Diameter: 27.13" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by William Dobson 1828
Dove Bell ID: 50493 Tower ID: 17983 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Ashmanhaugh: St Swithin
Overview
Grid reference: TG 314 211
In a peaceful setting at the end of a cul de sac St Swithins boasts the smallest and shortest of all the Norfolk round towers. Although part of the Saxon tower remains the church has undergone many alterations over the years. To note is the William Morris stained glass window in the chancel and the remains of a rood screen. A number of ancient bench ends have poppy heads, but of more interest is the carvings on wooden shields on the back pew dating from 1531. On a poignant note in the southeast corner of the sanctuary lies the tomb of Honor Bacon who in 1591 died on the eve of her wedding day. Do come and visit it's a lovely little church although we could do with a bigger congregation.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Church open regularly Grade II* listed building
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 115 m²
Exterior Description
C12 origins. C12 west tower rebuilt 1849, C15 nave and chancel, restorations 1840-42, 1849, 1867 and 1921. Flint with ashlar dressings. Chancel roof of black glazed pantiles, remainder slate. Circular tower undifferentiated into storeys. Pointed western lancet. Louvred lancets north and south at belfry stage below crenellated parapet. 3 stepped side buttresses to nave. Gabled south porch-entered through double chamfered arch on circular responds. Statuary niche blocked. Latin cross on pedestal at apex of gable. Cinquefoiled side lights within square surround. Wave moulded inner south door. 2 2-light C19 Y tracery south nave windows. One 2-light reticulated south chancel window. Diagonal eastern buttresses. 2-light reticulated east window. No north chancel windows. One 2-light C19 cusped north nave window under square hood to east of blocked north door.
As listed on Historic England website
Interior
Interior Description
Chamfered tower doorway. Round arched north and south C12 doorways, that to north blocked with a pointed arch, this in turn also blocked. Double chamfered chancel arch on heavy polygonal responds with polygonal capitals. Basket arched C15 rood stair doorway leads via stairs to basket arched rood loft doorway above. C19 braced nave roof. 8 C15 poppyhead bench ends on C19 benches in nave, 2 with animal arm rests. On back of nave bench a carved panel dated 1531 (Roman numerals) in 2 tiers. Upper tier with relief carved foot-hand-heart-hand-foot (i.e. wounds of Christ). Lower tier with initials and date. Table tomb in chancel to Honor Bacon 1591. Ashlar with slate top. North side decorated with 3 shields and inscriptions. Against east wall of chancel and standing on tomb a pedimented ashlar plaque bearing a shield with 3 boars.
As listed on Historic England website
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: TG 314 211
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
Sources
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