2-914-117 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Section of Wall, etc, of Ponteland Church, Northumberland, 1854. 'A. The Wall of the Church; B. The Area round the Wall to keep it dry; C. Flagstone covering the Area; D. The Floor of the Church; E. The Drain-pipe; F. The Level of the Ground in the Churchyard...Few persons can fail to have remarked the dank and cavernous appearance of the walls of churches in rural districts; indicating dampness and other unhealthy conditions of such edifices...Externally, the soil had accumulated through ages, to the height of three feet, and bodies were buried close against the ashler work; consequently retaining all the water that fell on it...the earth was removed from the walls outside, and a most effectual drainage carried out...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.