The guide issued by this Church states that it has always been a poor Church. Perhaps financially it has been. The fact that it had to sell its Plate in 1552 attests to this. Perhaps the fact that many of it's vestments have been stolen attests to this. Perhaps the fact that there is no ancient glass attests to this. However, it is rich in its history, its architecture and most of all its peace and tranquility.

Brass Plate in remembrance of Arthur Russell Thorndike ©P.E. Blanche 1998

Just as names on the gravestones in the Churchyard remind us of the Doctor Syn stories, just inside the door of the Church is a small brass plaque as a tribute to the author of these book, Arthur Russell Thorndike. There is a list of Rectors of the Church on the West wall but those that look for the name of Doctor Syn will be disappointed!

The interior of the Church is very plain but has a pleasant depth to it with the additional length of the Chancel which is viewed through a large Norman archway There was a rood beam or Chancel Screen across the archway at one time. There has been the need for recent repair work to the base of this arch because of subsidence. The only wall in the body of the Church which is not Norman is the North wall which was added in 1821. At that time, new oak beams in the Nave roof were added because of the increased span. In 1958, the Chancel beams had to be replaced because of the ravages of death watch beetle. The South porch is also of Norman construction with some interesting herring-bone tiling.

In 1660, it was reqired that Churches hung a Royal Coat of arms in the local Church. The existing picture here, hung in an Adam style frame, dates from 1778 and bears the arms of George III. I have no idea what the Church did to comply with the law between 1660 and the time this picture was painted.

See also: The Church Exterior

The Arms of George III
© P. Blanche 1998