I usually associate graffiti with criminal lowlives or bored, barely literate teenagers. In Cheltenham of all places, I found an example of that art form that I actually rather liked. I was surprised to see it there, but perhaps the better classes of graffiti artist are likely to operate in that city.
St. Michael's at Rampside, Cumbria, is an otherwise unremarkable building, dating to the early years of Victoria’s reign. It stands on the site of an earlier, thirteenth-century chapel built by the monks of Furness Abbey. Its present state seems rather sad but also poignant and prophetic, as detailed on its benefice’s website:
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm