. Families can also enjoy the St Edmund’s Explorer Cart which is filled with fun tools and activities to use when exploring the church.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Rochdale the extraordinary church of St Edmund’s may look like many other Victorian parish churches. On closer inspection it reveals a fascinating blend of gothic revival architecture and Masonic symbolism.
More info: www.visitchurches.org.uk