Church Of St. Stephen

SU 75 SW MAPLEDURWELL & UP NATELY GREYWELL ROAD 12/17 26.4.57 Church of St Stephen

II*

Circa 1200, C15, and 1844. Nave, small chancel, and west tower. Of the earlier structure the south wall of flint and the chancel arch remain, with a Perpendicular window on the south side and a Norman doorway (with dogtooth edging) on the north the nave roof is a scissors truss with arch bracing, of the C15. The exterior is mostly of 1844, the walling having bands of red brick and flintwork, with buttresses (diagonal at corners), windows are coupled lights in Perpendicular style, under hoodmoulds. The slender tower, (of 1844) has 3 stages, the upper being mostly brickwork, with a crenellated parapet; within, the tall arch produces a 2-storeyed effect, the upper part with an open vail (old communion rail) to a balcony, and a hatchment Royal Coat of Arms of 1829. At the floor level is a Victorian Perpendicular font, and on the south wall a Greek ikon (a painting of St Thomas on a thick wood panel). Next to the entrance is an old almsbox. The restoration period also accounts for a small vestry in the position of a south porch, and for the smallness of the chancel, which has a 3-light window.