Church of St John the Baptist (EHER 1889)

Church originally built possibly in 12th century; early 13th century chancel and south nave arcade survive in the rebuild of 1849-52. 15th century features including base of west tower; other alterations are known in 1789 and 1879-87. Built of ragstone rubble with some flint and brick, limestone dressings. The roof is composed of red plain tiles, grey slate, and lead.

Ragstone-rubble walls, some flint and brick. Limestone dressings. The nave south wall may be 12th century, but the earliest detail left is the early 13th century south arcade. The chancel was probably rebuilt in the 13th century, with a north chapel (destroyed in the 14th century, probably). In the 15th century the west tower added and the south aisle probably rebuilt. South chapel was added c1500. The church was largely restored and rebuilt in the 19th century (see 1890). Features and fittings: windows of the 13th, 14th, late 15th centuries, c1500, doorway details of 15th century, brass indents of the 15th century, some brasses reused in vicarage threshold and as a step to a nearby cottage (not dated), 15th century font, 13th century piscina and sedilia, worked and moulded stones in the churchyard and vicarage garden. <1> . <3> The church is of 1844-1852 except the chancel with Perpendicular window, to blocked 13th century arcade to the former north chapel (lancet windows from this were reused). South aisle has 13th century arcade which has pier with two faces, one is a so-called 'Green Man', that is a face with leaves sprouting out of his mouth. (RCHM has photograph of this capital). <2> Other ref: <3> Site Assessment = "In good condition, "but much ivy on building". <1> Redundancy proceedings instigated. Building in good condition, also churchyard-trees, graves etc, make good habitat for fauna and flora. <4> NRHE data import: Church originally built possibly in 12th century; early 13th century chancel and south nave arcade survive in the rebuild of 1849-52. 15th century features including base of west tower; other alterations are known in 1789 and 1879-87. Built of ragstone rubble with some flint and brick, limestone dressings. Roof composed of red plain tiles, grey slate, and lead. Parish Church of St John the Baptist stands near the north-east angle of the parish. The walls are of ragstone rubble, with some flint and brick; the dressings are of limestone; the roofs are covered with tiles, slate and lead. The south wall of the nave may be of the 12th century, but the earliest remaining details is the early 13th century south arcade. The chancel was probably rebuilt in the same century with a north chapel. The chapel was probably destroyed in the 14th century. In the 15th century the west tower was added and the south aisle probably rebuilt. The south chapel was added around 1500. The church has been extensively restored in modern times, the south chapel, nave, south aisle and west tower being largely rebuilt about 1850. <1> The church had one bell dated to 1579 and two others are dated 1637 and 1665. There is a monument of 1607. The plate includes a 17th century cup. <1> The south aisle has a 13th century arcade which has pier with two faces, one is a so-called 'Green Man', that is a face with leaves sprouting out of his mouth. (RCHM has photograph of this capital). <1> <2> Extensively restored in the 19th century, the churchyard retains some 18th century monuments, is in good condition. <4> Church of St John the Baptist. Grade II*. <3> St John the Baptist's Church (C of E) [NAT] <5> Additional reference: <6>.