Old Church House (EHER 2380)

A 12th century parish church restored in the 19th century and converted to house in 1981. It has walls of puddingstone rubble and limestone dressings. There are Roman brick quoins are located in the south west angle of the nave

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. <1> states; parish church, dedication unknown, with walls of puddingstone rubble and limestone dressings. The SW angle of the nave is of Roman bricks, the south wall is early 12th century. The chancel was rebuilt around 1300. The north chapel is possibly 14th century, during which time the tower was built. Timber south porch may be of the same date. Features and fittings include: 12th and 14th century windows; 14th century doorways, nave south doorway has round cemented rear-arch, possibly 12th century; south porch roof is 14th century; one of the bells is of around 1400, other is 15th century; 14th century glass in chancel 14th century piscina in chancel; early 16th century recess in chancel; seidel in chancel. The building was `restored' in the 19th century, when a north aisle was added. <1> Graveyard recorded by Essex Family History Society (189 stones). <2> Site Management: = Declared redundant, tower demolished in 1976. <2> Other refs, including photos: <3>-<6> Site Assessment = Severe 19th century restoration left little of the early work intact. The 14th century south porch is the most notable feature. Ground level has been cut down against the north side and is still high on the south; the interior is very damp and patching of the decayed floor has taken place; further work may be needed. The Norman church could be elucidated with a small amount of archaeological work. <7> Little of early work left after restoration. A trace of herring bone work in the nave; south west quoin and one Norman window dressed in Roman brick. Foundation date unknown, but in 1125 Frating was a chapel-of-ease to Great Bentley; it became parochial in 1237. Graded CIIIb by Rodwell. <8> Converted to a house in 1981. <9> Additional reference <10> <11> <12>