Church of All Saints, Brightlingsea (EHER 2130)

13th century and later parish church. It is formed of the North and South chapels, three East bays of the nave and the aisles. The South arcade is 15th century. The West tower is 15th century, at which time the nave was extended to meet it. The North aisle was reconstructed 1530-40. The South porch was added in the early 16th century. Restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Parish Church, Grade I listed. The church stands 1 1/2 miles NNW of the town. Largely 13th century in the east half but late 15th century tower and west end of nave is 16th century. There is evidence of building in other periods as well. Much of the walling is flint-rubble with some brick included especially in the 16th century areas. There is much brick in the rubble of the north aisle. The dressings are of Reigate, Barnack and other freestone. The roofs are slated, except the vestry and tower, which are leaded. The Chancel was built about the middle of the 13th century. At the end of the same century the North Chapel was added, and perhaps the South Chapel also, and the Nave and Aisles were rebuilt of three bays. In the 15th century the south arcade was rebuilt with the old materials and the aisle remodelled; remains of 13th century work are said to have been found between the two windows east of the porch. Towards the end of the 15th century the West Tower was built well to the west of the church. It was finished around 1490-1500. The Nave was lengthened shortly afterwards by two bays to join it. The South Vestry was added around 1518 and the North Chapel was lengthened towards the east around 1521; this was the Lady Chapel. About 1530-40 the North Aisle was reconstructed up to the west bay (which is of around 1500). The South Porch is also of early 16th century date. The clerestory and roofs fell in 1814, and the church has been restored in modern times. The tower is a very lofty and handsome example of the period, the north chapel and vestry are good examples of flint-inlay work, and the south porch has good detail. The tower, south vestry and north chapel can be approximately dated from evidence furnished by wills. Among the fittings the many niches, all with remains of colour, and the image of a bishop are noteworthy. <2> There is a photo of the church in RCHM. Features and fittings include: 13th century (blocked), 15th century and early 16th century windows; 13th, 14th, and early 16th century doorways. The bosses in the chancel and nave roofs may be old, the floor of third stage of tower has moulded timbers and curved braces the aisle roofs contain reused material. The south vestry has plain 16th century beams and joists and the south porch roof is early 16th century; there is a bell dating to about 1400. 15th century and 16th century brasses to members of the Beriffe family; 13th century coffin lid; early 16th century doors late 15th century font. The gallery front dates to around 1500; early 16th century glass; early 16th century image lockers of around 1500; 15th century, early 16th century niches; piscinae of early 16th century and uncertain date; early 16th century recess (possibly oven); recess of uncertain date and purpose 13th century sedile; 15th century stoup; 16th century painting in red in tower, of name (Robert Cooe?). <1> <2> Photo in SMR. <3> There is much evidence of the pre- Perpendicular church. In the south aisle wall west of the doorway is a roundheaded recess with Roman brickwork, probably the remaining doorway of an Early Norman church whose nave south wall would have been here. There is blocked 13th century windows in the chancel. The nave south doorway also 13th century. Parts of nave south and north arcades are 13th century or around 1300. The clerestory fell in 1814 and was not rebuilt. <4> Large and very complex aisled church of many phases with external chapels and massive west tower. The earliest datable work is 13th century but a curious low arch, of Roman bricks, in the south wall may be older; a writ of 1096 confirms the existence of a church then. Graded AAIb by Rodwell. Fragment of wall paintings exposed in various parts of the church. <5> <6> There is flint flushwork on south porch, vestry, west tower. The first floor gallery in church, of c. 1500. <7> <8> AP in SMR shows church. <9> Site Assessment The tower is a very lofty and handsome example of the period. The north chapel and vestry are good examples of flushwork. The south porch has good detail. Tower, south vestry and north chapel can be approximately dated from wills. The many niches, all with remains of colour, and the image of a bishop are noteworthy. <1> Town church, though away from the town. "Like Dedham a grand example of the East Anglian type on Essex soil", though there is much evidence of the pre-Perpendicular building. <4> Externally most impressive. A major Roman building lies under the chancel. Ground level is very high. A rubble-filled drainage channel was built in 1974. Another photo <10> <11> <12> <13> <14> <15> Additional references <16>