Church Of St. Martin

Parish church of St. Martin dates to the first half of the 14th century and was restored in 1910-13 and 1974. The building is constructed of flint with ashlar dressings and pantiled roofs. It comprises a west tower, nave, south chapel, and chancel.

The three-stage west tower has a tall base with bell mouldings and chequered knapped flushwork. Diagonal buttresses flank the west side and angle to the east. The west door features three orders of wave mouldings under a hood, above which sits a three-light reticulated window containing subsidiary reticulated units. Two-light Y belfry windows are present, surmounted by flushwork battlements. A south porch has a triple niche under a depressed arch. Four buttresses support the south nave, punctuated by a single three-light intersecting Y window. The south chapel was founded in 1450 by Sir Thomas de Shardelow, and contains a tall, five-light panel-traceried window under a four-centred arch. The chancel has two three-light, triple-lobed petal windows, with tracery now blocked. A low priest's door sits below a raised string course, with diagonal buttresses to the east. The five-light east window is similar to others but more elaborate. The north chancel features two three-light windows mirroring the south side, their lights also blocked. A brick, toothed eaves cornice runs along the north side, adjacent to four buttresses. Two three-light intersecting windows are present on the north nave, along with a two-light panel tracery window above the north door.

The interior boasts a scissor-braced roof with collars supporting 40 trusses. A complete set of poppyhead benches, dated 1632 and 1625, are retained. A box pew, associated with the Futter family circa 1630, is panelled and carved. The south chapel screen, dating from circa 1450, displays blind cinquefoil arches below circled quatrefoils with shields. A tall four-centred arch with continuous hollow mouldings defines the chapel. The chancel screen originates from circa 1330, with a lower, panelled and painted section. Stencilling is likely from the 15th century. The central gates of the screen survive, leading to a free-standing gable adorned with cusps and crocketts, topped with a finial. Two two-light panels are framed by compound stiles, featuring muntins with circular capitals and bases. The tracery takes the form of a frieze of circles with alternating mouchette wheel and spherical triangle decoration. An Early 17th century double-decker pulpit is panelled with carvings, accompanied by a fine tester slightly later. The chancel stalls combine 15th and 17th century elements, some incorporating misericords. A communion rail from circa 1620 has turned balusters. Continuous sedilia and a piscina are contained under a hood, with moulded piers supporting cusped ogee arches and elaborate mouldings; carved representations of Green Men appear in the spandrels. The chancel roof has principals on braces and collars dated R.F. 1648 (Robert Futter). A 14th century octagonal font is present, featuring traceried panels. The Early 14th century south door retains a flower trail border and original lock complete with a ring plate. The bell frame within the tower arch is braced, likely predating the Reformation. The church is of national importance due to its interior woodwork.