Church of St Nicholas, Withycombe, Medieval parish church in Withycombe, England
The Church of St Nicholas is a medieval parish building with a two-stage crenellated tower, rubble walls finished with Ham stone, and slate roofs throughout. The structure combines elements from different periods, with portions of the north wall showing earlier construction phases.
The chancel was built in the 13th century, while the tower followed in the 14th century, and parts of the north wall survive from the 12th century. These construction layers show how the building evolved over centuries.
The five-bay fan-vaulted screen from 1500 displays enriched cornices with vineleaf carvings that show the skill of medieval craftspeople working on religious buildings. These details reflect how carefully artisans decorated spaces meant for worship.
The building is generally accessible to visitors during open hours and can be explored from the inside. It is wise to check ahead about service times, as these may affect access to certain areas.
In a wall niche stands a stone figure of an unknown man holding a heart-shaped case, suggesting that only his heart was buried at this location. This unusual burial practice was a rare choice for people with special reasons or wishes.
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