All Hallows Church Revisited

A detail of a column plinth at All Hallows church

Continuing with my investigation of the interior of All Hallows church, the design of the arcades follows a similar pattern to St. Helen's church in Treeton, with round Norman arches to the north arcade and pointed 13th century arches to the south arcade.

The south and north arcade

Stone identification in low interior light is often made very difficult by the remnants of the ancient lime wash that have not been removed during the restoration by the Victorians; furthermore, various pigments such as ochre, umber and sienna - used for elaborate decoration - have left stains on this substrate and in places gives it a distinctly red coloration.

Hydrated iron oxides used as pigments

Once adjusted to the low levels of light, a close look at the north arcade shows that the columns have been built in Rotherham Red sandstone, with Permian dolomitic limestone only used for the capitals and arches; however, the south arcade is built entirely in Rotherham Red sandstone.

A view of the south arcade and clerestory

Looking at the fabric, Rotherham Red sandstone has essentially been used for coursed rubble walling, with dolomitic limestone reserved for window dressings, door surrounds, a piscina and as large squared blocks for the clerestory.

An investigation of the window reveals