Nights in the Nave

Churches Conservation Trust

Ever wonder what it would be like to sleep overnight in a church? Nights in the Nave opens you up to the world of "Champing" - camping overnight in historic churches cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust across England and Wales. Historian and presenter Victoria Jenner is joined by a new guest for each sleep over - like no other. Prepare to be scared, in awe and inspired...Would you dare? You can even give champing a go: https://champing.co.uk/Find out more about the Churches Conservation Trust: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history

Episodes

  1. 07/01/2024

    E6. A Medieval Pilgrim's Tale

    Send us a text Prepare for an epic and final journey as host Victoria Jenner embarks on her last sleepover adventure with renowned historian, Helen Carr. Together, they venture to the ancient All Saints church, perched atop a hill overlooking the murky River Parrett and the remnants of a long-lost Benedictine abbey. As they approach its foreboding stone walls, their eyes are drawn to the imposing west tower, adorned with grotesque gargoyles ominously referred to as 'Hunky Punks'. But it is not these eerie carvings that hold their attention for long. No, it is the east window, boasting the largest collection of medieval stained glass in all of Somerset. The vibrant colors and intricate designs depict the saints in all their majesty, their expressions ranging from fierce determination to serene tranquility. This is a sight that will forever be etched in their minds as they bid farewell to this sacred place. And if you’d like to become a medieval pilgrim for a night or two like many of our guest speakers, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about Champing™ visit: https://champing.co.uk/ The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.   Thank you for joining me on my champing adventure. This Nights in the Nave podcast has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guest has been historian Helen Carr, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’ and our champing assistants. Big thanks also go to Michael Carter from English Heritage, and the English Heritage custodians at Muchelney Abbey who were so accommodating, plus we cannot forget to mention Paul Adamson from the Somerset Levels Stargazing Society. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie, editing by Jamie Reed Sounds. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.  This has been a Churches Conservation Trust original podcast – come to a sleepover at our place!  Support the show

    43 min
  2. E3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

    07/01/2024

    E3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

    Send us a text Join host Victoria Jenner on an exciting journey to St Mary's in Edlesborough, a magnificent church nestled in the stunning Dunstable Downs countryside. Discover the allure of Victorian art and architecture, as Victoria visits a colourful exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum. But that's not all - get ready for a dose of fantasy and adventure as we uncover the real and mythical animals surrounding St Mary's. From chalk lions, medieval rabbit warrens to bizarre misericords showing a mermaid suckling a lion, there's no telling what she'll discover! Don't miss this immersive and enchanting trip back to Victorian England on our podcast. If you would like to make some memories, why not give champing a try? For everything you need to know about Champing™ visit: https://champing.co.uk/ The champing season happens in those warmer months, between March and October, so book now.   Nights in the Nave has been written and produced by me: Victoria Jenner. My guests have been Natasha Podro and her son, Kit, and special thanks goes to: Fiona Silk who runs ‘Champing’, our champing assistants and Dr Madeline Hewitson and Dr Tea Ghigo from the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. Sound recording was managed by Leigh-Anne Beattie. Music by Nick Varey and design by George Allen.  This is a Churches Conservation Trust podcast. Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history Support the show

    54 min

About

Ever wonder what it would be like to sleep overnight in a church? Nights in the Nave opens you up to the world of "Champing" - camping overnight in historic churches cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust across England and Wales. Historian and presenter Victoria Jenner is joined by a new guest for each sleep over - like no other. Prepare to be scared, in awe and inspired...Would you dare? You can even give champing a go: https://champing.co.uk/Find out more about the Churches Conservation Trust: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/Follow Victoria Jenner on instagram for more historic adventures: @victoriajenner_history