Church Furnishings
The ROOD SCREEN, inscribed 1625 ,spans the chancel arch
and it is a rare
and excellent example of Jacobean wood carving. The screen is divided
into bays and has a gated opening under an overhanging cornice
stretching across the full width of the nave. A Rood Loft probably stood
on top of the rood screen where a Crucifix would form the centrepiece of
the chancel arch. The cornice on the screen is still surmounted by a
Jacobean balustrade, and it is recorded that a small musicians' gallery
stood there in the early 19th century.
The PULPIT on the north side of the nave also
dates from the Laudian
period,
but it was originally sited on the south side of the nave. The wall
behind the pulpit is hollow and probably conceals the original staircase
to the rood loft.
The ALTAR or COMMUNION TABLE,
inscribed 1634,provides the focal point of
the Sanctuary to the east of the Communion Rails. It is typical of
church furnishings in the Jacobean period and is handsomely carved with
bulbous legs.
The
BENCH ENDS in the nave form a unique collection of wood
carvings with individual designs worked by local craftsmen during the
Edwardian period after the Victorian restoration. Just one of them is
shown here, but we will shortly add a gallery showing them all.
The FONT is probably the oldest stonework in the church, perhaps
from
the 12th century. It originally stood by the north door, but is now
under the tower. This picture is from a book on Fonts and Font Covers,
published in 1908. The font cover dates from about 1625.