SK7958 : Church of St Wilfrid, North Muskham
taken 10 years ago, near to North Muskham, Nottinghamshire, England
The appearance of the church is fundamentally that of the late 15th and early 16th century, in Perpendicular style, as a result of enlargement by local landowning families. The nave, south aisle and upper stage of the tower date from around 1480, and the chancel and north aisle were rebuilt in c.1530 at the expense of J Barton of Holme.
However, there are still elements from earlier building dates. The north arcade dates from c.1190 and has possibly the oldest octagonal piers in Nottinghamshire. The tower arch is of similar style,and is likely to be contemporary. The upper stage of the tower is of the Decorated period, c.1350.
A prominent feature of the interior is the rood screen and loft. Although the loft and rood date from the 1906 restoration of the church, the screen itself includes a substantial amount of old timber, likely to date from the 16th century rebuilding. The original door to the rood loft stairs is still in place in the corner of the north aisle. The south aisle arcade is contemporary with the rebuilding of the aisle, i.e. c.1480, and the fine timber roof of the nave is of the same period. The chancel is notable for its set of Perpendicular style windows, two of 4 lights in each side wall and a 5-light east window.
Fitments of note include the restoration period font, inscribed with initials and the date 1662. An older font bowl also exists, currently in use as a candle stand. In the sanctuary there is an intriguing pyramidal monument to John Smithe, dated 1583. The faces of the pyramid are inscribed with the terms of the will of the deceased. Above it is a 15th century piscina with an unusual elliptical head.
The only remaining early glass is a collection of fragments in the east window of the south aisle. These include several representations of a barrel or 'tun', part of the rebus based on the Barton (Bear - tun) family name.
The church is Listed Grade I. For more details see Link
Listed buildings and structures are officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance. There are over half a million listed structures in the United Kingdom, covered by around 375,000 listings.
Listed status is more commonly associated with buildings or groups of buildings, however it can cover many other structures, including bridges, headstones, steps, ponds, monuments, walls, phone boxes, wrecks, parks, and heritage sites, and in more recent times a road crossing (Abbey Road) and graffiti art (Banksy 'Spy-booth') have been included.
In England and Wales there are three main listing designations;
Grade I (2.5%) - exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important.
Grade II* (5.5%) - particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II (92%) - nationally important and of special interest.
There are also locally listed structures (at the discretion of local authorities) using A, B and C designations.
In Scotland three classifications are also used but the criteria are different. There are around 47,500 Listed buildings.
Category A (8%)- generally equivalent to Grade I and II* in England and Wales
Category B (51%)- this appears generally to cover the ground of Grade II, recognising national importance.
Category C (41%)- buildings of local importance, probably with some overlap with English Grade II.
In Northern Ireland the criteria are similar to Scotland, but the classifications are:
Grade A (2.3%)
Grade B+ (4.7%)
Grade B (93%)
Read more at Wikipedia Link