SK7460 : Church of St Andrew, Caunton
taken 10 years ago, near to Caunton, Nottinghamshire, England
The church is substantially of 12th to 14th century origin, with the clerestory and upper part of the tower dating from the 15th century.
The oldest surviving fabric is the pillars of the north arcade, of early 12th century Norman work. The south arcade pillars may be of similar date; the capitals with their stylised foliage were replaced at the end of the 12th century. They are very similar to contemporary work at Nearby Southwell Minster and are likely to be the work of the same craftsmen. The extended bay to both aisles and the chancel arch are 13th century, and the south aisle and porch, and the lower stages of the tower are 14th century. The chancel was rebuilt in 1869, but appears to have followed the original to a large degree, in Early English style.
Other medieval features include three piscinas, one of which has a cusped ogee head and dates from the mid 14th century. The fine cusped south doorway with its ogee hood mould is of similar date. The font is a simple octagonal bowl on a tapering stem, and dates from the 13th century. There are also two fine carved capitals to the tower arch.
One window in the south aisle contains what is thought to be old plain glass, recovered from older windows at the time of the 1869 restoration, but no old stained or painted glass survives.
The church is Listed Grade I.
For more information see the Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project 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