VOL. XIX. {i) EXCURSION— BRIMPSFIELD .\ND ELK.STONE 
05 
trained for service in other religious houses. We ha\-e the names of nine 
of its Priors. The great peculiarity about the Church was its tower and 
the way in which it had been erected, or rather inserted after the destruction 
of a former, or Norman one. The chancel is not as long as it was originally, 
in support of which statement Mr Baddeley pointed to the absence of an 
east window. His theory was that a former tower collapsed, and in falling 
damaged the monks’ choir. For reasons of economy, possibly, it was found 
undesirable to have a new east window, and so the chancel, during restora- 
tion, was reduced by perhaps as much as eight feet in length. Tlie restored 
squints, the originals of which were intended to permit a view of'the centre 
of the altar, no longer fulfil that ritual purpose. The present tower is of 
the fifteenth century. It rests on an Early English arch and the remains 
of a Norman arch. Mr Baddeley then explained that originally the Church 
was divided into three sections — (i) the Parish church, (2) monks’ Church, 
and (3) the priests’ Church or Presbytery. There are Norman pillars. 
Early English arches and windows, and a barrel-roof. Before leaving the 
building, ^Ir Baddeley said that in ancient times religion was regarded as 
a cheerful thing, and in support of this he pointed to the remains of colour 
on the walls. The old monks and priests, with the Byzantine traditions 
of Italy behind them, liked to impart a warm and pleasant appearance 
to their churches, and it was to be regretted that at a later date Religion 
in northern countries came to be connected with that which was anything 
but bright and cheerful. Out of the terrible war in which the world was 
now engaged, and out of the great problems which would have to be solved, 
would come, he believed, more general happiness and greater cheerfulness, 
for never in the whole history of 800 years since this Church was first- 
established had there been such a display of Christian self-sacrifice and 
heroism on the part of men, women and children, in the remotest villages 
just as faithfully as in the great towns. 
Brimpsfield offered so much interest that rather more time than the 
programme permitted was spent there, and Members had yet to visit Elkstone, 
one of the most beautiful churches of the Cotswolds. Before leaving, the 
Vicar thanked Mr Baddeley for his most interesting address, he having learnt 
much that was new to him, and also expressed the pleasure it had given him 
to receive the Club. 
The drive was then resumed to Elkstone, situated on high ground, north 
of the Ermine Way, the road dipping considerably down to Watercombe 
Bog, which gave the botanists who had gone on in advance scope for good 
work. Climbing up thence, the old Roman road was reached, and soon 
brought the party to Elkstone Church, where the Rector (Rev. T. S. Tonkin- 
son) and one or two other Members of the Club awaited them. The Rector 
welcomed the Club and then pointed out the special features of the Church, 
dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, in the history and architecture of 
which he is deeply interested. Elkstone Church is undoubtedly one of the 
most notable of the Cotswold churches, containing, as it does, striking examples 
of Norman, Early English, and Perpendicular work, which give it almost a 
unique position in the County. The exterior of the Church was first carefully 
examined, the Rector and the President explaining the various points to be 
noticed. The fifteenth century Tower is a fine example of its period, and 
the quaint gargoyles on the south and north sides of the Church are alone 
objects of much interest. 
Entering the Church by the south doorway some time was spent in 
studying the details of the sculptured tympanum set in the beautiful Norman 
doorway. The beaded chevrons surmounting the arch were much admired. 
I 
