Charlecote House – St. Leonard’s Church

St Leonard’s Church occupies a significant position within the historic landscape of Charlecote and it is situated immediately adjacent to the main entrance gates, forming an integral part of the approach to the great house. It’s thought that there has been a church in this location since at least the twelfth century, although little remains of the medieval church as it was pulled down in 1849. The old building just wasn’t good enough for the country house, the Lucy family wanted something rather more decadent.

The new church was constructed between 1850 and 1853, with the impetus for this ambitious project coming from Mary Elizabeth Lucy (née Williams, 1803-1890) who was the wife of George Hammond Lucy (1789-1845). Following her husband’s death, Mary Elizabeth conceived the rebuilding as some sort of grand memorial to him, personally funding the work and laying the foundation stone in 1850.

The lighting was a little odd in the church and my photos have come out looking like postcards from the 1980s. The interior of the church is in the Gothic Revival style and it was designed by John Gibson.

The font was also designed by John Gibson and it’s an impressively decorated piece.

Some of the detail on the font.

The chancel of the church and we didn’t investigate too much further down here as the organist was playing away and occasionally stopping and angrily commenting on his own performance, so Richard and I didn’t want to disturb the arrangement. I must admit, I like a bit of musical frustration when visiting an historic monument, it adds some atmosphere to the proceedings.

Looking back along the nave with a rather svelte Richard strolling down purposefully.

A rose window in the Gothic style and some intricate stained glass work.

It’s rather a shame that the church has faced attack.

From the outside, the size of the private chapel leading off from the chancel is particularly noticeable. Apparently, some of the wood used in this chapel dates from the earlier church which the Victorians demolished.

Personally and this might be evident by the slightly short post, I’m not that engaged with the church as although it’s beautiful, there’s little of heritage and it’s the medieval aspect that particularly intrigues me. Everything obviously cost a lot of money, it was done well and it was in keeping with the rather decadent nature of the main house. But, I like a slightly rough and ready church, one where there are traces of medieval changes all over the place, something that has been erased here.