Welcome to another #churchproject post - this time we are in Theale, a large village just outside Reading and just off the M4 motorway. The curious thing is that it has a colossal church, which left me begging the question - why?
Well... the story is fascinating!
In the years between 1820-1830, Sophia Sheppard a wealthy benefactor, spent a massive £39-50k to build the ambitious cathedral inspired monument in memory of her late husband. Not only that she went on to finance the entire complex comprising of the Church itself, the rectory and school.
It was designed by architect Edward Garbett to mimic the Early English Gothic style and the western façade is a close replica of Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire.
So all in all, many would consider it too big for a humble village!
I would love to go inside at some point, because the chantry chapel was originally from Magdalen College, Oxford. It may not surprise you that Sophia's brother, Dr Martin Routh was President of Magdalen at the time.
All photos were taken on my Ricoh GR3x camera which I use for these #churchproject walks that I do. It was a blistering hot day and everything is looking scorched. What a summer it has been so far? I hope you are all coping with the heat. Mind you, this one has been in my drafts for a fortnight and I am finally getting around to doing the writing! It is much cooler today.
I would like to say a big thankyou to 