Image It is about 5'6" (c.170 cm) above the ground. Its purpose is uncertain, but it was most likely a "leper's squint" which allowed those who were not permitted inside the church to still take part in - or at least observe - the service within. An alternative possible reason for it was that it connected to a now-vanished Anchorite Cell where a piously religious person was voluntarily sealed up inside a small room for life - again the hole allowing them to participate in the services within the church. ( See http://www.duston.org.uk/anchorit.htm ) Originally therefore this little hole connected through to the interior of the church, but now extends only about 18" (45cm) into the wall.."> Duston - St Luke's - Leper's squint (probably)
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Duston - St Luke's - Leper's squint (probably)

Introduction

The photograph on this page of Duston - St Luke's - Leper's squint (probably) by Rob Farrow as part of the Geograph project.

The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk

Duston - St Luke's - Leper's squint (probably)

Image: © Rob Farrow Taken: 15 Mar 2015

This little round hole (about 6"/15cm in diameter) is in the western wall of the C12th/13th church of St Luke in Duston. It is situated down to the left of the triple lancet west window of the north aisle, as can be seen in this image Image It is about 5'6" (c.170 cm) above the ground. Its purpose is uncertain, but it was most likely a "leper's squint" which allowed those who were not permitted inside the church to still take part in - or at least observe - the service within. An alternative possible reason for it was that it connected to a now-vanished Anchorite Cell where a piously religious person was voluntarily sealed up inside a small room for life - again the hole allowing them to participate in the services within the church. ( See http://www.duston.org.uk/anchorit.htm ) Originally therefore this little hole connected through to the interior of the church, but now extends only about 18" (45cm) into the wall.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

Image Location

coordinates on a map icon
Latitude
52.242873
Longitude
-0.9399