The amazing paintings in St Michael & All Angels Church Copford

By Laurence -
Having been told about the wall paintings in Copford Church, I did a little research on the internet, and this is a quote from one site:  
"What is it that makes it so special? It is interesting architecturally and has a pretty woodland setting, on the edge of our small village, beside the cricket pitch. However, the remarkable Norman wall paintings are the real attraction, described by Simon Jenkins as `amongst the best in England`. Only five minutes off the A12 just south of Colchester, they are certainly worth a detour if you are visiting East Anglia."
Having never been to Copford before, I had to get out my map and plot my journey - only to find that Copford is only just south of Colchester so didn't require much plotting!
On arrival a coffee morning was in progress and before long was included by the lovely bunch of people there. Plus, one of the ladies gave me a detailed tour of the church, before making my coffee and cutting me a large slice of cake! So, back to the images. 



Two views of the church


The church is built of rubble mixed with Roman and medieval bricks. The most striking part of the building is a semi-circular eastern apse, a rare feature among English churches and almost unaltered since it was built. The style is thought to have been influenced by Roman buildings at nearby Colchester.


The blocked north doorway retains parts of its original hinges.

In AD 995 the Bishops of London were granted Copford Manor and held the estate until 1559 when the Catholic-leaning Bishop Bonner refused to take an oath of allegiance to Elizabeth I. It seems likely that the Norman bishops visited Copford Hall regularly and built a church beside it to serve as a chapel, with construction beginning around 1130.



Two images of Copford Hall

The church is noted for its amazing frescos which are regarded as some of the best in England. A lot of work has been done on them through the centuries, but we can see how many churches would have looked in times past.
The best-preserved Romanesque fresco in the church is the Raising of Jairus’s Daughter. This is positioned in the first bay of the nave at the lunette (semi-circular space) above the rectangular pulpit window. This fresco has not been overpainted and is in its original state. So far as is known it has only ever been cleaned. Unfortunately, the light from the window below was shining straight into the lens! So, this is the best I could get, I am afraid. (Below)


Raising of Jairus’s Daughter. 



A general view of the church, showing some of the amazing frescos.


One of the choristers was sound asleep! I think there must have been a scarecrow type display around the area.


The Victorian pulpit





Location: Copford, Colchester CO6, UK

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