Fiona Chartres
@chartresfi.bsky.social
Former picture framer who loves churches, art, history and cheese...
The capitals at All Saints, Oakham are full of fabulous detail.
The subject matter of some of them is very much up for debate though, this fox carrying a goose and having his bum and tail pecked by goslings could be Reynard or Chaucer's Nun's Priests tale...or just a fox.
#SundayStonework
The subject matter of some of them is very much up for debate though, this fox carrying a goose and having his bum and tail pecked by goslings could be Reynard or Chaucer's Nun's Priests tale...or just a fox.
#SundayStonework
December 7, 2025 at 9:58 AM
The capitals at All Saints, Oakham are full of fabulous detail.
The subject matter of some of them is very much up for debate though, this fox carrying a goose and having his bum and tail pecked by goslings could be Reynard or Chaucer's Nun's Priests tale...or just a fox.
#SundayStonework
The subject matter of some of them is very much up for debate though, this fox carrying a goose and having his bum and tail pecked by goslings could be Reynard or Chaucer's Nun's Priests tale...or just a fox.
#SundayStonework
This window by Karl Parsons was presented to St Philip's, Leicester by the Sunday school children in 1913. Following a reorganisation of the church it's now displayed as part of a light box which is an incredibly successful way to enjoy the colours and textures.
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels
December 7, 2025 at 9:23 AM
This window by Karl Parsons was presented to St Philip's, Leicester by the Sunday school children in 1913. Following a reorganisation of the church it's now displayed as part of a light box which is an incredibly successful way to enjoy the colours and textures.
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels
The door at Ampney St Mary is a thing of beauty. Sturdy, simple ironwork on lovely bleached, silvery wood.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
#IronworkThursday
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
#IronworkThursday
December 4, 2025 at 9:14 AM
The door at Ampney St Mary is a thing of beauty. Sturdy, simple ironwork on lovely bleached, silvery wood.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
#IronworkThursday
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
#IronworkThursday
This wall painting at St Mary's, Purton is a warning to sabbath breakers otherwise known as a Sunday Christ.
He's shown as the man of sorrows surrounded by tools and farming equipment reminding people not to work and attend church.
It's such a pity about the later royal arms🙄
#WednesdayWallPaintings
He's shown as the man of sorrows surrounded by tools and farming equipment reminding people not to work and attend church.
It's such a pity about the later royal arms🙄
#WednesdayWallPaintings
December 3, 2025 at 10:49 AM
This wall painting at St Mary's, Purton is a warning to sabbath breakers otherwise known as a Sunday Christ.
He's shown as the man of sorrows surrounded by tools and farming equipment reminding people not to work and attend church.
It's such a pity about the later royal arms🙄
#WednesdayWallPaintings
He's shown as the man of sorrows surrounded by tools and farming equipment reminding people not to work and attend church.
It's such a pity about the later royal arms🙄
#WednesdayWallPaintings
Such lovely graceful curves at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton.
#TraceryTuesday
#TraceryTuesday
December 2, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Such lovely graceful curves at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton.
#TraceryTuesday
#TraceryTuesday
An incredibly vibrant St George by Reginald Bell at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton.
Commissioned by James Fountayne Montagu and installed in the church in 1926 in thanks for his safe return from WW1 and recovery from illness.
#StainedGlassSunday
Commissioned by James Fountayne Montagu and installed in the church in 1926 in thanks for his safe return from WW1 and recovery from illness.
#StainedGlassSunday
November 30, 2025 at 12:04 PM
An incredibly vibrant St George by Reginald Bell at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton.
Commissioned by James Fountayne Montagu and installed in the church in 1926 in thanks for his safe return from WW1 and recovery from illness.
#StainedGlassSunday
Commissioned by James Fountayne Montagu and installed in the church in 1926 in thanks for his safe return from WW1 and recovery from illness.
#StainedGlassSunday
The lads had been told off for pulling faces at the congregation before but couldn't resist it when Sunday came round again.
Fabulous capitals at All Saints, Oakham.
#SundayStonework
Fabulous capitals at All Saints, Oakham.
#SundayStonework
November 30, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The lads had been told off for pulling faces at the congregation before but couldn't resist it when Sunday came round again.
Fabulous capitals at All Saints, Oakham.
#SundayStonework
Fabulous capitals at All Saints, Oakham.
#SundayStonework
A cold and bright late autumn day and the last church of the day as the sun disappeared was All Saints, Braunston in Rutland.
The tower was apparently rebuilt in the 18thC and boasts the tiniest witches hat spire and a completely out of scale clock which was obviously important!
#SteepleSaturday
The tower was apparently rebuilt in the 18thC and boasts the tiniest witches hat spire and a completely out of scale clock which was obviously important!
#SteepleSaturday
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
A cold and bright late autumn day and the last church of the day as the sun disappeared was All Saints, Braunston in Rutland.
The tower was apparently rebuilt in the 18thC and boasts the tiniest witches hat spire and a completely out of scale clock which was obviously important!
#SteepleSaturday
The tower was apparently rebuilt in the 18thC and boasts the tiniest witches hat spire and a completely out of scale clock which was obviously important!
#SteepleSaturday
The 13thC wall paintings at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton are fragmentary but still fascinating.
This is a such an unusual depiction of the nativity with Christ in the oddest manger, raised up as if it's sprouted in the night, the animals look rather surprised!
#WednesdayWallPaintings
This is a such an unusual depiction of the nativity with Christ in the oddest manger, raised up as if it's sprouted in the night, the animals look rather surprised!
#WednesdayWallPaintings
November 26, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The 13thC wall paintings at St John the Baptist, Cold Overton are fragmentary but still fascinating.
This is a such an unusual depiction of the nativity with Christ in the oddest manger, raised up as if it's sprouted in the night, the animals look rather surprised!
#WednesdayWallPaintings
This is a such an unusual depiction of the nativity with Christ in the oddest manger, raised up as if it's sprouted in the night, the animals look rather surprised!
#WednesdayWallPaintings
They certainly like their ball flowers at St Peter and St Paul, Langham, Rutland.
A 14thC window on the rather grand and impressive South side of the church.
#TraceryTuesday
A 14thC window on the rather grand and impressive South side of the church.
#TraceryTuesday
November 25, 2025 at 9:29 AM
They certainly like their ball flowers at St Peter and St Paul, Langham, Rutland.
A 14thC window on the rather grand and impressive South side of the church.
#TraceryTuesday
A 14thC window on the rather grand and impressive South side of the church.
#TraceryTuesday
Two tubby little cherubs with tiny wings and swirling draperies at St Peter and St Paul, Langham,Rutland.
They've obviously spent the last few centuries indulging in judgemental gossip about everyone who wanders down the path to the church door.
#MonumentsMonday
They've obviously spent the last few centuries indulging in judgemental gossip about everyone who wanders down the path to the church door.
#MonumentsMonday
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Two tubby little cherubs with tiny wings and swirling draperies at St Peter and St Paul, Langham,Rutland.
They've obviously spent the last few centuries indulging in judgemental gossip about everyone who wanders down the path to the church door.
#MonumentsMonday
They've obviously spent the last few centuries indulging in judgemental gossip about everyone who wanders down the path to the church door.
#MonumentsMonday
It's all about the chimneys at Lyddington Bede House.
#SundayStonework
#SundayStonework
November 23, 2025 at 7:29 PM
It's all about the chimneys at Lyddington Bede House.
#SundayStonework
#SundayStonework
A long vanished door at Ampney St Mary's but thankfully the fabulous Norman tympanum remains.
A very energetic lion is vanquishing the double headed curly serpent (who doesn't look bothered at all!) watched by a griffin, it's my new favourite.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
A very energetic lion is vanquishing the double headed curly serpent (who doesn't look bothered at all!) watched by a griffin, it's my new favourite.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
November 20, 2025 at 8:50 AM
A long vanished door at Ampney St Mary's but thankfully the fabulous Norman tympanum remains.
A very energetic lion is vanquishing the double headed curly serpent (who doesn't look bothered at all!) watched by a griffin, it's my new favourite.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
A very energetic lion is vanquishing the double headed curly serpent (who doesn't look bothered at all!) watched by a griffin, it's my new favourite.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
The 24 hour clock at St Mary's, Raunds is the earliest I've ever seen. Dating from the early 15thC, two angels with delicately feathered wings support it flanked by the kneeling donors.
#WednesdayWallPaintings
#WednesdayWallPaintings
November 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The 24 hour clock at St Mary's, Raunds is the earliest I've ever seen. Dating from the early 15thC, two angels with delicately feathered wings support it flanked by the kneeling donors.
#WednesdayWallPaintings
#WednesdayWallPaintings
An absolutely beautiful early 20thC angel on the rail leading to the pulpit at St Peter's, Leicester.
Apparently carved by a local man, the quality is superb.
#Woodensday
Apparently carved by a local man, the quality is superb.
#Woodensday
November 19, 2025 at 5:39 PM
An absolutely beautiful early 20thC angel on the rail leading to the pulpit at St Peter's, Leicester.
Apparently carved by a local man, the quality is superb.
#Woodensday
Apparently carved by a local man, the quality is superb.
#Woodensday
The lectern at St Mary the Virgin, Meysey Hampton dates from 1622 (clearly)... and still has its original book chain.
I'm assuming the inscription 'Christian Jackets' commemorates the person who possibly gave it to the church, it's lovely to see it still in use.
#SundaySermons
I'm assuming the inscription 'Christian Jackets' commemorates the person who possibly gave it to the church, it's lovely to see it still in use.
#SundaySermons
November 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The lectern at St Mary the Virgin, Meysey Hampton dates from 1622 (clearly)... and still has its original book chain.
I'm assuming the inscription 'Christian Jackets' commemorates the person who possibly gave it to the church, it's lovely to see it still in use.
#SundaySermons
I'm assuming the inscription 'Christian Jackets' commemorates the person who possibly gave it to the church, it's lovely to see it still in use.
#SundaySermons
The Norman tower at St Kyneburgha, Castor is stunning, every inch decorated. Built in the 12thC with the spire added in the 14thC it's an incredibly impressive sight as you approach the church.
Pevsner wasn't wrong when he said 'The glory of the church is its tower'
#SteepleSaturday
Pevsner wasn't wrong when he said 'The glory of the church is its tower'
#SteepleSaturday
November 15, 2025 at 9:09 AM
The Norman tower at St Kyneburgha, Castor is stunning, every inch decorated. Built in the 12thC with the spire added in the 14thC it's an incredibly impressive sight as you approach the church.
Pevsner wasn't wrong when he said 'The glory of the church is its tower'
#SteepleSaturday
Pevsner wasn't wrong when he said 'The glory of the church is its tower'
#SteepleSaturday
A whole pride of happy elephants on a coat of arms at St John the Baptist, Inglesham for #LesArmoiriesDuVendredi
November 14, 2025 at 4:37 PM
A whole pride of happy elephants on a coat of arms at St John the Baptist, Inglesham for #LesArmoiriesDuVendredi
Arguing neighbours on the 12thC font at St Mary the Virgin, Wansford.
#FontsOnFriday
#FontsOnFriday
November 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Arguing neighbours on the 12thC font at St Mary the Virgin, Wansford.
#FontsOnFriday
#FontsOnFriday
There's something so exciting about stepping through the door of a church you've never visited before and wondering what you might find.
Feeling the tingle at All Saints, Woolstone.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
Feeling the tingle at All Saints, Woolstone.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
November 13, 2025 at 10:08 AM
There's something so exciting about stepping through the door of a church you've never visited before and wondering what you might find.
Feeling the tingle at All Saints, Woolstone.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
Feeling the tingle at All Saints, Woolstone.
#Adoorableday
#AdoorableThursday
Surely it's a little bit early to be hitting the booze!
Two drinkers on a 14thC misericord at St Mary's, Fairford.
#Woodensday
Two drinkers on a 14thC misericord at St Mary's, Fairford.
#Woodensday
November 12, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Surely it's a little bit early to be hitting the booze!
Two drinkers on a 14thC misericord at St Mary's, Fairford.
#Woodensday
Two drinkers on a 14thC misericord at St Mary's, Fairford.
#Woodensday
I've always envied the people who get to gaze out of this.
London Road, Leicester for #windowsonWednesday
London Road, Leicester for #windowsonWednesday
November 12, 2025 at 10:28 AM
I've always envied the people who get to gaze out of this.
London Road, Leicester for #windowsonWednesday
London Road, Leicester for #windowsonWednesday
The altar frontal at St George's, Kelmscott is made up of two 17thC Turkish hangings stitched together and was given to the church by Jane Morris. The subtle, faded colour really suits the church, nothing garish here!
#TextileTuesday
#TextileTuesday
November 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
The altar frontal at St George's, Kelmscott is made up of two 17thC Turkish hangings stitched together and was given to the church by Jane Morris. The subtle, faded colour really suits the church, nothing garish here!
#TextileTuesday
#TextileTuesday
Although this unknown lady of c.1400 at St John the Baptist, Barnack is now much damaged enough still remains to show how beautifully carved it was. Her headress and the plaited hair beneath it is shown in such stunning detail.
#MonumentsMonday
#MonumentsMonday
November 10, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Although this unknown lady of c.1400 at St John the Baptist, Barnack is now much damaged enough still remains to show how beautifully carved it was. Her headress and the plaited hair beneath it is shown in such stunning detail.
#MonumentsMonday
#MonumentsMonday