Holy Trinity, Bledlow
Holy Trinity Church at Bledlow is situated in the centre of the village, and is built of flint with dressings of limestone and a little clunch.
The Nave is probably part of an original 12th century church on the site, which from appearances probably once had transepts and a central tower. The aisles were added circa 1200 and later in the century were widened and lengthened, the Chancel being rebuilt on a larger scale and is now wider than the nave, and the West Tower was added. During the 14th century the South Porch was built and windows were inserted in various parts of the church. In 1909 the whole building was restored.
Of especial interest are the nave arcades, which are fine examples of early 13th century work, also the 14th century windows are noteworthy. There are some interesting remains of medieval mural paintings in the North Aisle, particularly that of St. Christopher.
The church has a clearstory which has on each side three wide windows of three trefoiled lights under square heads; the inner stonework being possibly of the 13th century, the lintels and outer stonework are modern; on the north side of the clearstory, at the east end, is an outline of a pointed opening, probably connected with the former rude-loft.
There are five bells, four by Richard Keene, 1683. The font is of the 'Aylesbury' type, a round bowl, fluted sides, with a band of interlacing and foliated ornament at the top, moulded rim, and a plain round stem with a square scalloped base carved with foliage, late 12th century. There are some fragments of 14th century glasswork in some of the windows. In the North Aisle, north of the east window is a canopied 15th century Niche with gabled and crocketed head, partly damaged, and is probably a copy of piscina on the south side. There are five piscinae, the first is 13th century and is in the chancel, with trefoiled chamfered head, jambs carried down to the floor, stone shelf, ledges for higher shelf. The second, also 13th century, is at the east end of the South Aisle, with pointed head, and square basin. In the ledge of the north east window in the North Aisle there are two basins with drains. On the ledge of the second north window in the North Aisle there is a separate slab with a basin. There are three Recesses, the first two are 14th century and are in the south wall of the South Aisle at the east end, and are for tombs, each of two moulded orders with pointed segmental arches. The third, date uncertain, is in the south wall east of the south door and is small, square and roughly made. There is a 16th century Stoup in the north east corner of the south porch, being a plain round bowl.
Details of the stained glass in the church can be found on the following web sites (the site includes many photos):
St Paul, Bledlow Ridge
Details of the stained glass in the church can be found on the following web sites (the site includes many photos):
