EBK Activity Sheets

 


What Saxon Churches were like
from the Inside
 
This is the inside of the Saxon church of St. Laurence's Church at Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire. It was either built in the 7th or the 10th century.

 

 

 

 

 

Doorway to Northern Porticus

 

 

 

 

Inside Bradford-on-Avon Saxon Church - © Nash Ford Publishing Angel Sculptures. Roof Beams very high up.

 

 

 

 

Small Window. Doorway to Southern Porticus next to it, just out of the picture.

 
  • This is the nave (main room) of the church. It is very high, but also very narrow and small. The photographer is standing as far back as he can. Only a few rows of about eight people can fit inside. Luckily, Saxons always stood up in church.
  • It would also have been very dark because there are few windows. Lighting would have come mostly from candles.
  • The walls are decorated with carved stone angels. They were probably part of a bigger picture. This may have shown Jesus sitting on a rainbow.
  • The angels would have been painted in bright colours. There may have been other colourful paintings around the walls too, showing saints or Bible stories. These could be used to help teach people about Christianity.
  • The three narrow doorways are built in the usual Saxon style. The two opposite one another lead into the portici (side chapels). The one in the middle goes through to the chancel (sanctuary).

 

Bradford Saxon Angel (North) - © Nash Ford Publishing Bradford Saxon Angel (South) - © Nash Ford Publishing

Why not Take a look outside the Saxon Church. 

 

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