St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, Gosberton.
What is the South Aisle?
The South Aisle is the section of the church south of the Nave (where the congregation sits for services). Lengthwise it runs from the west wall, eastwards to the arch which leads into the South Transept. Depthwise it runs from the south wall to the first set of pillars (beyond which is the Nave).
This long narrow area is the first part of the church entered from the South Porch (the main entrance), and now houses the Font, the Millennium Embroidery, and a modern table containing information about the church and churchyard.
How old is it?
Think of the South Aisle as a later extension.
The south wall of the original Norman church (built largely in the 12th century, with some renovations in the 13th century), ended where the southern set of pillars are today. When the South Aisle was added, around the 14th century, the old south wall was knocked out to form an arched ‘arcade,’ thus providing more space in the church, with the South Aisle providing more seating space for a growing congregation. The pews that were in the South Aisle were removed in modern times when congregations began to dwindle.
