Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tilty (EHER 1173)

Church built about 1220, formerly the "Capella extra portas" of the Cistercian Abbey of St Mary, Tilty. The church was altered in the 14th, 17th, and 19th centuries. Built of flint rubble with limestone and clunch dressings. The plain red tiled roof includes some original 13th century tiles on the chancel roof.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 1173, 1174, and 37113. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Church of St Mary the Virgin. Walls are flint rubble. Dressings are of limestone and clunch. It was the chapel by the gate of the Abbey (EHER 1172) and was originally a plain, rectangular building of about 1220, now the nave of the present church. Chancel. The chancel was built about 1340 outside the east end and the old east wall then cut away. Chancel is an handsome example of the early 14th century. The east and north windows are especially fine. Piscinae and sedilia are noteworthy. Features and fittings: windows date to about 1220 and early 14th century, doorways of about 1220, niches early 14th century, 13th century paintings, early 13th and early 14th century piscinae, and early 14th century sedilia. South porch probably dates to the 17th century. The north vestry is 19th century but the building has been very little restored. One bell said to be 16th century. Brasses of 1562, 1590. Monuments of 1686, early 17th century. Plate includes 17th century items. <1> Nave is Early English with lancet windows, very similar to the chapel of Litte Coggeshall. Originally nave and chancel in one. South porch pargetted, probably 17th century. Belfry and cupola on nave seem to be 18th century. <2> Some original 13th century tiles on the chancel roof. Chancel roof is 14th century, nave roof is late 15th century (side purlin). Brasses included one of 1340. 13th century locker in south wall of the nave. 17th and 18th century alterations. 19th century north vestry, 17th century timber-framed and plastered south porch, 18th century bell turret at the east end. Brasses include one of 1590. 17th century monuments. 18th century pulpit with canopy. <3> Slide of window tracery church (external). <4> St. Mary's Church (NAT). <5> See also: <6> - <8> See photographs: <9> - <15>