St. Mary the Virgin Powerstock

The Church sits firmly in the centre of this charming village on rising ground.  There has been a building here since the middle of C12, but as with most country churches, it has evolved and been altered by successive generations.  The most outstanding features remaining from the original are the magnificent chancel arch, complete with typical dog-tooth moulding, and the lowest stage of the tower.  The Church guide suggests that some of the gargoyles may have come from the Norman building.The north and south aisles are C14.  There are two squints (hagioscopes) on the southern side of the chancel arch and these would have given a view of the high altar, so that the raising of the host could be synchronised in the aisle chapels.  Above the squints, originally reached by a wooden stair, there is a C15 doorway, which would once have led to the rood loft.  The south doorway, within the porch, is also C15 and features some elaborate and important carving (see below).  

The Trust gratefully acknowledges images and text by Robin Adeney ©

Churches Nearby