Bell 1 of 1
Founded by John Cor 1729
Dove Bell ID: 62955 Tower ID: 25135 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Freefolk: St Nicholas
Overview
Grid reference: SU 487 486
A simple oblong building of endearing simplicity, the church at Freefolk is typical of the small ecclesiastical buildings of the area (cf. Little Sanborn and Kingsley). The walls are flint, plastered externally, with brick buttresses in pairs at each corner and single ones in the middle of each longer wall.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Single cell building under one roof. Bell turret at west end.
Dimensions:
36 x 15ft
Description of Archaeology and History
The walls of a thirteenth century church seem to survive for the most part but details of windows are fifteenth century. The church was restored in 1703.
Exterior Description
A simple oblong building of endearing simplicity, the church at Freefolk is typical of the small ecclesiastical buildings of the area (cf. Little Sanborn and Kingsley). The walls are flint, plastered externally, with brick buttresses in pairs at each corner and single ones in the middle of each longer wall. The south doorway is placed towards the west end and has hollow chamfered jambs and arch; it was repaired in 1703, and this date is commemorated in an oval white marble medallion above it. The south wall has three cinquefoil-headed windows and the north wall has two. The east window is entirely nineteenth century, reproduced from old fragments. The west window has two, cinquefoil-headed lights under a square dripstone. The roof is tiled and has a small white wooden bell turret of eighteenth century date at the west end.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1913
The only stained glass is in the east window which was inserted as a memorial in 1913. It represents God the Father seated on the Globe with two saints in the side lights (one is St. Nicolas).
Interior
Interior Description
The interior belies the mediaeval exterior, taking its present character almost entirely from the 1703 restoration. The wallplates are in the form of strong wooden cornices painted white which support the open timber roof. The walls are plastered and whitened, providing a good background for the colourful painted fittings affixed to them. The floor is tiled with nineteenth century red tiles, the chancel being separated, from the nave by one stone step. There is a stout rood beam across the church slightly west of this step. The mediaeval screen is now at the west end of the nave, and has been adapted to form en enclosed family pew. It bears traces of red and green paint, possibly mediaeval, but probably done when the screen was moved to its present position. On the wall above the screen hang two family hatchments and a Royal Coat-of-arms of William III dated 1701.
The most striking object in the church is a fine Jacobean monument set against the north wall between the.two.windows. Inside iron railings stands a large and colourful stone structure of Corinthian pillars and a tomb-chest bearing the stiff composed effigy of Sir Richard Powlett of Heriard. There is much strap-work and heraldry. Opposite this, affixed to the south wall is the former reredos, a vernacular wooden piece painted with marbling enclosing two round-headed panels in which are painted figures of Moses and Aaron carrying the two tablets of the Decalogue. The side panels of this are still in place on the east wall of the church, showing angels holding banners baring the Creed and Lord's Prayer. The simple baluster communion rails of 1703 stand at the chancel step.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
The Altar is a plain wooden table.
Screen
The chancel screen is placed across the west end of the church and forms the front of a stand-offish family pew. It bears traces of red and green paint on the outside but has been whitewashed. There is a central door fitted with a folding book-shelf, and panelling on the back wall above the fixed pew: The lower half of the screen is panelled, and the upper part is open with seventeen traceried lights, three of which are in the door. Above is a cornice rather like the wall-plates, and probably not contemporary with the screen.
Pew (object)
There are six wooden pews.
Font (object)
19th Century
The Font is in octagonal nineteenth century design with quatrefoils on each face.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 487 486
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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