Hawkwell, Essex

A New Year and a new visitation taking in nine churches on the Dengie peninsular and further south thus finishing a string of churches to the far south east of my catchment area. I set off with low expectations and was not altogether disappointed.

Having said that St Mary was open, and had a sign indicating that this was the usual state of affairs for which all credit, however it has been heavily over restored and little of interest is retained although I did like the nave roof, the bell turret (most unlike me) and an orthodox looking crucifix.

ST MARY. Small, of nave and chancel (C14) with a belfry (C15). The low-side-window on the S side of the chancel is original. The belfry rests on four oak posts with cross-beams supported by arched braces. - PLATE. Cup of 1662.

HAWKWELL. The timber bell-turret of its little church is about 500 years old and has a quaint spire, borne on massive beams and curved braces which are a striking feature in the west of the nave. The door with its strap-hinges and cinque-foil handle-plate is a fine example of wood and ironwork of the 15th century. In a window to those who did not come home from the Great War are vigorous figures of St Nicholas and St George.

Flickr.