East Shefford in Berkshire is one of those villages that no longer exists, it's principal reminder is the small church of St Thomas', now a redundant church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. But what a treasure this forgotten village has left behind, in a space scarce bigger than a scout hut the visitor will find both monuments and wall paintings.
Built on a site used for Christian Worship from Saxon times it is likely that the structure dates back to the end of the 12'th century and with the exception of later windows, chancel arch and a small side extension to the chancel remains close to the original form. The extensive surviving wall paintings represent three distinct periods of Christian religious art, impressive as they are today the reader is suggested to imagine them vibrant with fresh colour, this simple church gives us a better idea of the pure spectacle of Christian building than many grander structures.
Immediately above and around the Chancel Arch (whose remodelling in the 15'th century has partly destroyed it) is the scene of the Adoration of the Maji, consisting of a series or ached enclosures, in the left hand arch may be seen the head of one of the Maji, whilst to the right is an angel. The central part of the image would have shown the nativity. The style is 'Romanesque' (7'th to 12'th century). This painting would have extended onto the walls at the east end of the nave.
Above this is the 'rood' decoration, to emphasise the cross placed above the chancel arch. The outline of the cross can be seen placed against a pattern depicting the 'cloth of glory'. High up in the arch may be seen the sun and moon. This decoration is from the 15'th or early 16'th century and is roughly contemporary with the widening of the chancel arch.
On the side walls may be seen round decorations originally depicting a cross, these may well date back to the 12'th century. Again on the side walls can be seen post reformation texts (17'th century).
If this wasn't enough to entice the visitor the chancel (which includes 16'th century floor tiles), has two major monuments to the local manorial family (the Fettiplaces). Set in the arch to the extension on the east side is an alabaster tomb monument to Thomas Fettiplace and his wife Beatrice (a 'princess' of Portugal, perhaps illegitimate), this dates from the mid 15'th century. On the north wall of the chancel is a 16'th century monument to John Fettiplace and his wife.
A fascinating building which 'gives lie' to a simple exterior appearance, this church is normally open to the visitor. Set in a small churchyard accessed by walking up a private drive. Photographed in December 2011 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry.
