Church Micro 1594...St Leonard-at-the-Hythe
For many years the church of the port of Colchester, St Leonard’s and its impressive tower look well from the river. A little work of about 1300 survives in this mainly 15th century building, whose two-storeyed porch shelters a mediaeval door, disfigured by bullet holes caused by troops during the Civil War. Over the nave is an elegant 16th century hammerbeam roof and the north aisle roof is even older. Woodwork of the 19th and 20th centuries in screens and furnishings, mural decoration of 1901 over the chancel arch and an array of saints in stained glass create a handsome and devotional interior.
A bit of extra info about this church - Lawfordlass once came here on a school trip and was told a tale about two local villains who were caught stealing bread from the nearby market. It is said that they were condemned to death and were put into the room above the doorway to the church. They starved to death up there as a just punishment for their crime. Some people say today that if you glance up at the window overlooking the street, you can sometimes see two emaciated faces staring down at you...Many thanks to her for sharing this tale.
Please be respectful to churchgoers and be careful as the cache is near a busy road. Some stealth will be required.
If any body would like to add to this series, please do, but could you please let sadexploration know first, so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.