Church Of St Mary Magdalen

MENDHAM WITHERSDALE, METFIELD ROAD TM 28 SE 2/79 Church of St. Mary - Magdalen 29.7.55 GV I

Parish church of the former Withersdale parish, united with Mendham since 1885. Medieval. Nave, chancel, south porch. Flint rubble, with remains of old plasterwork to north and cement render to the south; C18 red brick east end. Plaintiled roof to nave, the south slope with concrete tiles; black pantiles to chancel. The nave is C11 or earlier; the quoins at the west end are composed of field stones. In the north wall is the remains of a blocked Cll-C12 doorway. C13 south doorway and early plank door. The north and south nave walls each have a small probably C13 window and a 2-light square-headed Perpendicular window; the Perpendicular window on the north side has been renewed. At the west end the roof is surmounted by a square belfry: this is timber framed and weatherboarded with a C20 pyramidal plaintiled roof. C16 timber framed porch with original mullioned windows visible inside. Early C14 chancel: one lancet window and one Y-traceried window to each side wall; 3- light wooden east window with double-chamfered head. Interior. No chancel arch. 3-bay side purlin nave roof of vernacular form, probably of C16 date. At the west end of the nave 2 pairs of heavy arched braces support the belfry: these are C16 or earlier. In the sanctuary a cinquefoil-arched piscina. C12 carved square font bowl on modern base. The nave has a set of 8 early C17- benches, the ends with vertical moulding and 3 turned knobs on top. 2 C18 box pews. One bench in the chancel has poppyhead ends and linenfold panelling. C17 2-decker pulpit complete with backboard and tester. C17 turned altar rails. A medieval beam spans the east end of the chancel and passes through the exterior wall where it is pinned: this may have supported the Lenten Veil. On the east chancel wall are C19 framed copies of the Lord's Prayer, Creed and Commandments. C18 west gallery. Arms of George III on north nave wall.

Listing NGR: TM2837380773