Geograph - photograph every grid square

Grade I listed.

Unlike most churches in the area there is no evidence of Saxon or Norman building. The little priest’s door in the south wall of the chancel may be of late 12th century origin, so part of the chancel may belong to an earlier church than the existing one.

Probably in the 14th century a scheme for rebuilding on the noble plan of the present church was embarked upon, and work was commenced with the chancel, or possibly the south transept. It seems that from this time until well on in the 15th century building proceeded, perhaps with interruptions, but without change of plan (possibly work was held up round 1350 when the Black Death swept through the country and a third of the population perished), and new fashions were adopted in the late sections of work.
The south arcade must have been built separately and perhaps a little before the north one. The chancel has some graceful windows the tracery of which, with its flowing lines, is typical of mid-14th century design and contrasts strongly with the straight lines of the “Perpendicular” window which was later inserted in the east end.

The sedilia are a good example. The piscina is a little small and plain for this period. The great central tower with its fine stone vault was commenced about the same time as the nave, though its upper stages are later in character. It was intended to have a spire as is proved by the squinch arches in the bell chamber which would have carried the weight of the eight-sided spire across the corners of the tower.

The aisles were completed in the “Perpendicular” style of the 15th century, and the latest additions were the beautiful western porch, a most unusual feature, and the windows which were inserted in the transepts. The octagonal font is a rich example of 15th century work with emblems of the Passion on shields in canopied niches.

Created: Mon, 24 Sep 2012, Updated: Wed, 4 Sep 2013