The church of St Peter at Melverley in Shropshire is a wholly timber-framed building. There was a time when the majority of churches in areas without easily accessible building stone were constructed in this way. But, over time more durable stone and brick replaced wood, as it did to a lesser extent in houses, and today wholly timber-framed churches are a relative rarity. Melverley's church dates from the 1400s or early 1500s and was restored in 1878. Most of the elevations, with the exception of the east end, feature close-studding i.e. vertical posts with little space between. The pretty broached bellcote continues the timber theme and seeing it reminded me that towers and bellcotes are often the only timber-framed part of quite a few Herefordshire churches.
Inside the nave and chancel are a single space with the inevitable barn-like feel to it.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon D5300
