So decayed they were unrecognisable

First Sunday of Lent. At the Family Service a long sermon about temptation. During the prayers in an act of humility the priest came down into the congregation and knelt in the central aisle facing the altar.



Above: in the afternoon a visit to a remote church in the south west of the county. The leafless trees were stark and beautiful. Interesting mounds in a nearby field.



Above: brief survey of the graveyard revealed an old family called Templeman. This surname has (supposedly) crusader origins. Leicester University is attempting to link patrilineal surnames with DNA.



Above: when I looked at the area on an Ordnance Survey map later I found intriguing "Temple" references.



Above: disappointed that the medieval wall paintings I wanted to see were so decayed they were unrecognisable. This is meant to be the Last Judgement. Notice beyond the altar rails a fine 18th century throne chair which was worth seeing.



Above: unexpected find was this ancient stone tomb in a recess of the north wall. The carved cross appears to incorporate a design of fleur de lys. It makes you wonder who is buried here - some Merovingian or Carolingian princess possibly?