My little post about our jaunt to Eilean Donan castle was really well received. So I thought I’d share another location with you. A couple of years ago my lovely friend and Chief Bridesmaid, Squemily, came to visit us in Stornoway. I took her on a crazy trek around both Lewis and Harris and one of the locations we alighted at was Rodel Church on the Isle of Harris.
We were the only people in the church, which is a little disconcerting when you discover that you have to unlatch the main door on your way in. I didn’t fancy being stuck in there! The stillness was both silent and a little eerie. The floors were brick and beautifully smooth. There is also a pretty cool tomb within the church as well as a passageway up the top of the spire where you can look out to the sea. It was just a nice little place to stop and take some pictures and, of course, bang your head where there are no signs to warn you.
I’m not religious but I do appreciate the beauty of churches and cathedrals. Do you have an opinion on the appearance of religious buildings or how much money is spent on their creation/maintenance?
Ms Katykins 
February 9th, 2013 at 12:28
Is that a Crusader’s tomb? If so, that would make the church very old and people were shorter back then. Thanks for sharing, you lucky girl.
February 11th, 2013 at 10:37
This is the tomb of Alexander MacLeod, here is a link to some info on the site.
and was made in 1528, so yes it’s pretty old (and short, ha!)
http://www.virtualheb.co.uk/st-clements-church-rodel-isle-of-harris.html
February 9th, 2013 at 14:30
In a few weeks time, it will be 10 years since my dad passed away suddenly. My mum and dad spent their honeymoon at the Rodel Hotel in Harris and used to return there every year for their anniversary. They loved to visit the church and the hotel itself is truly unique.
Thank you so much for sharing this Ms Katykins; it is a reminder of some really special times for my mum and dad and for us as children and also the beauty that surrounds us which we so often take for granted (as I’m sure it is by most people wherever they may live.)
February 11th, 2013 at 10:38
That’s really lovely, thank you. I’m really pleased that this evoked nice memories for you, especially at a time when I’m sure your father is in your mind even more. I think you’re right, we definitely take the beauty that surrounds us for granted.
Looking forward to seeing you very soon, by the way!
February 9th, 2013 at 15:13
What a perfect little gem…..and the swords look like Templar grave stones?
February 11th, 2013 at 10:47
Thank you very much!
I have to confess that I don’t remember too much about the historical aspects, so I’ve found some info for you should you fancy finding out more.
http://www.virtualheb.co.uk/st-clements-church-rodel-isle-of-harris.html
February 11th, 2013 at 12:09
Thank you
Late medieval it says on that site….so templar graves probable 
February 12th, 2013 at 09:22
Well thank you, because you’ve just taught me something I didn’t know.
February 10th, 2013 at 00:29
I am not religious, either, but I consider churches like this one to be works of art and testaments to unique histories that deserve preservation. I would love to visit them. These photos are thrilling. Thank you for sharing!
February 11th, 2013 at 10:42
I also find churches to be extremely fascinating and beautiful places. I know people who find it offensive how much money is spent on refurbishing churches and similar places. I can see their point, but I do think these can be particularly lovely buildings to appreciate.
February 10th, 2013 at 09:55
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
February 11th, 2013 at 10:42
You’re welcome, Maggie. Thank you for enjoying it!
February 10th, 2013 at 22:41
If there was no one around, I would be shivering me timbers in this place. Church or no, old places like this can really scare me. Picture number two would have sent me back running to where I’d come from. Picture 13 looks like it needs a key from the movie The Goonies to open it. Picture 15 also looks to be from The Goonies.
… All that said, these are great pictures, Kate!
February 11th, 2013 at 10:45
I love the Goonies!
You’re dead right about that picture too. Hee hee!
Yes, Maddie, I was actually a little freaked out. There was just something a little bit too quiet, too still about it. I was pleased that we were the only ones there because I think, had it been busy, some of the atmosphere (albeit spooky!) may have been lost.
February 11th, 2013 at 16:52
Beautiful pictures and a place I’d love to visit. I’m religious and love churches, especially old ones. My current church, St. Paul’s in historic Ellicott City was built in the mid 1800′s and has been kept up beautifully. I believe in taking care of our old churches. So much history and beauty.
February 12th, 2013 at 09:23
There are some really fabulous looking places of worship out there.
I would love to see photographs of your church, it sounds quite special. 
February 12th, 2013 at 17:48
Thanks for your interest! I will take some pictures and post them.
February 26th, 2013 at 11:25
Fantastic – will really look forward to that!