St Nicholas Wayfarers Church can be found approximately 1 mile from the Bristol Channel, in the hamlet of Kilton, Somerset. The muddy brown of the Channel is glimpsed through the foliage on the church’s northern stone boundary, the thinnest strata as landscape unfolds vertically towards the Channel, sky and clouds.
Decommissioned in 2004, and saved from becoming a controlled ruin with its roof removed, it now functions as a drop in prayer retreat centre by day. There are bookcases, comfortable chairs, a coffee space and a mezzanine in the bell tower which acts as a small meeting space.
The churchyard is partially maintained; a large part of which is left to grow relatively wild. It is this which attracted me; a scene of relative decadence. Remains of de-constructed animals strive to be noticed under the clusters of grasses. A small dove-cote stands off kilter and an empty wooden bench in a pool of sunlight faces into the distance. Ivy climbs the walls and partially obscures the stained windows behind the alter. All that is faith seems in abandonment with nature.