Bell 1 of 1
1695
Dove Bell ID: 50744 Tower ID: 18158 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Barton Bendish: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: TF 709 54
The church appears essentially a straightforward two-cell building, the nave slightly shorter than the chancel as it was truncated in the repair which followed the collapse of the tower in 1710. Probably both nave and chancel were originally thatched; both are now slate-covered. The walls are of flint, retaining substantial areas of the ancient external plastering, and the predominant character of the building is Decorated.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Chancel, with vestry on north side, aisleless nave with western bellcote.
Description of Archaeology and History
The general character of the church is Decorated. The ambitious late Norman west doorway was transferred here from All Saints (there were formerly three churchea in the parish); the west tower collapsed in 1710 and was not rebuilt; the vestry dates from the 19th century.
Exterior Description
The church appears essentially a straightforward two-cell building, the nave slightly shorter than the chancel as it was truncated in the repair which followed the collapse of the tower in 1710. Probably both nave and chancel were originally thatched; both are now slate-covered. The walls are of flint, retaining substantial areas of the ancient external plastering, and the predominant character of the building is Decorated - witness the handsome east window of three principal lights and curvilinear tracery, the chancel north and south-west windows, the two large two-light windows with tracery in the north and south walls of the nave, the small priest's doorway with a crocketted ogee arch in the south wall of the nave, and the doorway from the chancel into the vestry (which therefore seems likely to have replaced an earlier sacristy on the same site) with a hood-mould on heads. One of the heads has the typical plaiting of hair of the later 14th century. The south-east window of the chancel is Perpendicular, of three lights with a flat head.
In the 19th century the gable crosses were removed (that from the nave gable has now gone) and a charming octagonal 18th century timber bell-turret replaced by the existing quasi-mediaeval bell-cote.
The west wall is a curious mixture. The upper half, forming the gable, looks to have been rebuilt in the 19th century, and left unplastered. In the middle of the wall is a two-light window with plate tracery abd below it is a late Norman doorway.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
19th Century
West window.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior of the church is rather plain, and the interest lies chiefly in the few furnishings. The chancel has arches in the north and south walls which suggest the earlier existence of chancel chapels. On the north side of the sanctuary is the late 14th century doorway referred to above, and on the south side (below the Perpendicular window) the sedilia consists of a simple stone step, the front decorated with quatrefoils. Aumbry openings in north and east walls, that on the north side having a pretty 19th century Gothic surround flanked by slender crockotted pinnacles. The floors are paved in brick.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
1633
Font (object)
19th Century
Octagonal
Pulpit
19th Century
Pew (object)
1637
A few at the west end, with vestigial poppy-heads.
Pew (object)
Mid - Late 19th Century
Simple box-pews with doors.
Lectern
19th Century
Wooden.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: TF 709 54
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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