On our way to Cornwall we stopped at Brean. We found a huge camping site called Northam Farm - Pretty good too. Gave me a chance for a run with the camera. The light was going. However quite pleased with the results. The sepia image is a scan from a postcard that I found on eBay for 99p. Little bit of Gimp work there but it is a real photo - not a print. It shows quite a few changes especially on the tower. Difficult to judge the year - but I suspect between the wars. I don't think the War Memorial has been erected then, so maybe even before WW1. This makes it quite an old post card.
However back to the present day. I took a series of photos within the church grounds.
According to the guide book the church was struck by lightning in 1729. The tower is now much shortened and had a saddle back roof. Partly demolished. I can't find any information about John Ginchens.Makes you wonder if there is a link between John Ginchens and the lightning
The inscription:
A great little place, worthy of a second visit, more research. There are other monuments in the area which really did need photographing and researching.
More information here at the Brean Parish Council site.
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| St Bridgets at Brean - Allegedly 6th Century, founded by Irish Monks. |
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| There has been some brickwork altered on this end of the church between the time of the sepia photo and this one. I don't know if this church has a peal of bells |
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| This is the War Memorial. It is end on to the road, strangely it is on the "wrong" side of the main path - there is no inscription on the back it is just rough hewn stone. However the man looks towards the sea which is quite fitting for a sea side town. The list of the fallen is at the end of this page |
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| From the Road - the large grey object is the memorial. The door that you can see is the main door to the church. Entrance to the south. Its a shame the church wasn't open Will have quite an interesting layout inside. |
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| Towards the back of the church |
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190636 GUNNER L. EVANS ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY 13TH FEBRUARY 1919 Lot Evans, He is also on the memorial. The stone looks absolutely pristine. The turf actually looks like it has been dug recently. A mystery perhaps? Is it usual for a separate grave for those who died at home - found this site This is like an official regiment stone Not one that I thought Lot's family would put up. |
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| The north side of the church. Big strong buttresses and what looks like a chimney! |
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| The North side again - Long shadows from the sun! |
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| View from the rear of the church - The south side. The main road is just beyond the church |
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| The Lych-gate well cared for and with a new set of doors. The war memorial is just to the left |
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| John Ginchens Church Warden Anno Domini 1729 |
According to the guide book the church was struck by lightning in 1729. The tower is now much shortened and had a saddle back roof. Partly demolished. I can't find any information about John Ginchens.Makes you wonder if there is a link between John Ginchens and the lightning
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| St Bridget's, Brean |
The inscription:
IN MEMORY OF THOSE MEN
WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 - 1918
CHAMPION IVOR E
DIBBLE GEORGE
EVANS LOT
GIBLETT SIDNEY
PHILLIPS METFORD
STARBUCK RICHARD
WEBB WILLIAM
MEN FROM BREAN
ERECTED BY THE PARISHONERS
A great little place, worthy of a second visit, more research. There are other monuments in the area which really did need photographing and researching.
More information here at the Brean Parish Council site.
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