Church of St Andrew, North Weald Bassett (EHER 33857)

Early 14th century and later church, repaired following a fire in 1965. Roman tiles are incorporated into the older north and south walls of the church.

Early 14th century and later church, repaired following fire of 1965. <1> The walls of the church are of flint rubble with some a mixture of Roman bricks and freestone, and dressings of limestone and clunch. The nave, south chapel and south aisle were built around 1330. <2> The Nave The Nave has three modern windows in the north wall and between the two westernmost windows is the now blocked 14th century doorway. The south wall a 14th century window, largely modern and the 14th century doorway. <2> The South Chancel The South Chancel has a 14th century window largely restored in the east wall and the two 14th century windows partially restored in the south wall. In the west wall opening to the South Aisle is a two centred arch. The 14th century South Arcade is of five bays with octagonal columns, the middle arch is narrower than the others. The roof of the South Chapel is gabled and has trussed rafters of uncertain date with a moulded South Wall plate of the 14th century. The chancel screen is of early 16th century date. The Chancel was rebuilt in 1867 and the North Vestry and organ chamber added in 1889. <2> The West Tower The West Tower is built in red brick with four stages and an embattled parapet, and its roofs are tiled. It was added around 1500, and is a good example of brickwork and of unusual height for the period. Except for repairs has not been altered. The West window is modern except for the splays and rear arch. Below this window is the West door. In both the South and the West walls of the second stage is a single- light window and in the North wall is a brick fireplace. The third stage has the same arrangement of windows. The bell chamber is above this and has 6 bells while also having a window in each wall. Two of the bells in the bell chamber are dated 1712 and 1673. <1>-<5> 1990: Watching Brief In 1990 a trench was dug around the church for pipes to be laid. Only two fragments of tudor brick and some medieval tile were found. A hole was drilled through the wall to feed pipes into the church. This drilling showed that the walls were solid flint- in- mortar rubble with occasional fragments of Roman brick. <6> NRHE data transfer: 1975. Field Survey. A considerable quantity of probable Roman tile is contained in the older north and south walls of the church. <7>