In early February I visited a muddy field in Devon in the hope of visiting a quiet redundant church. The welcome from the resident sheep was warm enough, but the door of the chapel remained steadfastly closed, despite my best efforts to persuade it open. Two months later I found myself in the area again so I decided to have another try.
I quietly let myself in through the gate and carefully picked my way across the muddy field. The sheep had gone, replaced by a solitary but equally friendly pony. I suspect visitors are infrequent, especially in the winter, so I stroked his nose to say thank you for the welcome.
My destination was Ayshford Chapel, a 15th century building built as a private chapel for the Ayshford family who lived next door at Ayshford Court, but today it’s cared for by the Friends of the Friendless Churches.
To my delight, despite this winter’s incessant rain, the door responded to my weight this time, opening to allow me a glimpse of the beautiful, salmon pink interior - a reward for my persistence. For a small chapel in such an isolated spot the depth of colour was wonderful - a lovely contrast to the greyness of the skies outside.
To my joy the sun also came out periodically, bathing parts of the chapel with a golden glow - exactly the sort of light I love seeing in churches, albeit infrequently this winter.
On the altar I found the Ayshford family bible, stored in a beautiful wooden casket. To avoid the attentions of mice and the droppings of bats it was protected with a transparent plastic box but I lifted this off for a few minutes to take my photos. before covering it up again.
Even when the sun went in the light was beautiful; the gently coloured coloured glass allowing soft pools of light to catch the simple oak pews.
A few smaller scenes from around the chapel. It was only when I checked my photos later that I realised a small snail was resting up beneath the door hinge!
Click on any of my images to see them enlarged.
The small organ was covered with a cloth, but I sneaked a look beneath. I don’t know how often it gets played but the bellows still work and I spent a few minutes pedalling away to play a little Bach.
The chapel’s one big memorial, to two members of the Ayshford family who died in the late 1680s.
Just before I departed the sun appeared again and I think these are probably my favourite photos from my morning at Ayshford Chapel. Thank goodness I gave it another try - my persistence was definitely rewarded!
Photos taken 5 April 2024
