St Mary

Walling of rubble with freestone dressings: C12 work in Carrstone rubble (reused in later alterations, which also employ rubble of limestone, flint and clunch).

Part of the C12 chancel survives

Part of a blocked C12 lancet is visible in north wall.

The C14 south nave arcade stands on the stumps of circular columns, apparently of C12, with octagonal bases, suggesting a former C12 south aisle.

The chancel was extended mid C13

a C13 doorway was moved into the arch later.

Tower added mid C13

A 3-light south chancel window was added c.1300.

North aisle was added mid C14 in two stages, with 2- and 3-light net traceried windows and moulded north doorway and a circular east window over the side-altar.

The south arcade was rebuilt C14

the octagonal piers have shallow blank arches carved just below the capitals.

In later C14, the tower was raised with 2-light belfry windows, crenellated parapets and moulded cornice with carved mask gargoyles.

On each corner of the tower stand limestone figures.

South and north porches added late C14

the south has mask-carved kneelers to the parapet gables, both have the bases of gable-crosses.

The south doorway is of C14

the aisle walling was almost rebuilt C15, with 3-light square- headed windows

Nave roof raised C15

Secondary trusses have angel-carved hammer beams.

Angels also embellish tie beams and cornices, and spandrels are filled with tracery.

In the north and south walls are reused C15 single-light windows and in west wall a 4-light traceried window

In the north aisle is a fine C13 font, octagonal, the bowl carved with crocketed arcading, the stem having detached shafts at each corner.

Fine late C15 pews with poppyhead ends, buttresses with carved animal and human figures, and pierced backs

one has carved C17 panelling.

Four C15 bench ends have been reused in C19 choir stalls.

Fine C15 octagonal pulpit with buttresses at corners and traceried panels.

TL7182 : St Mary, Lakenheath: pulpit

© Basher Eyre

In the south aisle is a restored family pew of c.1600.

Traces of wall painting in several areas: on the north nave arcade extensive areas including a C14 figure of St. Edmund and others, overpainted with trailing foliage and abstract patterns.

Beside the chancel arch is a figure of Christ, and on the south arcade a black-letter inscription of c.1600.

In the south aisle is a Purbeck altar tomb to Simeon Steward, d. 1568

his coat of arms is carved in the recess.

Inset in the south wall nearby is an oblong marble plaque with coat of arms and inscription to Joan, widow of Simeon Steward, d. 1583.

In the south aisle is a painted coat of arms of Charles II, 1678.

In the nave and south aisle floors are a number of limestone and marble slabs, mainly unmarked, some probably mediaeval.