Medieval Monuments & Glass Galore - a visit to St Mary and St Barlock, Norbury, Derbyshire

#churchcrawling #churches #medieval #medievalart #medievalhistory #warsoftheroses #stainedglass #tombs #monuments
Join me for a tour of one of my all-time favourite churches and one I worked on for my PhD thesis on Derbyshire's medieval glass many moons ago. There is so much to see at St Mary and St Barlock's church at Norbury that the video is 24 minutes long! As you will see the church contains some of the very finest late medieval monuments in the country and also one of the largest collections of late medieval glass. It is altogether a gem of the highest order.
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[@meighanlynne]

The church looks so peaceful. The glass is gorgeous too. It is hard to wrap my brain around that the glass was made in medieval times.

[@allanbarton]

Very peaceful. Yes much of that glass is six or seven hundred years old. It is so fragile it is amazing it has survived. There are not many churches with this much medieval glass left.

[@allanbarton]

That chancel where the altar is is unusually large. The people in the village must have been amazed to see that added to their church.

[@karenparinisi3182]

Thank you for keeping history alive and so easily accessible. You are doing a great service for mankind.

[@allanbarton]

Bless you for saying so. Thank you.

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Does anyone else find they dive down the rabbit hole of history after watching Dr. Barton’s videos? I can spend hours looking at maps and to be honest, increasing my vocabulary with my own research! Very mind stimulating!

[@allanbarton]

Bless you Ellen, thank you.

[@loriannpayne4483]

It’s like hiring a private tour guide/docent. Love the detailed information and history. Thank you and best wishes from Oregon. (USA)

[@allanbarton]

How lovely of you to say so, it really is a great pleasure to share these things with you.

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Very true, all the beautiful chapels that we get to 😊learn from Dr. Barton.

[@jamiegrettum]

Would you consider doing a video that explains the different parts of a church/ cathedral? I don’t really understand what is the chancel, the nave, the choir, aisle etc. I also would love to learn about how the interior layout/ architecture changed over the centuries.

[@inisipisTV]

Churches are the town/village parish’s place of worship with their own incumbent parish’s priest, rector, vicar… etc. A Cathedral is the Official See or Seat of the Bishop or Arch-Bishop that administer the area’s Diocese or ecclesiastical district. (Think subdivision of Town, Villages vs County or Provinces) For example the Pope is officially the Arch-Bishop of Rome. The Basilica of St. Peter’s in the Vatican is a Church that happens to be a a large Shrine to St. Peter’s grave. The Pope’s official seat of office is the Cathedral of St. John of Lateran in Rome. Structurally, there’s never really a set for design to differentiate between a Cathedral vs a large Church. Though all Medieval Churches must follow the facing into East arrangement (either the altar must face East or the entrance does. This usually depend to each country and region). This practice is called Ad Orientem or Facing East. That’s where we get the word to Orient or Orientation.

[@allanbarton]

Yes I will do that, I take these terms for granted bit realise that they can be confusing.

[@388Caroline]

@@inisipisTV Thank you🙏

[@Wosiewose]

What an absolutely stunning church, and so historic!

[@allanbarton]

Lots to see here, I could easily have given you all an hour long video.

[@Fhkms]

You’re gonna be massive Allan. Everything you’ve shown was facinating. Love & support from Malaysia!

[@allanbarton]

That is very nice of you to say so - I am amazed by the response.

[@monicacall7532]

How did you become interested in Medieval churches and their artwork? Love this channel. Thanks for sharing your information with us.

[@allanbarton]

That's a question that will need a long answer. I was taken to these places when I was a young child and I have been passionate ever since. It is so long ago I can't place it entirely now.

[@balesjo]

My mind swirls at the thought of those 9th century crosses still existing in this church, recording the long history of a church at this site. The chancel windows are beautiful, and it is indeed fortunate that they have survived the centuries to our time. The chancel effigies are in wonderful condition, and I loved the one where the lion with the bedesman were at Ralph's feet, and the dog at his wife's feet. Wikipedia notes that Ralph bears the Yorkist livery collar of alternating suns and roses, with the White Boar livery badge of Richard III as a pendant. Imagine the effigies when they were fully painted and gilded. Truly a remarkable church that owed a lot to being the Fitzherbert family manor church. BTW. I was looking at the Wikipedia entry for Ralph Fitzherbert, and it noted that his effigy in his suit of armour at Norbury church are reproduced in the Victoria and Albert Museum, in contemporary armour.

[@ludovica8221]

Fascinating, and very calming after a stressful day

[@allanbarton]

That is lovely, glad to provide some calm. In hope tomorrow is less stressful for you.

[@annettewillis2797]

This church truly is a gem. The medieval glass is really stunning and to see it so intact and restored is wonderful. I can see why this medieval glass was part of your PhD! It is so rare to see so much glass with extant historical connections still in place. And the 9th C crosses, the monuments and brasses all add to the glory that is St Mary and St Barlock. Thank you Allan. Listening to your calm, measured explanations of aspects of history seen in chapels and monuments is illuminating, certainly never too long!

[@celiaparker6166]

This is a wonderful church. I visited a few years ago and could have spent the day there! I seem to remember one of the men (Ralph I think)wearing a sun and roses livery collar having a boar pendant, which would indicate that he served Richard of Gloucester/Richard III.

[@allanbarton]

Yes it is Ralph - when I got to the end of the video I realised I hadn't mentioned it. They were desperate to show everyone they were Yorkists - Nicholas even has white roses on the collar of his doublet in his window.

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

Dr Barton, I could listen to you 'rabbiting on' for hours. What a beautiful church with breathtaking glass, it would take a day to go through all the details. And those monuments with all the children painstakingly carved around are wonderful, it's miraculous that all this has survived to the present day. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you're enjoying my channel!

[@davidfaulkner8201]

What a grand church ! The fact that all the glass survived the reformation is astonishing .

[@allanbarton]

It is an amazing survival. All those figures of saints more or less intact.

[@user-lo9yn6ji6o]

Than you for the tour of this beautiful church!!! It looks like this gorgeous church survived Oliver Cromwell and H8 destruction. Anything that survived those two is an absolute miracle!

[@nancytestani1470]

Omg..just breathtaking…beautiful…

[@allanbarton]

It really is!

[@malshakakodikara4681]

A delightful and very informative video! You're a wonderful storyteller!

[@carmenfoster6912]

Here's another reason to love England these very very beautiful and interesting churches

[@UrbanbyDesignWendy]

I so enjoy your videos! Thank you so much for sharing. I find your videos so informational and you do such a wonderful job of explaining the history...

[@allanbarton]

Thank you, I'm very glad you're enjoying them! 😊

[@Parianparlay]

Such a beautiful church. The tombs were indeed spectacular. I find it so helpful the way you explain all the carvings and fantastic stained glass. Thank you so much.

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure - I just love doing this and it means a lot when people enjoy it.

[@cook13doodle16]

Yes!!! I ❤ these history lessons

[@allanbarton]

I'm pleased you do.

[@388Caroline]

This is beautiful, Allan. Your camera moves are so professional. You’re a Godsend. I remember as a child in Dublin on top of a double decker bus looking at Christchurch cathedral and being so fascinated by it. I’m realizing I’m a frustrated antiquarian and you’ve made it possible to enjoy with these beautiful churches 🙏

[@isobellea1540]

My favourite Church, living in Derbyshire l have visited many, many times. Thank you for showing it and it's remarkable stained glass and the beautiful monuments to so many people through your wonderful channel.

[@allanbarton]

Isn't it splendid - you have some terrific churches in Derbyshire.

[@elizabethcornwell4156]

How fascinating!How did those monuments manage to survive undamaged?The Victorians were shockers in the way they set about rearranging churches & their interiors!

[@YorkistRaven]

A fine video about a very precious church. Exquisite! It's good to see the Sunne in Splendour and White Roses. It is a wonder all these things survived h7, h8 and cromwell. I'm very glad they did.🐗

[@allanbarton]

They are just a fraction of what there once was, I am glad we have them.

[@nancytestani1470]

What a tomb..

[@tomw5907]

Dont worry about video length, thoroughly enjoyable

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@uba51]

In my next life, I’d like to do what you do. I love all your videos and am low key jealous. Carry on.

[@allanbarton]

Bless you, thank you. I started this channel nearly a year ago with the aim of sharing my passion. Just gently following where that lead - I didn't imagine for a minute it would be so popular.

[@allanbarton]

Bless you, I'm passionate passionate to tell the stories of these places and enthuse people with a similar love.

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

Total enjoyment I have subbed 👍👍

[@allanbarton]

Brilliant, thank you!

[@annfahy9089]

Wonderful stained glass windows💖

[@allanbarton]

They really are superb and so interesting too.

[@beachcaving]

Don't worry about the length of your videos bc I indulge at least twice to make sure I don't miss anything! 🤘🇺🇸

[@susanna2490]

I subscribed yesterday and love your videos. I have been unwell but knitting and listening to you is my latest treat. Thank you so much

[@allanbarton]

Thank you - I hope you feel better soon.

[@daisyflower4105]

What a beautiful church! Thank you for the wonderful tour!

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure 😊

[@Rosarium2007]

Beautiful church and fascinating interior.

[@blorac9869]

Enjoyed, TYVM!

[@nickimontie]

Gorgeous stained glass - would love to see it in person on a sunny day.

[@allanbarton]

It is gorgeous on a sunny day.

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

I really enjoyed this, thank you!❤

[@allanbarton]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.

[@earthcat]

I love everything about this.

[@williamboot9307]

Simply fascinating. I am intrigued to learn how you know the monuments to Nicholas and John were from the same workshop. I presume they would have a makers mark on them somewhere. I would like to learn more of the monument trade, have any books been published been published where I can find out more ? I am definitely going to pay this church a visit next time I am down that way. Thank you so much for posting.

[@williamboot9307]

Nicholas and Ralph

[@allanbarton]

It is basically a stylistic assessment. The type and quality of the materials, the elements of design, the execution all point to them being the product of the same workshop. I think Ralph was probably responsible for commissioning both. Arthur Gardner's 'Alabaster Tombs of the Pre-Reformation Period' is a good starting point - though much of what has been written about these things is in journal articles - for example those of the Church Monuments Society. Glad you like the video and do visit, the more these places are visiting the more their future is assured.

[@stevemellin5806]

Great video . fantastic resting place . thank you Have a great week

[@allanbarton]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevedunn3113]

Fascinating, thank you, Allan, aded to my list of Derbys churches to visit when next there.

[@allanbarton]

You will love is Steve, it is a great area for churchcrawling. Ashbourne and Fenny Bentley nearby are also worth a visit.

[@stevedunn3113]

@@allanbarton We were in the area earlier this year, a return visit is needed.

[@telekon809]

Thank you, nice video very interesting

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure.

[@annfahy9089]

Brilliant information too, thank you

[@allanbarton]

Thank you.

[@dianapatterson1559]

You could have wobbled on for another hour, and I would have still possibly be unsatisfied. Many thanks.

[@allanbarton]

That is kind of you to say so. I could in truth have happily kept going.

[@prarieborn6458]

Absolutely I could listen to you for hours..Thank you for the long look at the windows, the close up views and your explanations. I was a thrilled to see the White roses and the Sunne In Splendor. There was so much to see here, I hope you return and make another video I would likke a closer look at that niche in the wall with a cross placed inside. I only caught a glimpse. Now, I must follow the clue you mentionded and watch your video of the window with the Creed in stained glass..🙏💕

[@bunnymomjulie6719]

This was so enjoyable! I have never heard of these people, but their monuments are fantastic. It is so hard to grasp that these things and this church are from the 1300s and slightly before. I agree...how dare the Victorians move things around! Also, now I know what Pater Noster beads are!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you appreciated this!

[@grumpynanny7402]

I really enjoyed this church. What craftsmanship. Thank you .

[@kayu5880]

Thank you. The video was really interesting.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@임진영]

Goood job...

[@annfahy9089]

Lovely building

[@allanbarton]

It is a stunner, so much to see here.

[@jayargonauts7428]

Most churches I visit are usually locked up... did you pre book your visit here? A Fitzherbert family live at Swynnerton, Staffordshire. I think they are Earls of Stafford.

[@allanbarton]

This one is open every day for visitors.

[@baylorsailor]

I know this is a bit off subject but whenever I hear the name Fitzherbert I can't help but think of Bridget Jones's Diary 😂

[@spuddy4845]

love your videos, subbed

[@dollarjilt1]

Another interesting video, it intrigues this Yank to see buildings, monuments and so forth dating back to the medieval period, more please!

[@idreamofparis7233]

Beautiful building

[@allanbarton]

It really is!

[@deniseatkins9407]

Beautiful place

[@allanbarton]

It is stunning.

[@ButterBobBriggs]

Probably one of the most beautiful and well preserved churches you've filmed, especially the glass and effigies. I always go on maps to look at the orientation of churches. While most have a somewhat eastern orientation, most ancient churches are not strictly east, including ancient Byzantine churches. Was there another system at one time? I mean, were churches oriented to an Eastern position of sunrise at a certain time period during the liturgical year or something else I don't know about?

[@allanbarton]

I would say it is probably in my top twenty church Bob. They all roughly face east, I think it is fairly rough in many cases too and there doesn't seem to have been a proper system in working it out.

[@Rosarium2007]

Love the look of the altar, though I’m guessing it is of much more recent vintage than most of the church.

[@allanbarton]

Yes, probably Victorian. It is such a lovely, peaceful place.

[@nancytestani1470]

I am amazed that it was not destroyed by Henry V111 and or the coval wat

[@allanbarton]

Most medieval glass survived the Civil War and disappeared in the 18th and early 19th century. By then it was in needed of releading and it was cheaper to chuck it out and replaced it than repairing it.

[@oneminuteofmyday]

Being annoyed with the Victorians seems to be a running theme amongst historians of art, architecture, and various other fields.

[@allanbarton]

Only when they meddle and move things around like in this case. They also preserved an awful lot that would otherwise have been lost.

[@allanbarton]

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY WORK If you would like to support my channel you can do that via the Ko-fi platform or Paypal. It will be gratefully received and will help me make more content and support me as improve the quality of the content I offer: paypal.me/vitrearum?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB ko-fi.com/vitrearum

[@dollarjilt1]

You can add the "Thanks" icon with the heart and the $ sign after the share icon

[@jeannelynskey6946]

The men of that time went through wives quite frequently.. it shows how dangerous childbirth was. These churches are so fascinating. I've never seen a church in the US where people are buried in the church. We'll, we've only been here 300 or do years 😂

[@timhazeltine3256]

The Sun in Splendor...Do you think the fragmentary state of some of the glass, especially that depicting holy figures, is a consequence of the reformation or later damage by the puritans?

[@allanbarton]

Well that is really interesting - Norbury preserves about 85% of its medieval glass. Most of the damage you see is accidental rather than intentional and due to neglect more than anything else. A lot of glass disappeared from churches in the 18th and early 19th century - mostly because it was in poor condition and was discarded and replaced with clear glazing.

[@charleswray404]

Those pesky Victorians! Was there a reason why the 19th century saw such renovations of so many churches?

[@allanbarton]

I think the wealth generated and the effects of the industrial revolution where the primary drivers. The revolution and the terrible conditions that people were working under resulted in those with visual sensibilities wanting to recapture something of the way of life of the Middle Ages.

[@allanbarton]

The state of churches prior to their work was pretty terrible - so they are both a blessing and curse. Where it not for their work we would have also lost a lot of our heritage. Swings and roundabouts.

[@danielclark2972]

This place would have been vandalized in the USA. Amazing

[@FiveLiver]

9:52 as you say the tombs are not dissimilar - could they have been made as a job lot?

[@romo9122]

Do gabble on please 😁

[@nancytestani1470]

Who were the Fitzherberts..

[@allanbarton]

The local gentry family who lived in the big manor house adjoining.

[@danlensch531]

great videos keeo it up will you visit Winser Castle since it reopened after the death of the queen

[@allanbarton]

I will probably visit sometime in the summer, I live quite a distance from London.

[@The3Kosmos3]

You don't come across many Barlocks these days...

[@allanbarton]

No, we have no idea who this one is.

[@nancytestani1470]

I meant the civil wars…oppps.

[@yourfavoritefrog]

Wasn't there a man quietly praying when you stepped in ? We see someone at the start of your video.

[@allanbarton]

That's my son and my friend who where on holiday with me! I didn't disturb anybody.

[@yourfavoritefrog]

@@allanbarton Thanks for your answer !

[@petersack5074]

Just an added addition ; Could you pan in , and hold on to some of those very old, gravestones / markers ? Each has had a life, in this area. Would be an education, on the people WHICH BUILD SAID BUILDINGS. The ' builders ' have a story, as well. More than just a ' church '.......Real lives matter. !

[@reginaromsey]

Allan, I like Rabbits and the more you Rabbit on in your video’s the happier I am. I have been binge watching your videos so please forgive my use of your Christian name rather than the more formal use.

[@allanbarton]

Bless you Wanda, please don't worry about using my Christian name. I'm glad you like the channel.

[@user-cy1ri4wj4b]

Is this an Anglican or a Catholic Church? I ask because the Fitzherbert family remained Catholic for generations after the death of Sir Anthony.

[@allanbarton]

The ancient parish church has been Anglican since the Reformation. Yes, they were a prominent recusant family for many centuries and were heavily penalised for it too.

[@marie-louisesegerlov8625]

Howe mamy children did he have??

[@allanbarton]

They both had fifteen or sixteen each. I feel sorry for their poor wives.

[@petersack5074]

Hello, to all. Over the years of my life thus far, i've noticed something. In the Bible, the word ' church ' refers to a group of people, worshipping GOD in the way He commands. Somewhere over the first couple hundred years , AFTER Jesus was taken up to Heaven again, ' church ' began to mean a ' building ' of worship, for the now mostly pagan believers. Not keeping those commandments, nor the Holy Days, and the weekly Sabbaths. Some ones' got it all w r o n g . AND, IT IS NOT GOD. We have twisted the truths, into mostly pagan idolatrous worship, of which HE DOES NOT LISTEN ! ( I've been reading that Bible, for about 38 years.....) THANK-YOU MR. BARTON, FOR THE SCENIC TOUR, OF WHICH most of us, would never be able to do. Living in other areas, of the world .

[@suzanneelliott4245]

Does it bother anyone else that the videographer entered a church where here were at least 2 people sitting in prayer and/or contemplation AND he kept talking aloud and filming. It bothered me…alot….pretty disrespecful. I’m out.

[@allanbarton]

That was my son and my friend who were on holiday with me and keeping me company while I recorded my videos. They had already had a tour of the church and sat down while I recorded. At the time my son was busy learning Japanese on Duolingo, while my friend was spending time reading a book. God bless you with your false assumptions, have a nice day. Over and out!