Friday 17 October - LITTLE PACKINGTON
This is a small parish and scattered village, about three and a half miles southeast from Coleshill, and nearly eight miles from Coventry.
THE CHURCH, a small Norman church, contains chancel and nave. The interior dimensions are - nave, 45 feet 9 inches by 17 feet 10 inches; chancel 20 feet 8 inches by 15 feet 6 inches.
The east window, an insertion apparently decorated, contains three lights, with much stained glass, of various dates. There seems to have been two circular-headed windows on each side of the chancel window, and probably one in the centre. Loose in the window seats were three pieces of stained glass, two of them coats of arms, the third the head of a bishop, beautifully executed. We took the trouble to inform a gentleman connected with the church of the state of this glass, and got no thanks for it. These will probably soon disappear.
The church in 1878 (courtesy A. Harrington).
The church in 1878, by Alan Everitt
(courtesy Birmingham
Museum and Art Gallery)
The chancel arch is pointed and recessed, but the abaci are square Norman; the span of the arch is 5 feet, height of pillars 5 feet 8 inches. Some of the pews are finely panelled. The pulpit has linen panelling, but no date. Three narrow arches at the west end appear a subsequent erection to support a small wooden bell turret, in the tea garden style, painted white.
There have been three doors; that on the S.W. side of the chancel a small round-headed door, built up. The S. door of the nave is also built up; it is half circular, with the nail head on the outer circular. The mouldings of the N. door have been destroyed, and a small rude porch of wood hides it. It is half circular.
Immediately under the eaves, on both the north and south side, is a corbel table, of very rude and irregular construction.
The church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew.
 |
 |
|
|
