Church Micro 3299…Kelling Traditional Cache
Church Micro 3299…Kelling
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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St Mary's was originally a cruciform church with a north and a south transept, the latter is now in ruins. It is surrounded by a vast churchyard and adjoined by the former Rectory.
The little entrance porch leads into a big, open space. St Mary is unusual in having one of the smallest east windows of any church in Norfolk resulting in a rather dark interior.
Inside, a number of medieval features have survived the Victorian restoration. The 15th Century font is decorated with an undamaged symbol of the Holy Trinity, and a dedicatory inscription to the de Kelling family can be found around the rim of the bowl.
On the wall, the royal arms are dated 1797, which would make them those of George III. However, the initials at the top say simply GR, suggesting George I. In fact, they are even earlier; the inscription Semper Eadem shows that they are the arms of Queen Anne, reused and adapted accordingly over the years.
There are some 15th century glass figures of women reset in clear backgrounds. Two of them appear to be nuns wearing crowns, in which case one (or both) may be St Etheldreda. A third wears a crown and is seated on a throne, suggesting that it may be part of a Coronation of the Queen of Heaven scene.
There is a decorative screen across the north transept, with a little Marian altar on the windowless east wall.
The chancel houses a 14th Century Easter sepulchre. Its lower portion was for many years hidden by the raised Victorian floor, but as a result of the Millennium project the area around it has been lowered, and you can see it in all its glory. The royal arms above the doorway is dated 1797 but as was often the case, they have been reused/repainted several times, originally having been made for Queen Anne. Interestingly, an old ledger stone in the aisle is decorated with a sheaf of corn. The side altar in the north transept is modern and stands right next to the steps which once used to lead up onto the rood loft. One of the stained glass windows, depicting St Francis blessing the birds, was made by Harry Mileham.
The church is open every day so if you have time take a look inside.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication
To view the church micro stats page, please click here
There is a small area where you can pull off the lane just past the church. Alternatively there is parking just inside the entrance to the church.
You are looking for a micro cache with a white lid. Please bring your own pen and ensure that the cache is well covered after signing the log.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gb gur evtug bs gur ragenapr.