St Mary

It is an interesting church partly because a 14th century reconstruction in the Decorated style of the chancel, north aisle and base of the tower was brought to a sudden halt by the Black Death. The rebuilding was completed half a century later, in the Perpendicular style.

The handsome tower has lower courses of neat flushwork, and the battlemented upper stage has particularly effective flint patterning. Both north and south porches are in use; the south porch is more elaborate, with marvellous flint flushwork panelling, carved niches and pinnacle buttresses. It has an intricately carved wooden ceiling which is most unusual and was only revealed during roof repairs in 1927.

The interior is light, with the large north aisle separated from the nave by a fine seven bay arcade with interesting carving. The nave has an excellent wooden roof. Of interest here are the early 15th century font with decorated panels, the unusual wooden lectern with a delicate 15th century stem, and a later eagle reading desk.

At the east end of the north aisle is a beautiful piscina and sedilia. On display is part of a 15th century rood screen with six panels in original colour of kings and prophets including an especially good St Edmund the Martyr depicted with his symbolic arrow (he was used as a target by archers before being beheaded).