Nominal: 731.5 Hz Weight: 1248 lbs Diameter: 41.75" Bell 1 of 6
Founded by Robert Taylor 1786
Dove Bell ID: 780 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Bletsoe: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: TL 23 583
Although the building exhibits no details earlier than the 14th century, the curiously irregular ground plan is indicative of a considerably earlier origin. The building was extensively restored in 1858 by Edward Browning of Stamford, and again in the 20th Century.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Aisleless nave with south porch, crossing, large north transept, small south transept and chancel.
Footprint of Church buildings: 429 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Although the building exhibits no details earlier than the 14th century, the curiously irregular ground plan is indicative of a considerably earlier origin. The building was extensively restored in 1858 by Edward Browning of Stamford, and again in the 20th Century.
Exterior Description
The building is somewhat larger than is usual for a parish church and, with the crossing-tower and.the long -high chancel, rather. like a miniature cathedral in appearance. The church is built of grey rubble masonry and roofed with tiles. The 19th century restoration was extensive; all the windows were replaced then (although the present tracery is said to be copies from the original work). The east window of the chancel is of three cinquefoiled lights with moulded jambs and flowing tracery. On the north side of the chancel is a small vestry, rebuilt in this century, and a three-light window, under which is a door with jamb-shafts and a. moulded arch.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
The south east window is by Mayer and Co. and the east window may well be by the same firm,
Interior
Interior Description
The timber roof of the chancel dates from the 19th century and has collars and arched braces which are supported on carved hammer beams. The corbels of the wall posts may be earlier than the roof itself. The nave has no aisle; in the north wall are two three-light windows with net tracery in the heads and there are two similar windows on the south side. There is a relatively modern north door with a stoup on the east side of it. The west window has three trefoiled lights with net tracery, and over it is a circular window with flowing tracery. The south porch is a 19th century re-building, but the inner doorway has a 13th century moulding, and a label with head-stops. Both nave and chancel open into the crossing space under pointed arches; both the arches consist of two chamferred orders dying into the responds. On the north side of the crossing is the larger of the transepts, which is built over the St. John family vault. The floor level of the transept is considerably higher than that of the rest of the church and a short flight of steps loads up to what is in effect, a large dais. On the south wall of this transept is a double trefoiled 14th century piscina, and a fine alabaster monument and over all is an ornamental curved and boarded roof. The small south transept is at present used as a vestry. The crossing tower is of 14th century date but was also restored during the last century when the ugly parapet was added. In each face of the tower are two small trefoiled lights placed side by side, and there are old gargoyles at each angle just below the parapet. In the angle of the wall between the transept and the chancel is a small demi-octagonal stair-turret with a conical roof.
Fixtures and fittings
Reredos
The Victorian reredos stretches across the east wall. The trefoiled side panels bear the Decalogue and the Creed, while in the centre is the principal section consisting of three Gothic aedicules with crockets'andpinnacles. In the centre is a marble Celtic cross, while on either side are small stone attendant figures.
Bells
Nominal: 1230.2 Hz Weight: 620 lbs Diameter: 29.13" Bell 2 of 6
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1900
Dove Bell ID: 11766 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1096 Hz Weight: 722 lbs Diameter: 32.13" Bell 3 of 6
Founded by Robert Taylor 1786
Dove Bell ID: 11767 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 976.4 Hz Weight: 805 lbs Diameter: 34.5" Bell 4 of 6
Founded by Robert Taylor 1786
Dove Bell ID: 11768 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 921 Hz Weight: 816 lbs Diameter: 35" Bell 5 of 6
Founded by Robert Taylor 1786
Dove Bell ID: 11769 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 821.1 Hz Weight: 968 lbs Diameter: 37" Bell 6 of 6
Founded by Robert Taylor 1786
Dove Bell ID: 11770 Tower ID: 10868 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TL 23 583
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
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