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Guide To Churchcrawling
A Guide to Church Crawling.
I have always loved churches.
They are such fantastic buildings, and we are lucky to have so many unique and historic examples scattered across the country. I believe that regardless of our faith, we can learn a great deal from visiting these buildings, standing a while and soaking up their atmosphere. Churches are great time capsules of history, rich with tales just waiting to be uncovered. They are often the subject of regional folklore, perhaps the Devil moved the building out of spite, or a grim stillness stalks their churchyard. As well as serving as testament to the importance of religion in the past, they also provide us with unique access into the minds of those who once inhabited the space. One only has to look at the wealth of graffiti on offer to be reminded that these were not only hallowed places, but they were also visited by people just like us.
If you have an interest in history, I implore you to consider visiting your local church. I have gained so much from doing so over the last six years. What started as general inquisitiveness has become a great joy in my life, I even had my ‘Hen do’ champing (Church Camping) in my favourite medieval church. In truth, I am almost obsessive in my pursuit of these building’s stories, and I have crawled across the length and breadth of Shropshire and beyond out of curiosity and passion for them. I have seen ducking stools and Sheela na gigs, herringbone architecture and apotropaic marks and the remains of medieval wall paintings as well as other tantalising reminders of those who came before us. Church crawling can be such a rewarding hobby, and I thought it may be of interest for me to share some of what I have learnt over my many visits. This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the things I would recommend for anyone curious about doing a spot of church crawling.
1. Remember the living as well as the Dead.
In general, the people who are drawn to church crawling understand the history and symbolic importance of these buildings. Churches are very emotional places and are tied to the rites of passage from birth to death.
To a believer they are intrinsic to their understanding of the world, a hub of their faith. They are also a space for the dead, with the remains of the people of the past buried both within and without the walls.
Some of our churches have been active for up to a thousand years and hold memories of many lives lived.
Therefore, it is important to show respect to the space and be mindful that it is also holds religious importance to people today.
This is not to suggest a sombre approach to visiting churches, but instead to hold space for the building and its meaning to the congregation, both past and present. By doing this, you can not only understand the building through the eyes of its flock but also make new meaning for yourself whilst wandering around the pews.
2. Plan in Advance
Now I love a spontaneous church trip, but it is also good to do a little bit of preparation in advance, especially if you are wanting to visit more than one church in a day.
On a practical level it allows you to know church opening times (there is no greater betrayal than turning up eagerly to a locked church) as well as the times of a service and even where you can park.
On a different note, by planning your trip in advance, you can truly make the most out of your day. What is it that you want to see in the church?
Is it a particular style of architecture or are you a lover of medieval font?
Do you love a grave with a story or the flourish of a medieval misericord carving? Perhaps like me you are all of the above. By planning out which churches you are going to see, allows you to find the most relatable stories within the building. It also gives you insight into the customs and traditions of the local area. I by no means advocate for a detailed itinerary, (it’s never been my style) but until you look you never truly know what stories can be found around you. It also allows you to focus on specifics, to ensure you don’t miss out on the many hidden stories contained within our ancient churches.
3. Be prepared for the unexpected
This seems to counter the previous point, but it is always good to have a relaxed approach with regard to visiting churches. In the past I have interrupted the end of a baptism (from which I promptly ran away and hid in the churchyard, until the vicar came to tell me I was welcome to enter the church at any time), walked into prayer meetings and also visited during restoration work, where the tranquillity of the rural church was permeated by the sound of drilling. By approaching these situations with polite good humour, it not only gives you some stories to tell, but it also ensures that you can still enjoy your visits.
4. Take your time and look everywhere!
This would be perhaps one of my most important pieces of advice for church crawlers. Remember to take your time whilst wandering around a church and look everywhere! Churches are absolutely packed with interesting things, and it is very easy to miss something! For example, when I recently visited the stunning St Mary’s church, Kempley for the medieval wall paintings, I was so awe struck that I forgot to really look at the roof, which is the oldest example of a timber roof in the country. St Mary’s can also boast of having a medieval wooden door dating back as far as the 1100s. (I am just going to have to visit again) I would suggest to anyone planning to visit historic churches that it is a good idea to take your time and wander around the building a fair few times, each time focusing on a different aspect, or just seeing where your eyes take you. I would also recommend looking at the outside of the building, as this is often overlooked. On the outside this is where you can find graffiti and apotropaic markings, interesting grotesques and other carvings as well as seeing a variety of mason’s work and styles. In some cases, you can also see the different eras of the church, and how they blend seamlessly into the building as it is today.
5. Check the Pews!
On a similar vein to my previous point, I would definitely recommend looking within the pews, especially if you are looking for apotropaic markings or graffiti. Some churches have retained their original pews, such as Munslow, where around ten of them date from the 15th or 16th century. It is within the pews, and choir stalls were I have found some of my most fascinating examples of apotropaic marks and graffiti. I have found carved faces, signatures and what appeared to be childlike drawings, perhaps made out of boredom during a long service. It is magical to see such a tangible reminder of the humanity of the past and connect to those who came before us.
1. Have a chat!
This is something I used to actively avoid, (due to being a bit socially awkward) but it is so wonderful to learn about a church from its vicar or a member of its congregation. In my experience they will know all of a church’s quiet corners and secrets which allows you a greater experience during your visit. Churches love to have visitors and are eager to share the reasons why their building is so special. For example, I had a wonderful chat with the vicar of Diddlebury church (the one I ran away from) who was able to not only explain its link to some of Britain’s more turbulent history but also share information not readily available on the internet.
When you have finished chatting, make sure to write in the guest book (as they serve as a way to prove to the diocese the church should remain open and can be used as evidence when applying for grants) and perhaps even give a donation if you can, as these historic buildings are in great need of your support.
These are but a few of the tips I would suggest to those starting out on their church crawling adventure. Every building is unique in its own way and provides us with tangible access to our past. I would encourage anyone to give church crawling a go, to see how it makes you feel.
For me, I cannot help but feel a quiet sense of awe when I open the church door, and feel the centuries come alive around me.
Just remember, to close the door behind you on the way out so no swallows get trapped inside after you’ve left…
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