St John The Baptist

CHANCEL: north and south chapels added during early C16

NORTH CHAPEL: east gable end parapet late C19 but retaining some quatrefoil panelling from the original early C16 parapet: the pinnacles from the latter are reused on the west tower

this has a gable end parapet with crocketted finials, a central gable end buttress with a coat of arms carved above it

in the east side elevation, reused C16 2- and 3-light windows flank a central buttress.

ROOFS: nave has a trussed rafter roof, aisles retain medieval purlins, swept wind-braces and principal rafters which are supported on foliated corbels.

Late C19 reredos, altar rails, parcloses, pulpit, font and pews.

Section of C12 arcade column retained in recess in north wall of tower.

C15 tiles set in east wall of north porch.

MEMORIALS: recumbent effigy of John Porter, died 1577, in south-east of chancel with a blind arcade on its north side of 3 round-headed arches on fluted pilasters with blank shields in trefoiled panels beneath.

Stone coffin lid, probably C13 and carved with a Passion cross, set in floor at west end of nave

also many ledger slabs on nave floor dating from late C17.

Several good late C17 and early C18 memorials in the north aisles which include a memorial to Mary Porter, died 1668, with a segmental pediment, coat of arms and angel head corbel

also 2 large cartouches to George Porter, died 1709 and Henry Wynne, died 1693, and an early C18 memorial to the Jackson family with segmental pediment and coat of arms.

In the south-west corner of the chancel is a memorial to Sir Harry Wakeman, died 1831, a bust on a draped sarcophagus by Hollins of Birmingham

The memorial is Listed Grade II and the church is dedicated to St John the Baptist.

© Chris Allen

also memorials to Sir Offley Penbury died 1858, and to Mary Wakeman died 1832, and a small early C18 cartouche.

Both chapels and the south aisle have numerous good quality memorials mainly of early C18 and early and mid-C19 date.

Glass is all late C19 except for the north-east window of St Catherine's chapel which contains mid-C20 glass.

A large Perpendicular parish church, well detailed, notably the exterior of the chantry chapel and main interior features and having a particularly good collection of memorials.