St Margaret's Church, Hales, Norman church with round tower in Hales, England
St Margaret's Church is a 12th-century Norman building with a distinctive round tower and thatched roof in Hales. It features a semicircular apse and intricately decorated doorways with zigzag, star, and rosette patterns carved into its flint walls.
The church was built in the 12th century and remained under the control of St Olaves Priory. This monastic connection ended when the priories were dissolved in the 1530s.
Medieval wall paintings inside show Saint James holding a pilgrim's staff and Saint Christopher carrying the Christ child above the chancel arch. These figures offer insight into how worshippers once understood religious stories through art.
The church stands in open fields south of Hales village and is reached via an uneven grass path from the parking area along the adjacent lane. Wear suitable footwear as the path can become muddy depending on weather conditions.
An octagonal 15th-century font displays detailed carvings of four lions and angels holding shields. This intricately carved piece stands out against the church's whitewashed interior walls.
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