Janus Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I have a bit of interest in looking around old chuches (inside). Due to all the thefts etc, churches tend to be locked-up unless there is a service ongoing. Does anyone know of any that are open during the day for browsing around? I don`t mind travelling in to Derbyshire as that would be a little drive out in the countryside too, although not wanting to drive too far. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nagel Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I like to look round old churches in the countryside and I don't find many that are locked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janus Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 ok. What area/ part of the countryside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bloke Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 ok. What area/ part of the countryside? Better be careful how you answer this one - we wouldn't want to advertise too much to any 'white van man' out there, would we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nagel Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 All of it. Churches are generally left open so that people can go and pray in them, although that's not my reason. To find a locked church is quite a surprise. Do they lock them in the city? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nagel Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Better be careful how you answer this one - we wouldn't want to advertise too much to any 'white van man' out there, would we? They're more likely to come at night and take the lead from the roof aren't they as has happened a few times at Bradfield Church? In the old days it was bodies they were after for anatomists, and that's what the little house at the church entrance at Bradfield is for. It's the place that the man who guarded the graves lived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biotechpete Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Almost all churches I know are locked when empty. AFAIK it's been like that since the '80s. Bradfield is locked up too, and all the valuables are removed because some have been stolen before. I think the church is open with someone there to welcome visitors on Sunday afternoons. If there are particular churches you want access to, why not contact the vicar who should at least be able to arrange for a key holder to meet you there and show you around. I don't think any church would willfully deny access to a member of the public, it would be pretty mean spirited if they did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janus Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 Almost all churches I know are locked when empty. AFAIK it's been like that since the '80s. Bradfield is locked up too, and all the valuables are removed because some have been stolen before. I think the church is open with someone there to welcome visitors on Sunday afternoons. . That is my understanding too biotech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nagel Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 That's just weird, because the only time I remember finding a chuch locked was in Kirkby Stephen in 2009. It turned out the reason was because there was a Gypsy Horse Fair in the village that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ousetunes Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 The days of churches being open to all and sundry are long gone and it's not just churches in the countryside which are seeing their wooden doors padlocked. St John The Baptist in Ranmoor is often locked in the daytime which is an absolute shame because I really could have done with ten minutes in there a few months back. Having to ask to be let in makes one feel a nuisance so I don't tend to bother. Recently, I have tried to gain access to churches in the centre of Oldham and Leeds; both were locked. When one is a believer in the Christian faith and is denied access into God's House then something is clearly wrong. In the case of St John's, it was a case of "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." [Matthew 11:28 NIV]. If only! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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