The chancel of St. John the Baptist forms a marked contrast with the heavy Romanesque character of the nave beyond. Although much of the present fabric dates from Henry Ward’s rebuilding of the 1840s, the space still preserves the impression of a later medieval Gothic chancel developing eastward from an earlier Norman church. The… Continue reading A closer look at the chancel
Tag: Church
A Closer Examination of the Nave
Although rebuilt between 1844 and 1847, the nave of St. John the Baptist still gives a strong impression of the Norman or Romanesque character, with its round arches and zig-zag carving of the earlier medieval church described by Stebbing Shaw in the 1790s. Henry Ward’s rebuilding reused the scale, round arches and zig-zag carving of… Continue reading A Closer Examination of the Nave
St. John the Baptist Church
As St. John the Baptist church was largely rebuilt in the 1840s, and little documentary evidence survives from before that time, it is necessary to turn to alternative sources to reconstruct the form and chronology of the earlier building. Stebbing Shaw, writing in the 1790s, provides a detailed and informative description of the church, including… Continue reading St. John the Baptist Church
Arms, Estates and Ambition: Uncovering the Medieval Past of Hawkesyard
Perched above the Trent Valley, Hawkesyard reveals a rich medieval legacy. From its Saxon origins as Haukesherd to Simon de Rugeley’s prestigious deer park and hall, its heraldic ties and shifting ownership reflect centuries of power, lineage, and ambition—echoes of history that still shape the modern estate’s quiet grandeur.
From Fiddles to Pipes: The Musical History of St. John the Baptist Church
During the English Civil War singing carols was banned as it was considered a political act and sinful. However, throughout its history, St. John the Baptist church has always resounded with music. But until the mid-1800s there was no organ available so different approaches were taken to enrich the services. The parish clerk in the… Continue reading From Fiddles to Pipes: The Musical History of St. John the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Church Tower
The west-end tower of St. John the Baptist Church, largely unchanged since 1632, reflects centuries of adaptation. Its battlements, diagonal buttresses, and pinnacles define its exterior, while its bell chamber has evolved through renovations. Despite past structural challenges, ongoing restoration ensures the tower’s enduring presence in Staffordshire’s historic landscape.
Restoring Faith: The Resilient History of St. John the Baptist Church
By the mid-18th century, St. John the Baptist Church faced the toll of centuries of wear. Essential repairs began in 1752, restoring the roof and steeple, but by the 1840s, larger reconstruction was necessary. With the population growing and the church in disrepair, the nave and aisles were rebuilt, blending Norman and Gothic styles.
John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
By Roy Fallows The churchyard to St John the Baptist parish church in Armitage is a pleasant place where generations of local families have been laid to rest. Most of the headstones and memorials are quite modest and in various states of repair. However, a short walk to the west end of the church reveals… Continue reading John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
St. Magdelene Church
The first church in the parish was St. Magdelene. It is likely to have originally been a timber-built structure and rebuilt in stone by the Normans but very little is known about the building. The only written reference to the name of the church found so far is from a court case in 1386 concerning… Continue reading St. Magdelene Church
Ringing Through the Centuries: The Story of St. John the Baptist Church Bells
The bells of St. John the Baptist Church in Armitage have evolved from two simple 16th-century bells to six majestic ones by 2001. They echo centuries of history, innovation, and community effort, celebrating milestones and bringing life to the village with their resounding melodies.