St.Leonards Church by artaddict2

Photography • Historical • posted on Dec 26, 2007

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Description

Yesterday's image of St.Leonards in the snow attracted some very welcome comments. And although perhaps todays photo isn't as pretty, I would like to give a closer look and add a little more information. The FLODDEN WINDOW inside the sanctury is unique, only small and with simple design stained-glass window, holds the names of Three Middleton Archers who fought at the BATTLE of FLODDEN FIELD 1513. It is said that if the Archers (who incidentally were of great tactical value and considered experts) were ever caught they would cut off their thumbs or two fingers so to disable the use of their bows. It is said that Archers would taunt their enemies by holding up their thumbs or two fingers And believed to be that todays rude "TWO FINGERED GESTURE" stems from those days suggesting holding up two fingers says "up yours, I've still got my fingers" same for a gesture holding up your thumb meaning "I'm ok, still got my thumb intact". Approx.1600 the wooden steeple was built on the top of the tower. In 1714 the original set of five bells were re-cast with a sixth being added. By the late 19th century two more bells were added. A curfew bell 'The Nowster' was rung from 1812 - 1939, and on special occasions since. The church holds a fine collection of brasses which includes the only brass in England o a Civil War Officer in full armour, representing Major-General Sir Ralph assheton. The clock in the tower was installed 1807 by William Platt, Clockmaker of Manchester replacing an earier clock there from 1552-1647. Sections of the narative are my interpretation taken from a leaflet simply named MIDDLETON PARISH CHURCH of ST LEONARD the leaflet was obtained from Middleton local library and unfortunately there were no credited names or publishers. I therfore only take credit for the photograph, thankyou.

Comments (25)

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Richardphotos

6:04AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

still as exceptional as yesterday.true there is no snow, but one can see the architectural design and enjoy the history

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kgb224

6:07AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Excellent capture.

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mickuk50

6:20AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

this is a very impressive church alan ,true theres no snow but youve taken two exceptional shots mick

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krakosky

6:43AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

interesting build, good pict.

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Jofurowa

7:06AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Very nice church with woods and stones.

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durleybeachbum

7:53AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

I like this even more than yesterdays!

Valerie-Ducom

7:55AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

So beautiful church and very nice color and mood ! :)

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delaorden_ojeda

8:06AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

impressive church, great compo and pov.

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Cytisus

8:18AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Excellent capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Windworker

8:23AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Thank you for this second composition of this historic treasure. Valuable commentary!

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auntietk

8:52AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

I love this shot, Alan! Thank you for showing us this wonderful bit of architectural history, and for putting together the information. While the other image had more mystery and romance, this one shows all in a highly satisfying way. I love a bit of mystery, but I also love finding the answers, and this shot really does it for me. Excellent work, my friend!

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amlondono

9:52AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Excellent shot ! , Thanks for sharing ! Ana

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virginiese

11:28AM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Great shot ! This building is very stunning ! Thanks for the explanations :-) Virginie

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iaacf

12:12PM | Wed, 26 December 2007

I haven't looked at the yesterday's picture yet, but I think this one sure is an interesting one. Beautiful architecture and so Brittish..A nice photograph.

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toddaking

3:31PM | Wed, 26 December 2007

Excellent picture. Todd

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hipps13

4:04PM | Wed, 26 December 2007

this is wonderful Alan I like it very much and intering info as well sweet day to you warm hug, Linda

MrsLubner

6:29PM | Wed, 26 December 2007

The wooden addition on the tower is really interesing. Your reference to brasses... I'm American and I'm not sure we are thinking the same thing...I had many beautiful brasses that were handed down to me. They were heavy brass castings that hung on the harness and other rigging of a horse. Tjhey represented the family arms/crest, deeds performed, etc. Is this what you mean by brasses? This is so sturdy and solidly built I would nearly mistake it for a fortress rather than a cathedral.

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