Architecture


				This is an introductory guide to a few of the main features of the building. The Porch dates from the 15th Century (the same time that the South Aisle was built. You can still see the constructional techniques - the porch seems to have been built with methods used by boat builders on the South Coast - no nails and wooden pegs. Some of the timbers around the door are original. The mediaeval lock and iron key remain in use today.



		On the North Wall, opposite the entrance, is the wall painting of St Christopher with the infant Christ. As he crosses the river, you can see that his eel spear has caught an eel. To their right sits Margaret of Antioch, a small figure on a hillock, overshadowed by the remains of the mounted figure of the Roman procurator, who put Margaret to death because she wouldn’t become part of his harem. Details of the wall paintings are given on the West Wall of the building.




			The pulpit is a Jacobean treasure. The son of the Revd William Empson replaced it with a Victorian one in memory of his father (as with the mediaeval font), and this one was consigned to a barn. But, within twenty years, the villagers had taken out the Empson pulpit and restored the 17th Century one!


	The current roof over the Nave is of rough-hewn timber and probably dates from the 15th Century. It looks as though the architect left a drawing of the original roofing scheme in the plaster below the figure of St Christopher.



		The consecration of mediaeval churches was often marked by the Bishop signing twelve consecration crosses around the walls of the building. Eight of our twelve have survived the ravages of time, the removal of part of the South Wall and the ill-will of Henry VIII


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