Church of St Mary (EHER 2378)

Parish church of St Mary, with nave built probably in 12th century, and chancel rebuilt in 14th century. West tower added early 15th century, with upper stage being rebuilt in 16th century. Restorations in 19th century.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Parish church. The walls are of puddingstone rubble, with limestone dressings. The nave is early 12th century; the chancel was rebuilt in the 14th century, and in the 15th century, the tower was added. The south porch is 16th century. There is no chancel arch. Features and fittings include: early 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th century windows; 14th century doorways; early 16th century south porch roof; part restored 14th century wall plates in nave roof; two early 15th century bells; 16th century doors; coloured fragments of glass in west window; early 16th century font (photo in RCHM <1>); 14th century piscina in chancel. <1> <2> The west tower was completed in 16th century in brick. The nave roof is 15th century. The font carving is very primitive. <3> Graded CIIIa by Rodwell. <4> The font is 15th to 16th century. The two oldest bells said to be the work of Robert Burford of London around 1392-1418, with Latin inscriptions. <5> <6> Site Assessment Most of exterior is rendered, and in poor condition. Ground level externally is high; there is a brick gutter on the surface; interior is very damp and total reflooring is required. Thorough restoration would involve much archaeological damaged, but would provide opportunity for investigation. Local archaeology little known apart from medieval finds from the churchyard and a Roman gold coin at the adjacent hall. Occasional burial, there is talk of redundancy. The congregation is too small to put the building in order; it is not of high architectural merit, though there is scope for improvement and it could be converted to a house without difficulty. <4> Photographs <7> Map reference: St Mary's Church [NAT]. <8> Additional reference <9>