The Church of St. Cuthbert, its tower and tufted trees are seen from a considerable distance rising over a level district of loam and red clay, where the floods of winter would formerly collect and rest on the tenacious soil in a broad discoloured pool or mere; and hence most literally the name “The Hill of the Red Mere.â€
The Church, amidst much of modern repair, has scattered features of high antiquity. A massy west tower, both from its site and strength, may well (as Hutchinson suggests) have been used as a place of retreat or defence; a purpose which was perhaps seldom entirely overlooked in these structures. The chancel opens under a heavy circular arch. The South porch opens from the nave, under a blunt pointed arch. Two recumbent figures, male and female, of very elegant work in alabaster, occupy a broad altar-tomb. (See the Plate.) This is usually called the Claxton Porch, from the later owners of Wynyard; but the monument is that of Thomas Langton, of Wynyard, who died in 1417, and his wife Sibill, of Layton; both of whom, according to Glover, lie “in the porche of the parish churche of Redmershill, under a tombe of alabastre, having both their portraictures engraven very sumptuously.†A large window in the South porch gives light to the whole nave.
Uploaded by Antony Cairns
on 9 July 2011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60711479@N07/5704243565/in/set-72157626384168633
Photo ID: 16808
Building ID: 101140001
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