The Cruciform plan of the church is most notable from satellite, in particular the very rare Octagonal Medieval Steeple, can be seen on Google Earth.
The Steeple really is an oddity. Firstly it is very rare to have medieval Steeples, because it was erected prior to the invention of lightning conductors on tall buildings, & tall medieval steeples were nearly always demolished by lightning.
Also the Tower & the Spire are octagonal, I know of no other octagonal Steeple in the country.
As you enter the church nave, you are left in no doubt as to the churches medieval status.
"The church has an ambitious cruciform plan with a central tower. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 19th century, but the long, aisled nave was spared reconstruction and is a shock to the modern visitor who encounters an uncluttered medieval interior dominated by the arcades and roof." Text Source: (
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St Nicholas' Church - Grosmont
"Tree-ring dating has been successfully commissioned by the Royal Commission of ancient and historical monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) and published in Vernacular Architecture, vol. 41 (2010), p.117. A felling date range of 1214-44 was obtained for the nave roof. This is the oldest securely dated roof in Wales." Text Source: (
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"Grosmont is a parish and village in north Gwent, separated from Herefordshire by the river Monnow, and with an area of some 6800 acres. It had been over-run by the Normans by the end of the 11th century and for many years it was an important lordship, finally becoming part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The fine church and castle are legacies of Norman rule; there was a castle here from about 1136, although the first stonework is usually dated as early 1200, while the elegant 'Eleanor's chimney' is later work.
St Nicholas is one of the largest parish churches in the area with a unique nave dating from the 13th century. The tower and spire were 14th century additions. Extensive restorations were carried out in the 19th century." Text Source: (
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