Church of Christ
Christchurch, Cambridgeshire
A rural church in the heart of a village with churchyard.
It has a 13th century tower with an octagonal upper stage, and the body of the church is very handsome, made uniform by the battlements on porch, aisles, clerestory and chancel.
The inside is dominated by very fine medieval roofs, still with some of their original paint, and early 19th century galleries. H Munro Cautley, whose 1949 book Norfolk Churches is a classic of its genre, described these galleries as 'abominable', a view that would have been shared by the Victorians, no doubt. But they give the church a particular character, and are a visible expression of changing church usage and fashion.
They also enable the visitor to get close to the wonderful carvings on the medieval roof, which include angels with outstretched wings and fantastical creatures.
Also here is a rare medieval brass eagle lectern, rows of poppyhead benches, an ornate wooden pulpit, and several interesting monuments and memorials, including one to 67 people who died of cholera in 1832.