History of the Church
The church dates back to the Saxon period. To the right of the southern porch is a blocked round-headed doorway probably dating from the 10th or early 11th century. The jambs are made of tiles which may be Roman in origin and salvaged from another building. Another piece of evidence in favour of a Saxon date is that the south wall of the nave is only about 2ft 8ins thick, unlike Roman walls which are usually over 3ft thick.
Like the rest of the building, the tower is built of flint with stone dressings. It was probably erected in the early 16th century, towards the end of the perpendicular period, from two bequests. In 1519 John Webster left 6/8d (worth about £350-£400 in present day money) to the ‘repacon of the Stepill’ and in 1522 ‘Moder Agnes’ of Barney left 12d to the same. The bell is inscribed “Edwin Tooke made me in 1676”. The west window in the tower is a Victorian addition.
The South Transept was probably added to the nave towards the end of the 15th century. In 1496 Richard Blower asked to be buried in this chapel, dedicated in honour of St John the Baptist. The porch is late medieval with an early 13th century doorway which has a roll moulding. The door is also ancient; the lock has been completely restored.
The nave and its roof were repaired and restored, and the interior re-seated, in 1889. Despite this three of the medieval poppy-head benches remain. There is 17th century Jacobean panelling at the rear of the pews on the south side, and the hat pegs on the south wall date from the 19th century.
The font is one of the most interesting features inside the church. It is 15th century and has various emblems on the face of the bowl. The Ledger slabs in the floor near the font include a memorial to Robert Hastings who died in 1682. His shield has the sleeve for the family of Baron Hastings of Gressenhall and the star indicates that he was a third son.
Despite its repair in 1889 the roof is mainly the original 15th century arch-braced roof. There are angels and roses where the pulins and principals intersect. It has now weathered to a lovely silver grey. The pulpit is Jacobean and dates from the 17th century. There are two brass inscriptions – one to Thomas Loud who was Vicar from 1480 to 1508 and the other is to Henry Blower also known as Baker de Barney and fits with the slab near the font.
The rood stairs are on the north end of the chancel arch and lead to the loft over the screen. The alter table is most probably from the 18th century. The chapel was restored as memorial to the dead of two world wars.
The chancel was repaired and redecorated in 1887. From the back of the church the chapel can be seen to ‘weep’ slightly to the north, a sign of early foundations, when setting out was less precise. The sedilia (seat for priests to use at Mass) are formed out of the window sill on the south side. Next to the sedilia is the 13th century angle piscine. Beside it is a small niche which may have been used as a credence shelf for the cruets of water and wine. Opposite, in the north wall, is an ambry, a medieval cupboard for storing the church plate.
The church has two bibles. The modern version is used for Common Worship. The present bible is inscribed “Presented by the Dowager Lady Astley AD1848. Lord Hastings whose family name is Astley, is the major land owner in this area.
You are looking for a camouflaged screw top container. It can be reached from the pavement and is accessible 24 hours a day. It is not on church premises but please spare a few minutes to look inside the building.
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