Marshchapel Church ~ Gargoyles and the History Behind St Mary’s
The church at Marshchapel is dedicated to St Mary and is renowned for it’s grotesques, gargoyles and extensive carvings with the present building dating to 1420
Marshchapel is a decent sized village on the east coast of Lincolnshire lying close to the sea.
As can be seen the church is a fine building, indeed regarded as one the the finest in the area
The tower is very prominent and can be seen from all over The Marshes, it is also noted for having a lean.
Folklore suggests this was as the result of an earthquake in 1601, which is actually recorded in the parish registers, but it seems it is nothing more than a touch of ground settling.
To the left you’ll see the ancient Sanctuary Ring. Fugitives from the law, up until the 17th century when the law was abolished, could escape their pursuers by grabbing hold of this ring on the church and claiming sanctuary. They were then under the protection of the church for 40 days and could not be touched by the law, soldiers or vigilantes.
Saint Mary’s is noted for the quality and extent of it’s stone carvings both inside and out. Further down you’ll see 6 pictures I took to give you some idea of the gargoyles, grotesques and heads which line the outside of the church.
Inside there are a couple of fine and old alabaster carving, and a tablet to Walter Harpham 1607
My first thoughts, after acknowledging how impressive the building was, went to why so big ?
It is noticeably grander than those in the area, also bigger than one might imagine is required by the village as well - clearly it was handsomely endowed and little wonder it acquired the title of “The Cathedral in the Marsh”
Subsequent research suggests that perhaps it was related to the prosperity brought to the area by the salt workings.
It’s unquestionably worth visiting if you’re anywhere near Marsh Chapel.
It’s easy enough to find, on the A1031 between North Cotes and Grainthorpe on the road from Cleethorpes to Mablethorpe.
Marsh Chapel Church
Below you’ll see a representative selection of the gargoyles and grotesques which adorn the outside of the church
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If you know of any at all about this church or anything related, indeed perhaps you just have some experience of it or wish to comment - please feel free to do so - all information is not only grateful received but actively sought
All the best
Rod
Navigator said,
October 23, 2011 @ 3:04 pm
I have visited this church on a couple of occasions and managed to obtain a pamphlet describing the interior and exterior of this “Cathedral of the Marshes”.My attention was drawn to note 19 (outside of the church) and I will quote the words as printed. ‘When you leave the porch door and go into the Churchyard you are reminded of much suffering.18th C Mary Loft of the Old Hall buried seventeen sons and an unknown number of daughters,none of whom survived full term or to their first birthday.Their unmarked graves are behind the Yew tree near the stump of the ancient Churchyard Cross’.
I have (on a later visit) found the Yew tree and the Churchyard Cross but no sign of any small graves or clues as to their whereabouts? A couple of local people were bemused when I showed them the pamphlet which I had obtained from the church when it was open to the public. I have even e-mailed the local Parish Council who said they would try and find someone to assist (still waiting after 18 months) Is there anyone out there who can elaborate on this poor woman’s tragic life ? or is it just a rural myth? —– Ken.
Rod said,
October 23, 2011 @ 6:17 pm
Navigator,
this is extremely interesting and something I’d like to hear more about too so if there is anybody who knows anything at all about the above then please do leave a comment
Thanks again Navigator and a warm welcome to the site.
Regards
Rod