The oldest in the world

This is the story of a return trip to Essex, the county in eastern England where I was born and grew up.

It was just Mum and I, her trusty little car and a sudden moment of inspiration from me. I remembered a slim guide book tucked away in a drawer about a small church somewhere in the middle of the county. This building laid claim to being the oldest wooden church in the world.

So we drove to Greensted, little more than a clutch of houses and the church, a small building with a boarded spire. We had the place to ourselves, a dark and hushed interior warmed by the light from exquisite stained glass windows. Its neat pews come with wooden entrance doors, and I spotted an intriguing peephole.

The solid timbers of the nave date back to the 11th century. They were shortened during a Victorian restoration, but seem impervious to the elements. Greensted Church may have had additions, restorations and upgrades down the years, but without its claim to fame, this is a real gem of a place.

Click first image to launch the gallery

Tags: architecture, Essex, Greensted Church, history, oldest wooden church, peephole, pew doors, photography, spire, stained glass windows

16 thoughts on “The oldest in the world”

jdtphotography.co.uk on September 19, 2013 at 12:11 said:

A beautiful church captured in the best way possible, namely Mikes style. These images have really captured the dark and warm interior to a “T” Mike with the natural light and reflections adding to the reverence of the place. These images encapsulate the church and re-instill memories of churches I have visited. It is funny but I can smell the oak and the slight dampness in the air.
Hope you have a great end to the week. James

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 19, 2013 at 22:57 said:
  
  Thank you very much for your comments, James, very much appreciated. I really like how you’ve evoked that church aroma, earthy and a little musty. That was certainly true at Greensted. Wonderful.
  
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belgradestreets on September 19, 2013 at 11:48 said:

Some beautiful detailed shots Mike! and a good story

Andy

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 19, 2013 at 22:50 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Andy. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing this side of Essex.
  
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Noeline Smith on September 17, 2013 at 16:06 said:

Another wonderful set of empathetic images Mike …. and what a fabulous little place.

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 17, 2013 at 17:03 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Noeline. It was easy to.connect with this building – and it’s close to an where I grew up.
  
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pilar221b on September 16, 2013 at 18:23 said:

Magnificent photographs. I especially like the way you capture light and colors. Great job Mike! !

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 16, 2013 at 21:54 said:
  
  Thank you so much, Pilar. I’m glad you enjoyed the little tour of this church.
  
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ckponderings on September 16, 2013 at 11:49 said:

Beautiful set of images, Mike! A great summation of an interesting old building! :D

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 16, 2013 at 21:53 said:
  
  Thank you kindly, Richard. Hard to believe those timbers have been around nearly 1,000 years!
  
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lena de almeida on September 15, 2013 at 19:52 said:

You capture the details beautifully., Mike. I particularly like the stained glass reflections.

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 15, 2013 at 19:54 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Lena. I was really fond of the ancient timbers – so solid and full of features!
  
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Cos on September 15, 2013 at 19:49 said:

It’s a beautiful church! Love the stained glass windows.

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- mikeosbornphoto on September 15, 2013 at 19:51 said:
  
  It really is. Rather small but somehow more atmosphere than grand cathedrals. Good to have you back, Koos!
  
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  - Cos on September 15, 2013 at 20:08 said:
    
    Well, it’s good to be back at home (we’re living in a great house). But, Mike, Singapore was awesome, I really didn’t want to go back to Holland…
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on September 15, 2013 at 20:10 said:
      
      Sounds like you recommend it highly. Coming back from holiday is never easy… and autumn has suddenly arrived :-/
      
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