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Church Guide
Built
between 1220 and 1240 in the Early English Gothic style of architecture,
the most important external feature is the West Front, considered to be
the finest example of Early English architecture in the County, it was
restored in 1991 at a cost of £82K.
Evidence
of an earlier ridge or sloping roof can be seen in the stonework on the
west face of the tower. It follows, therefore, that the clerestory
windows in the nave were later editions when the roof was raised and
flattened in the 14C(?). Note that the tower has two distinct
architectural styles, also suggesting later editions.
The larger handle on the south door is
known as the sanctuary ring. Fugitives could claim sanctuary by holding
the ring; they then had the protection of the church.
On
entering the church the first impression is one of space and
light. The nave is lined with alternate round and octagonal
pillars and the central tower is supported on four, finely mounded
columns, both of these features are Early English Gothic
architecture.
The chancel was restored in 1853 when large gothic windows were
replaced by the present lancet windows. Also in the chancel is a
double piscina. Reglazed in 1951, the east window records the
deaths of three brothers who were killed in the second world war.
The oak screen is in the perpendicular gothic style and is
possibly 16C. Other points of interest are the pulpit (1895), the
parish bier (1893) and the wooden-framed, flail-locking turret
clock (possibly mid-17C). |
