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Church of St Mary, Morcott
The church consists of aisled nave with chancel, west tower and south porch, the north aisle extending one bay alongside the chancel.
Like many neighbouring churches, it started as a simple Norman aisleless church of nave and chancel, with a west tower, but unlike most, it retains a high proportion of 12th century fabric. The tower dates from the early part of the 12th century, with a fine arch into the nave. Aisles were added later in the century, that on the north around 1150 in full Norman style, with the south aisle around 1200, in early Transitional style, still with round arches to the arcade. The carving of the north aisle capitals is particularly worthy of attention.
In the 13th century the chancel was extended, the chancel arch rebuilt and a chapel added on the north side as an extension to the aisle. 14th century work included the addition of the clerestory, the third stage (bell chamber) of the tower with its spire, replacement windows in the aisles and the south porch. The final medieval work included the windows in the side walls of the chancel.
The church was thoroughly restored in 1874, at which time the north aisle was widened, although the medieval windows were reused. the chancel chapel now housing the organ and a vestry. A new east window was inserted.
In the south aisle there is a table tomb of 1500, together with a piscina of probably earlier date. The pulpit is Jacobean, and there are some other timberwork items of older origin. The font is very plain and of indeterminate date.
The Norman work makes this a church well worth visiting and thoroughly justifies the Listed Grade I status. A more detailed description can be found in the Victoria County History Link
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