Church of St Mary (EHER 17695)

Parish church with 14th century nave, mid 14th century chancel and south porch; the West tower may also be 14th century, although it was much altered in the 16th and 17th century. The north aisle was added in 1826 and the church has since been restored and the chancel-arch rebuilt. It is constructed from flint, rubble, septaria and brick with limestone dressings and a red tiled roof.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Parish church of St Mary. The walls are of flint and stone- rubble, septaria and brick; the dressings are of limestone; the roofs are covered with tiles and slates. The nave was built at the beginning of the 14th century. In the South wall are two 14th century windows separated by the alter and 14th century South porch. The chancel is of mid 14th century date it has a moulded plinth and the walls below the window sills are faced with brick and flint chequer work. The SE and SW buttresses were each enriched with two riches and ogee, heads and side shafts. The east window is modern except for the splays, rear- arch and internal label. The N and S. walls each have four windows of slightly varying design and ornamentation from foliage to birds, animals and figures. The windows in the Chancel contain some 14th century glass. Also in the Chancel, in one range, with rear- arch of doorway, piscina and three bays of sedilia dated to 14th century. Some of the riches have 14th century jambs and bases incorporated. <1> The West tower may have been built in the 14th century but was extensively altered and the tower arch rebuilt in the 16th century. It was again repaired in the late 17th century. The North Aisle was added in 1826 and the church has since been restored and the chancel arch rebuilt. Three bells, were dated to 1714. 17th century cupboard and communion table. There is a 16th century one piece door in the tower staircase. There are five 16th century and 17th century floor slabs. The South porch has good 14th century woodwork and a flat 14th century roof and a 14th century stoup. There are photographs and plans of the church in <1>. This church is associated with the DMV 2713 (ESMR) The chancel is also a remarkably rich example of 14th century work. <1> During construction work in the churchyard six coins were found one of which may just be post medieval as it has been given a portable 16th century date, This coin is a bronze Nuremburg type Jetton. The other five coins are silver, four pennies and one halfpenny. The halfpenny and two of the pennies are long cross the other two pennies are the short cross type. <2> Archaeological remains uncovered during the installation of an underfloor heating system in the nave and north aisle included medieval foundations as well as several post-holes, a post-pad and some disarticulated human remains. <3> A small copper alloy vase found during building work in Lawford Churchyard. The outer surface has in parts the impression of woven cloth, perhaps one it was wrapped in for safekeeping before being buried. <2> <3>. Additional reference <4> <5> Pevsner states it is one of the most splendid monuments of its date in the country.<6> (TM 08913157) St Mary's Church [NAT]. <7> It is Grade I listed <8> Additional references <10>-<14>