Little Oakley: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: TM 212 284
Of septaria and flint rubble with limestone dressings, roofed with tiles, the church is a simple but effective blend of Norman and Gothic. Its 12th century nave is pierced by 14th century windows and all that remains of the 12th century fenestration is a blocked window on the south side. A modern south porch replaces the blocked north doorway.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave, chancel, west tower and south porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
Unknown architect. With the exception of the 12th century nave and mid 16th century tower, the church is mainly of the 14th century.
Exterior Description
Of septaria and flint rubble with limestone dressings, roofed with tiles, the church is a simple but effective blend of Norman and Gothic. Its 12th century nave is pierced by 14th century windows and all that remains of the 12th century fenestration is a blocked window on the south side. A modern south porch replaces the blocked north doorway. The outstanding feature is the fine 14th century chancel, lit at the east end by a window of three trefoiled ogee lights with net tracery in a two centred head with moulded labels. Above it is a small square headed opening, now blocked. There is a blocked north east doorway, probably of 14th century date with segmental pointed head but the south wall. has a modern priest's door, curiously placed in the buttress which widens, porch wise, to take it. The west tower, of brick with diagonal buttressing, begun in about 1550 was never completed, and does not reach above the nave roof. Its south east buttress incorporates an interesting series of six trefoil headed panel heads and, of particular note, is the carving on the west doorway. The stops are carved with crowned lions couchant, the jambs and archmould with square flowers and the spandrels have shields of arms of Vere and Howard. Above the label is a range of trefoiled panels with blank shields in alternate panels.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
14th Century
In the north east and two south windows of the chancel are the fragments of borders and tabernacles work
Interior
Interior Description
Inside, the simplicity of the plastered walls is offset by the fine timbered. roofs; that of the chancel is 14th century, of trussed rafter type with moulded wall plates, that of the nave of similar form but the wall plates are partly and the tie-beams entirely modern.
Fixtures and fittings
Niche
In the chancel, flanking the east window, are two niches of 14th century date with remains of blue and gold painting on the vaults and of red colour on the backs of the niches.
Sedilia
the sill on the south east window, carried down to form a seat
Piscina (object)
14th Century
With shafted and buttressed jambs, cinquefoiled head with a tall crocketted gable enclosing blind tracery and flanking pinnacles.
Graffito
A circular design on the seat jamb of the south doorway
Churchyard
Grid reference: TM 212 284
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
Submit a change
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