Church Of St Mary

SU 44 NE HURSTBOURNE PRIORS TUFTON " 7/4

16.5.66 Church of St Mary I

Saxon, Norman, C13, C18. Aisleless nave and chancel, with small western bell turret, and brick south porch. Tile roof, small tiled pyramid roof to the turret (which has boarded sides), brick dentil eaves to the nave, rendered walls. Inside the C13 chancel has 3 small lancets on each side (one later), with deep reveals separated by columns supporting an arcade; the east window is C19 and on either side are panels painted with the Prescriptions. The round chancel arch rests on plan abaci, and there are squints on each side. The Norman nave has 3 small original windows, with deep reveals, and at the east end on each side are large lights with mullioned and tran- somed wooden frames. The west end has a thin wall in line with the timbers supporting the bell turret, with a central arched opening and on each side a C18 doorcase with pediment and architrave; the upper wall containing a Royal Coat of Arms with letters C.R. Some fragments of medieval wall paintings remains in the east gable of the nave, and on the north wall is a consecration cross and a large St Christopher (with the top part cut off by the lowered eaves). The south door is a tall narrow opening with a round arch (Saxon), decorated on the outside. Fittings include a plain round font (old - but restored), a wooden chest of 1536, and a fine longcase clock of about 1720 (a recent gift). The porch (C18) is of brickwork, with flint side panels and a tiled roof.