St Andrew's Parish Church, Chinnor
CHURCHES GROUP – visit to St Andrew’s, Chinnor
Our February visit was to our local parish church and what a wonderful tour we had. Paul Stancliffe was our guide and took us through the history of the Thornhill ‘cartoons’ for the Westminster Abbey rose window a replica of which is featured to the rear of the church.
We looked at the finely preserved brasses, now mounted on the chancel wall and Pat Haywood told us about the 700 year rood screen, which is the oldest in Britain, if not in Europe. Although quite plain its incredible age makes it unique. Paul told us that the pulpit and font are from Caen stone with matching carvings but he did not know how old they are. A little research revealed that, in fact, they were installed in the 18th century and the original 14th century font was thrown into the church yard. Luckily, some saintly soul rescued it and it is now at the rear of the church. Again, very plain and crudely carved; its very age makes it valuable and interesting. There are two medieval stained-glass windows circa 1350, in the north and south walls of the chancel, it is amazing that they survived the depredations of the Puritan Parliamentarians.
Our next visit postponed to the first Friday in April, is to Chalgrove where we will be given a guide of the church and a Power point presentation of the famous wall paintings. So much for which to look forward.
David