Following on from my previous post where the 12th Earl surrendered the collegiate chapel to King Henry VIII, subsequential purchasing it back and being required to provide an annual rent to the King :
The nave [of the church] continued as the parish church of Arundel. As the effects of the Reformation took hold the church was rapidly transformed from a temple to a school-room. Altars dedicated to the saints, statues, stained glass and wall paintings were all removed, smashed or painted over, and over time row upon row of pews filled the church.
During the Civil War (16-1651) the Roundheads hoisted cannon onto the church roof to bombard the Royalists holed up in the adjacent castle. They also used the church as their barracks and the Fitzalan Chapel to stable their horses.*
In the 19th century the Church of England rediscovered its catholic identity and a sense of the beauty of holiness once more entered our churches. In St Nicholas’ this led to the introduction of the high altar and reredos, choir stalls and stained glass windows. *
*From a Church of St Nicholas Arundel leaflet
Sometimes it’s hard to read about this kind of history for a church, Cherry, but at least it was a place of refuge! Hopefully it still is.
We had a warm welcome when we visited the church. Those we talked to were full of joy that the Catholic and Anglican faiths were joined together in worship in this unique building.
This church has quite the history. I so love the tile floors, the golden glow is amazing. The church itself looks very robust.
Both sides of the building had a special feel, the golden glow reflects this.
You sure are getting some beautiful weather over there.
We had a fabulous summer last year.
What a beautiful church and your photos are just stunning.
Thank you
Wow! I love the interior decor of the church, so beautiful!
The Glossychic
Wonder Cottage
The skilled craftsmanship is exquisite
it’s a lovely church Cherie… i like the way you framed these capturing the soft golden glow….peter:)
The sunny day was a gift that allowed me to capture such a warm golden glow in my photographs
i am astounded by the lovely floor in the third shot, CP. and it is a bit of a disbelief that the roof was used to engage in warfare.
Within Arundel Castle there are some paintings showing the church building when the contents had been destroyed and the building was being employed for other uses. It is remarkable that it has been restored.