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St Mary

St Mary

Besthorpe

Norfolk

Norman cruciform church, the chancel demolished 1541.

Architectural Features

Central tower Cll in lower stages, early C13 upper.

South transept c.1290's, north transept mid C14, nave and aisles probably mid C14, north porch late C14

completed in C15.

This wall much rebuilt with C16 4-light Perpendicular window.

Large diagonal buttress to south-east of tower C16.

Remains of crossing piers with imposts and C11 water- leaf capitals north and south.

Double string course separates C13 belfry from earlier courses.

Capitals with head carving and hood above on head stops in squared panel.

Flushwork panels above alternate with angels and heraldic shields.

Inner north door with mid C14 mouldings.

Nave roof late C15 : wall plate with diamond studs

wall posts drop to carved corbels and support tie beams on arched braces with traceried spandrels.

C11 crossing piers

arches intact, those to east incorporated in C16 wall : Semi-circular arches on shafted piers with simple waterleaf capitals below stylised scallop.

Rood screen, c.1475, of 10 bays each side of central opening extending across nave and aisles.

Plain cornice in form of parapet below rood beam painted with shields of English dioceses in 1610.

Much C15 painting survives, figural and decorative.

Early C18 pulpit comprising hexagonal drum with raised and fielded panels to each facet, all with foliate borders.

One or two putti heads carved below moulded top rail are also in foliate surround.

Stairs with iron twist balusters, moulded hand rail and carved tread ends.

Eagle lectern and steps 1816 of cast iron.

Mural painting over chancel arch in oil of c.1500.

Annunciation above string course, horizontal bar of Cross with foliate ends surrounded by figures of Moses, David, Jeremiah, angels and others.

Composition interrupted by 2 Norman windows opening into tower.

Fragment of painting of St. Christopher over south door also c.1500.

Oak door to stairs leading to Parvise early C15 : depressed segmental arch with tracery carving and many orders of mouldings.

2 C15 misericord in south aisle stalls.

Some C14 stained glass in west window.