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St
Mary's Church
Felmersham, Bedfordshire
Church Guide
See
also: Felmersham - The History of a Riverside
Parish
Video of St Mary's
Church (9.32MB)
Built between 1220 and 1240 the most important external
feature is the West Front, considered to be one of the finest examples of
Early English architecture in the region.
The nave is lined with alternate round and octagonal pillars and
the central tower is supported on four, finely mounded columns,
both of these features are Early English Gothic architecture. A
medieval oak screen divides the chancel from the choir. |
St Marys Church
South View |
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The West Front
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Evidence of an earlier ridge or sloping roof can be seen in the
stonework on the west face of the tower. It follows, therefore,
that the clerestory windows in the nave were later editions when
the roof was raised and flattened possibly in the C14. Note that the
tower has two distinct architectural styles, also suggesting later
editions.
The
larger handle on the south door is known as the sanctuary ring.
Fugitives could claim sanctuary by holding the ring; they then had
the protection of the church.
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On
entering the church the first impression is one of space and
light. The nave is lined with alternate round and octagonal
pillars and the central tower is supported on four, finely mounded
columns, both of these features are Early English Gothic
architecture. There are traces of paint on the south east nave pillar,
indicating that in earlier times the pillars were painted. There are
also the remains of wall paintings in the ringing chamber which in
former times would have formed part of a chancel arch painting.
The chancel was restored in 1853 when large gothic windows were
replaced by the present lancet windows. Also in the chancel is a
double piscina and an ormbry.
Reglazed in 1951, the east window records the
deaths of three brothers who were killed in the second world war.
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Looking east towards the
screen and east window |
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The oak screen is in the perpendicular gothic style and
can be dated to the early 15C. Other points of interest are the pulpit (1895), the
parish bier (1893) and the wooden-framed, flail-locking turret
clock (possibly mid-17C).
The
Millennium
Window was installed in 2001 by public subscription.
< Detail
from screen
Showing angels resting on the Ogee arch.
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The oak screen.
circa 1430 |
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