St Swithin
Ashmanhaugh, Norfolk
One of the other panels shows St Appollonia, the patron saint of dentists. This beautiful peaceful church is situated away from the village, about 15 minutes walk from Barton Staithe. A steep climb up the tower, by arrangement, rewards you with a magnificent view of the Norfolk coast.
The church dates to the 14th century, and boasts a striking 15th century tower. The stage below the belfry chamber is pierced by ornate sound holes. There are six bells, the oldest of which was cast in 1535 and was brought here from the church in Potter Heigham. There is also an original bell cast in 1615 for this church.
The tower was erected around 1400 and has figures of the four evangelists acting as pinnacles at each corner. The 14th century south porch has a mass dial. Around the base of the north side Perpendicular porch are shields interspersed with small carved faces. The porch shelters a doorway carved around 1300.
The nave arcades are also from 1300, but large 15th century windows have been added. The font is also from 1300 but the wooden font cover was made locally to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. It incorporates 17th century panels that were part of a Victorian vestry screen.
What really makes a visit to Barton Turf worthwhile is the superb 15th century painted screen separating the nave and chancel. It retains much of its original colour, and rib vaults that supported the rood loft. The painted panels probably date to around 1450, and depict the hierarchy of nine orders of angels. On the north end are St Apollonia and St Sitha, and at the south end is St Barbara. Another four panels show four saintly kings; St Olave of Denmark, Edward the Confessor, St Edmund, and Henry VI.
The church has a curious situation being set back quite a way from its access road, a lonely lychgate graces that entrance and a tree shaded pathway runs the 100 yards or so to the churchyard. The lychgate is a rare memorial to all RFC/RAF personnel from the First World War, it has twelve names carved onto the horizontal rails inside the gate.
Please make a cup of tea/ coffee if you so wish when you visit and sign the visitors book.