Church Of St Mary

TL 77 SW 4/53

TUDDENHAM HIGH STREET Church of St. Mary

7.5.54

I Church. Medieval, restored 1876. Nave, chancel, south aisle, west tower, south porch. Flint rubble, rendered apart from chancel; dressings of limestone. Slated roofs with parapets; the tower and aisle roofs have crenellated parapets. Most medieval features are of mid C14, but coursed flint rubblework in north nave wall may be C12. North vestry doorway probably late C13. 2-light C14 windows in nave and aisles are curvilinear traceried; some with mask corbels to hood-moulds. East chancel window of 3 lights,net- traceried. C14 tower has crenellated parapets and 2-light belfry openings. On the west face is a blocked ringing chamber window, below it a quatrefoil window flanked by a pair of image niches; moulded west doorway. The C14 bell- frame has at one corner a section of C15 carved and vaulted rood-loft, no doubt taken down and used for repairs at the Reformation. C14 porch with 2- light side windows and moulded doorway with engaged shafts; at the apex is a cross base. Moulded south doorway with, inside, a stoup; simpler north doorway. C14 4-bay nave arcade with octagonal piers. In the chancel is a pair of restored crocketed image niches flanking the east window; simple piscina. Vestry rebuilt C19 but with a C13 or C14 squint looking towards the altar. In the north nave wall is a C14 tomb-canopy with moulded arched head. In the aisle is a C14 image niche and piscina, and the C15 rood-loft stairs. Fine but restored C15 nave roof in 7 bays of hammerbeam trusses; well-carved angels attached to arch-braced collars, to hammerbeam ends and to wall-posts; 2-light clerestory windows. In the chancel and aisle are 2-light late C15 windows, restored C19. Most doorways have C15 or C16 moulded plank doors. Octagonal C17 pulpit. Limestone font with chamfered square bowl; restored or renewed C19. In the nave are 5 marble floor slabs, 4 having achievements, dating from 1680 to 1749.

Listing NGR: TL7380471362