Echoes from the past

I have found that in the 10 months since becoming a volunteer steward, my appreciation of human history associated with heritage sites in the county has developed. Returning from a day out in the Lincolnshire Wolds with a friend, we approached a church, conspicuous by its elevated position on the brow of a hill. We decided to take a closer look.

Having a keen eye for details in the landscape, my friend drew to my attention the route of a former pathway through the churchyard which would have lead to the church, still distinguishable even after many years of disuse. The route had been replaced by a newer side entry to the churchyard, more convenient for people arriving at the church by car. Standing at the church door and looking back to the old pathway, it became clear that the path joined a track over fields (still a public right of way) down the escarpment to a nearby hamlet of less than 20 homes. I suddenly became aware of how central church life would have been to communities such as this in times gone by.

I further reflected that for hundreds of years, twice every Sunday and on other Holy days, in good weather and bad, whole families would have used this route to the church. I imagined the scene when families would have processed excitedly up the hill to attend a marriage and after the service, made their way back to a wedding feast in the village, perhaps celebrating late into the night!

In contrast, I could imagine families, sombrely dressed, arriving at the church, having followed the cortege and paying their last respects to a friend or family member at a funeral service. I thought of other human activities that would have centred upon the church: the children who would have been required to dress in their “Sunday” clothes for their visit to church and to be on their best behaviour throughout the service, which would presumably have included a lengthy sermon!

The lack of heating in the church during winter must have made attendance at a service even more of a challenge for children and adults alike. Surveying churches with box and family – designated pews has reminded me of the strict hierarchy that would have been an accepted part of church life in times past. Benefactors of the church would have been seated at the front of the church with the poorer congregation occupying the rear pews or even standing throughout the service. The old church suddenly became for me a living testament to times gone by, symbolising as it did, the faith and hopes of families of the area.

In systematically surveying old buildings and churches as a Heritage Steward I believe it is important from time to time to remind myself that these fascinating old buildings, with their impressive architecture and skilful craftsmanship are more than mere structures.

Through my volunteer work for the Trust I feel I am developing a keener appreciation and respect for the human past that these noble buildings represent. A chance observation by my friend that day brought to our attention an old route to the church, forgotten by most. Its uphill route graphically demonstrated the effort that would have been involved in attending church and the commitment that this community once had in maintaining its faith throughout all seasons of the year.

Colin, Heritage Steward