Site of early 12th century church, Church of St Mary Magdelene, Shopland (EHER 9796)

Now destroyed. The site of an early 12th century church. The chancel was rebuilt in the 13th/14th century, a timber framed south porch added in the 15th century and a timber bell-turret in the 16th century. The church was slightly damaged during the Second World War, but was not repaired and was demolished in 1957. Summary from record 9797: Much restored except NE nave window, badly decayed. (church now demolished)

Walls are rubble covered with cement and rough-cast; dressings are of limestone; roofs are tiled and the bell turret boarded. The nave was built early in the 12th century. The chancel was rebuilt and widened in the 13th or 14th century. The timber-framed south porch was added early in the 15th century (see plate in <1>) and the timber bell-turret in the 16th century. Features and fittings include; windows and window details of the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th century; chancel north doorway (blocked) is 15th century; nave north doorway (blocked) is 14th century; nave south doorway is 14th century; brass in nave of Thomas Stapel, 1371, mutilated; coffin in nave, at threshold of south doorway, probably 13th century; door in north doorway, 15th or 16th century; font (see plate in <1>), early 13th century, decorated with arches, fleur-de-lis cusp points and crosses; 13th and 15th century glass in chancel east window; 14th century glass in nave south window, in situ; medieval tiles in the nave; 14th century piscina in chancel; 14th century sedilia in chancel. <1> <2> Much restored except north-east nave window, badly decayed. Post-medieval features and fittings: bell said to be of 1608; 17th or 18th century door in chancel north (blocked) doorway; 17th century glass in chancel east window; slab in churchyard, 1639; plate includes cup of 1683; 17th century bench ends to bench in nave. <1> Demolished in the 20th century but two adjacent 18th century head and foot stones in churchyard are listed (EHER 35093). <3> Site Assessment: The timber south porch is interesting, and amongst the fittings the font is noteworthy. In good condition, much restored, except NE window of nave which is badly decayed. <1> Church demolished. Only two head and foot stones remain. <3> NRHE data transfer: St Mary Magdalene, Shopland. The church was slightly damaged during the Second World War, but was not repaired and was demolished in 1957. The graveyard remains intact but is becoming overgrown. The parish has been combined with Sutton. The site of Shopland Church should be scheduled. <4>