This is one of the entrance doors into St Mary’s Church, Hemel Hempstead. I love the colour of the wood and the curling ironwork hinges, reminiscent of the more ornate doors at Notre Dame, Paris.
St Mary’s Church is in Hemel Hempstead, England. It is a Norman building, built between 1140 and 1180, and has a wonderful 14th century spire, one of the tallest in Europe. The Church is still in use – friends of mine were married there, and you can hire out the adjacent Church Hall for parties. It’s located in the Old Town, and there are plenty of stories about Henry VIII rampaging through these parts, chasing after Anne Boleyn. I wonder if they ever visited the Church? 😉
————————————————————————————————————This is my entry for Norm 2.0’s Thursday Doors Challenge – to see more doors, or add one of your own, visit his blog and click on the link.
Helen Glynn Jones 
Lovely picture. Great textures and contrast between the natural stone/wood and the sharp human crafted stonework. The door iron work seems to give nod to natural forms. Beautiful church.
(We have a town named Hempstead near here – but not nearly so old!)
Thank you – it’s a really lovely door, isn’t it? The Normans knew how to build churches to last, that’s for sure (though I don’t think the door is as old).
Interesting that you have a town named Hempstead near to you – I wonder if it was named after this one 🙂
What an amazing church in every way! I love the doors and the spire!
Thanks, Lyn – it really is a lovely church, and the Old High Street nearby is very picturesque as well 🙂
I am sure!
You have an incredible collection of wonderful door pics. And I love this church… I can hear Henry’s lecherous chuckle as he’s chasing Anne through the gravestones in the church yard (if there are any)…
It’s funny how many door photos I seem to take! There must be some sort of psychology behind that…
And yes, I did wonder about Henry and Anne, especially considering his role in regards to the Church in general. Apparently there are tunnels leading from the nearby High Street to the Church that he supposedly used, plus to the old Manor House that used to be nearby. However, no-one knows for sure – it’s fun to imagine though, isn’t it?
I love the iron work on those doors. Very nice choice today.
Thanks, Dan – me too. I’d been meaning to go and photograph it for a while now, as it’s quite unusual. I’d love to have a front door like that 🙂
Oh Helen, that door is absolutely gorgeous!! Definitely a, “WOW”! Cher xo
Thanks, Cher – it’s quite unusual with all the curling ironwork, which is why I thought it worth including 🙂
Yes, I agree, Helen! I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it over here!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Cher xo
You’re so welcome, Cher! I always enjoy the landscapes and buildings you share as well – it’s one of the best things about blogging, seeing ideas from around the world 🙂
Thank you, Helen! Yes, I completely agree! It’s wonderful sharing and seeing amazing things from other parts of the globe! I love it!! Cher xo
That is a wonderful old door. I love the ironwork and the stone carvings in the arch.
Thanks, Norm. The Normans do a nice church doorway, that’s for sure 🙂
The ironwork looks like vines reaching out to cover the door. Love stone buildings and love the details around the door.
janet
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