|
Of Norman in origin, built on the site of a Saxon structure; some medieval wall paintings still survive. The actress Dame
Ellen Terry was a frequent visitor to Little Easton
and is commemorated by a brass plaque.
The USA Air Force 386th Bombardment
Group known as "The Crusaders" was stationed at Little
Easton during World War II.
A chapel and two stained glass windows honour them.
Back to top
The present structure is early Norman, but replaced a Saxon structure on the site.
The large quantity of Roman brick and tiles used in the construction suggests even earlier structures.
Extensive 19th and 20th century restorations include the notable reredos and the new tower, renovated in 1928.
The church boasts a fine peal of bells, rung regularly by an enthusiastic team. It is also popular with visiting ringers.
Back to top
A Grade I listed church of outstanding historical and architectural interest.
Originally the gatehouse chapel of a great Cistercian Abbey, which was destroyed soon after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. It has an enormous and striking east window of reticulated stone tracery and a high ceiling with the original 12th century beams. Tilty church contains many interesting
features and was made the subject of a survey by the
Church Recorders in 2007.
Back to top
Occupying an ancient Celtic site, this 12th and 13th century building replaces, and incorporates parts of, an earlier Saxon structure.
The church was extensively restored in 1876, when the weather-boarded belfry was completely rebuilt.
It contains a fine carved wood pulpit dating from the 17th century and the stained glass "Hostage" windows by John K. Clark, which commemorate the five year ordeal of local journalist John McCarthy and his fellow Beirut hostages.
Back to top
Approaching from the west one
first sees the 14th century tower, capped by a shingled
pyramidal roof, but beyond are the Saxon nave and
chancel, extended eastwards early in King Henry III’s
reign. The unspoilt interior is a delight, with its
brick floors, 14th century king-post roof, a richly
carved 15th century font, a Georgian pulpit and a
squint giving a view to the altar with its mediaeval
mensa slab.
This is a remarkable survival
of a largely unaltered Saxon building. A
number of the original windows remain. The chancel
was extended in
the early 13th century and a west tower added in the
14th century;
these are clear additions to the original simple chapel.
The church contains a very fine octagonal stone font from the 14th
century.
The medieval stone altar slab
was buried in the churchyard to save it
from destruction during the Reformation. In 1858 it
was rediscovered
and returned to the altar.
The parish of Chickney was amalgamated
with Broxted in 1889 and the church is now in the
care of The
Churches Conservation Trust and is still used
for occasional services. This church is not licensed
for weddings or baptisms.
|
