Diameter: 30.38" Bell 1 of 2
Dove Bell ID: 53728 Tower ID: 19960 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Emborough: The Blessed Virgin Mary
Overview
Grid reference: ST 614 513
The base of the tower is probably the oldest part of the church, being 13th century work. There is also some evidence of a mediaeval structure in the nave and north arcade. The chancel is perhaps of 15th century origin. But most of the church would appear to have been reconstructed in the late 17th or early 18th century.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and north aisle; central tower; small chancel; south porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
The base of the tower is probably the oldest part of the church, being 13th century work. There is also some evidence of a mediaeval structure in the nave and north arcade. The chancel is perhaps of 15th century origin. But most of the church would appear to have been reconstructed in the late 17th or early 18th century.
Exterior Description
The chapel of St. Mary is a difficult building to date accurately as some of its features while being mediaeval in character are just survivals of the mediaeval tradition. This is particularly true of the windows: one at each end of the church; two in the north aisle, one each side of the doorway (which probably really is mediaeval); and one in the south nave wall. All have three lights and intersecting tracery of the kind found in late 13th century windows. But, they are more likely to be examples of the restoration work carried out in the 18th century. The mouldings, finish and proportion would seem to confirm this hypothesis. There is a recently restored two light window with a cinquefoil in the head in the east wall of the north aisle, which has a parapet. This window most probably does contain 13th century work.
The three stage axial tower, supported by diagonal buttresses, dominates the structure, although it has not the stature and proportions of many of the church towers to be found in Somerset. In the lowest, and oldest (now stuccoed) stage are two Y—traceried windows, also probably 18th century restorations, one on each open side. The middle stage is lit by only two pointed arch windows, one in the north face, the other in the south. The belfry stage has, however, four openings. It rises to a parapet of lozenges, pierced with a quatrefoil design and surmounted at the four corners by slim, crocketted pinnacles.
The chancel is small and is possibly 15th century in date. This would be confirmed by the style of the two windows in its south wall: one is narrow and square headed; the other is larger and has square hood-moulding, but its two lights are trefoil-headed.
Interior
Interior Description
The many plain glass windows and the white plastered walls and ceilings give the church a bright aspect inside. The nave roof is a particularly unusual feature. It is like a plastered, waggon roof and is quite plain apart from groups of formalised flower patterns, in slight relief. At the east end of the nave roof is a raised frieze, dotted with star shapes and two suns, also in relief. It rests on a shallow cornice, with a grape vine motif that covers the join between ceiling and walls. The roundedness of the late 18th or early 19th century ceiling contrasts both with the pointed arched arcade of the north aisle possibly mediaeval, and with the two pointed tower arches, that lead through to the tiny chancel. In the chancel's south wall is a small, plain piscina, discoveredin the 1920s.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
The altar is a plain, framed wooden box.
Table
There is a Jacobean Holy Table now in the north aisle.
Pulpit
c. 18th Century
Probably 18th century work. There is some panelling matching the pulpit.
Rail
c. 18th Century
Lectern
Plain wooden
Stall
The choir stalls would appear to be modern.
Pew (object)
The pews are of deal, stained dark brown.
Font (object)
Late 12th - Early 13th Century
There is a small squat, tub-shaped font of the late 12th/early 13th century.
Organ (object)
c. 1820
A small organ.
Bells
Diameter: 33.38" Bell 2 of 2
Founded by Bristol foundry
Dove Bell ID: 53729 Tower ID: 19960 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: ST 614 513
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.
It is unknown whether 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 | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
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
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