St Anna

There has been a church here since Saxon times and despite a vigorous 19th century restoration, many ancient features remain, including a Norman font with a complex frieze of lozenges and 13th century lancet windows and piscina. There is a Norman doorway in the north wall and evidence of the thickness of this wall can be seen when viewing the tiny Norman window from the inside.

During the 13th century, the massive tower with its narrow slit openings was built. The blocked arcade once opened into a side aisle used as a Lady Chapel and an original bell frame carries three bells of 14th/15th century. However, during the 16th century, following the Reformation, masses for the dead were no longer approved and the Lady Chapel was demolished.

After the restoration in 1630, burial services were resumed and probably prompted the acquisition of the Bier in 1667. A further vigorous restoration programme in 1886 affected most of the church. The chancel was rebuilt, under floor heating was installed, and a complete refurbishment took place. A new south porch and an oak shingled spire were also added.
In 1912, the small Nicholson pipe organ was donated and in 1926 the St Anna stained glass was placed in the Norman window. The impressive armorials were installed as memorials in 1927-1928.

In 1955, because of the weight causing problems to the tower walls, the spire was replaced by a pyramidal roof, with a further comprehensive refurbishment programme carried out in 1997-1998.